Longbranch Bourbon is indeed made by Wild Turkey. It was created in 2016 as a collaboration between Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell and the well-known actor and cultural tastemaker Matthew McConaughey. This partnership came about due to their shared curiosity and love for great whiskey.
Eddie Russell, being an experienced and respected master distiller, brings his expertise and knowledge of bourbon production to the table. He has perfected the art of crafting bourbon at Wild Turkey, a distillery with a rich history and tradition in Kentucky. With years of experience under his belt, Eddie understands the intricate process of distilling and aging bourbon to achieve the desired flavors and characteristics.
On the other hand, Matthew McConaughey, known for his distinctive Texan roots and love for his home state, brings a unique perspective and influence to the creation of Longbranch Bourbon. Being a cultural tastemaker, Matthew adds his personal touch and ideas to the project, incorporating his love for Texas into the bourbon's story.
The idea behind Longbranch Bourbon was to combine the best of both worlds – the traditional Kentucky bourbon-making techniques and the bold, adventurous spirit of Texas. Eddie and Matthew wondered what would happen if a Kentucky bourbon took a road trip to Texas, and that curiosity led to the birth of Longbranch.
The name “Longbranch” itself is a nod to Matthew McConaughey's childhood memories of sitting on the porch of his family's ranch, sipping bourbon and enjoying the company of loved ones. It represents the warm and inviting nature of bourbon, bringing people together and creating lasting memories.
To create Longbranch Bourbon, Eddie Russell and Matthew McConaughey collaborated closely throughout the entire process. They worked together to select and blend the finest barrels of Wild Turkey bourbon, adding their own personal touch and preferences to create a unique flavor profile.
Longbranch is made using a combination of eight-year-old Wild Turkey bourbon and refined with Texas mesquite charcoal, a technique inspired by Matthew McConaughey's memories of cooking with mesquite wood in Texas. This additional step of charcoal filtration adds a subtle smokiness and complexity to the bourbon, enhancing its flavor profile.
The end result is a well-balanced and smooth bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, and smoky oak. It is a testament to the craftsmanship and collaboration between Eddie Russell and Matthew McConaughey, showcasing the best of both Kentucky and Texas in every sip.
Longbranch Bourbon is indeed made by Wild Turkey, but it is a unique expression crafted in collaboration with Matthew McConaughey. The combination of Eddie Russell's bourbon-making expertise and Matthew McConaughey's personal touch and Texan influence has resulted in a truly exceptional bourbon that captures the essence of both Kentucky and Texas.