Wilderness Trail

Small-batch, small-grain, big flavor. 

In the late '90s, Shane Baker and Dr. Pat Heist were tearing it up in a rock band, but destiny had a grander plan in store for them, waiting until 2012 to unveil their true calling. Armed with extensive knowledge in various scientific fields, more than two decades of industry know-how, yeast strains collected over the years, and an exquisite selection of top-notch corn, wheat, and rye varieties, they set off on their Bourbon path. Serendipitously situated in the hills of Danville, Kentucky— the very birthplace of Kentucky, mind you—and deeply rooted in the rich heritage of the Kentucky Bourbon industry for generations. At the core of their operation lies their ingenious secret sauce: the sweet mash process, the magic touch behind their consistently mouthwatering, award-winning concoctions. 

Their High Rye Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey is the embodiment of a small-grain and small-batch creation, crafted using only locally grown grains and their unique yeast strains. They craft up to 20 barrels per batch, harmonizing a myriad of flavors from multiple barrels stemming from the same fermenter. Unlike other Bourbons that rely on a sour mash, they tread a sweeter path, blending the perfect trinity of 64% corn, 24% rye, and 12% malted barley - all being 100% Kentucky-sourced grains. After four long years of maturation, nestled cozily in a #4 charred barrel, their non-chill-filtered Bourbon emerges with an intoxicating medley of oak, tobacco, and brambly red fruits with a teasing hint of leather before culminating in a rye-driven finale.