5 Bourbon Makers to Know Before They Go Mainstream

Just like in music, fashion, and tech, staying ahead of the curve is crucial in the world of bourbon. As enthusiasts, we're always on the lookout for the next big thing. Fortunately, bourbon's slow aging process gives us time to anticipate and prepare for the exciting releases to come. In this article, we'll explore five distilleries that are poised to make significant moves in 2022, showcasing their potential to become the collectibles and favorites of tomorrow.

Green River Distilling

Formerly known as O.Z. Tyler, this Western Kentucky distillery has undergone a recent rebranding, resurrecting the historic Green River name. With a renewed focus on traditional maturation methods, Green River's early releases like Wheel Horse and Bradshaw bourbon have already shown great promise, despite their young age. Additionally, an eagerly anticipated bourbon aged over five years is set to hit the market soon, solidifying Green River's position as an emerging player.

Wilderness Trail

Backed by the expertise of co-founders Shane Baker and Pat Heist, Wilderness Trail has gained recognition for its bourbons and rye among whiskey enthusiasts in the know. The distillery's success can be attributed to its founders' problem-solving abilities honed through their previous venture, Ferm Solutions. As Wilderness Trail's spirits reach older ages in 2022, such as 6 years for the rye and 8 years for both wheated and rye bourbon, they are expected to garner even more attention. A packaging change is also on the horizon, potentially increasing the value of earlier releases on the secondary market.

While Lux Row is a relatively new distillery, its stable of brands, including Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, and Yellowstone, boasts a long history. Lux Row's own distillates are now reaching maturity, and the distillery has the advantage of being backed by its parent company, Luxco, which was acquired by industry giant MGP. This partnership opens up opportunities for wider availability and distribution of Lux Row's spirits, while also benefiting from MGP's established brands like George Remus and Rossville Union.

Frey Ranch

Frey Ranch's grain-to-glass distillery has emerged as a surprise contender in recent years. Their straight bourbon and rye have captivated whiskey fans with their flavor-forward profiles, particularly their single barrel offerings. Initially only available in Nevada, Frey Ranch's whiskeys are now reaching more states through online platforms like Speakeasy. With plans to release unique expressions in the future, thanks to fifth-generation farmer and distillery co-founder Colby Frey, Frey Ranch is poised to continue captivating discerning palates.

George Dickel

Under the leadership of head distiller Nicole Austin, George Dickel has experienced a remarkable resurgence. Austin's background in craft distilling and penchant for innovative experiments have resulted in highly acclaimed releases such as the Bottled-in-Bond, Single Barrel, and Cascade Moon series. Collaborations like the George Dickel x Leopold Bros. Blend rye showcase the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries. Whiskey enthusiasts can anticipate more imaginative and delicious offerings from George Dickel in the coming year.

In the ever-evolving world of bourbon, these five distilleries stand out as emerging forces to watch in 2022. Green River Distilling, Wilderness Trail, Lux Row, Frey Ranch, and George Dickel are all making waves with their commitment to quality, unique flavor profiles, and innovative approaches. As a bourbon enthusiast, keeping an eye on these distilleries will ensure you stay ahead of the curve and have the opportunity to experience the rising