Wilderness Trail Distillery Launches Exclusive Bourbon
Wilderness Trail Distillery, a celebrated bourbon maker known for its innovative approaches, has unveiled a limited-edition 10-year-old wheated bourbon. This exclusive spirit is created to celebrate the 250th anniversary of The Wilderness Road, a historic path in Kentucky that played a crucial role in America’s westward expansion.
Being only the second 10-year-old bourbon released by the distillery, this offering promises to excite bourbon enthusiasts. Starting December 12, 2025, it will be available exclusively at the Wilderness Trail Distillery Visitor Center, making it a coveted choice for collectors and aficionados.
A Tribute to Historic Roots
This special bourbon pays homage to the pioneering spirit of the region. The whiskey's mash bill features an unprecedented combination of 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley, a unique blend not previously bottled by Wilderness Trail. The distillery’s commitment to high standards of production showcases both modern techniques and a respect for the enduring legacy of The Wilderness Road, which lies just a few miles from their facility.
Dr. Pat Heist, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Wilderness Trail Distillery, expressed his enthusiasm about this release. Along with his expert distilling team, he meticulously selected three exceptional barrels aged for ten years to create a harmonious, small-batch bourbon that embodies depth, maturity, and refined complexity.
“We intended for this release to embody the same balance, character, and discovery that defined the Wilderness Road itself,” Dr. Heist stated. “These barrels represent ten years of patience and precision. The resulting bourbon showcases deep oak flavors, vivid sweetness, and a memorable finish.”
Limited Availability
Given the distinctiveness of this bourbon, only a limited quantity will be sold. Once these bottles are gone, the distillery does not plan to release additional batches of this unique mash bill. For bourbon lovers and collectors alike, securing this bottle will be an opportunity not to be missed.
This release accompanies Wilderness Trail Distillery's announcement about the upcoming launch of private barrel offerings of their regular six-year-old expressions: Wheated Bourbon, High Rye, and Rye. While these three versions will be available to the public starting January 2026, interested customers can already pre-order the six-year-old wheated bourbon through designated online platforms.
About Wilderness Trail Distillery
Founded in 2012 by industry veterans Dr. Pat Heist and Shane Baker, Wilderness Trail Distillery has quickly earned a reputation for its high-quality production processes and attention to detail. Located in Danville, Kentucky, it is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and a Heritage member of the Kentucky Distillers Association. Notably, it stands as the 14th largest bourbon distillery in the U.S., celebrated for their award-winning brands, including Wilderness Trail Small Batch and Bottled in Bond.
About Campari Group
Wilderness Trail Distillery is part of the larger Campari Group, an influential player in the global spirits market. With a portfolio of over 50 premium brands, Campari Group also owns notable names like Aperol, Campari, and Wild Turkey. Founded in 1860, it continues to expand its influence across Europe and the Americas, focusing on organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Headquartered in Italy, Campari operates production facilities worldwide and boasts a dedicated distribution network across 26 countries.
In essence, Wilderness Trail Distillery not only honors history with this new release but also signifies the dynamic spirit of innovation that defines modern bourbon-making. For those interested in experiencing this limited edition, visiting the distillery’s Visitor Center post-launch will be the only option to taste a piece of bourbon history.