Who makes Longbranch bourbon?

Answered by Charles Pate

Longbranch is a unique collaboration between Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell and the renowned cultural tastemaker Matthew McConaughey. These two individuals, with their distinct backgrounds and expertise, came together in 2016 to create a bourbon that would push the boundaries of tradition and craftsmanship.

Eddie Russell, a true master of his craft, has been honing his skills at Wild Turkey for over four decades. He is the son of legendary distiller Jimmy Russell and has inherited not only his father's passion for but also his unparalleled knowledge and expertise. Eddie's dedication to the art of whiskey-making is evident in every bottle of Wild Turkey, and it is this same commitment that he brings to the creation of Longbranch Bourbon.

Matthew McConaughey, on the other hand, is a cultural icon and an Oscar-winning actor known for his laid-back Texan charm. He has a deep appreciation for the finer things in life, including whiskey, and has long been a fan of Wild Turkey. When Eddie and Matthew first met, they discovered a shared curiosity and love for great whiskey, and from that connection, the idea for Longbranch Bourbon was born.

The collaboration between Eddie and Matthew was driven by their desire to introduce something new and exciting to the world of bourbon. They wanted to create a whiskey that would blend the rich heritage of Kentucky bourbon with the bold and adventurous spirit of Texas. This idea of a bourbon taking a road trip from Kentucky to Texas became the inspiration behind Longbranch.

To bring their vision to life, Eddie and Matthew embarked on an experimental journey, exploring different techniques and flavor profiles. They wanted to create a bourbon that would appeal to both bourbon connoisseurs and newcomers to the whiskey world. After months of meticulous experimentation, they finally found the perfect balance.

Longbranch Bourbon is made using a unique blend of eight-year-old Wild Turkey Bourbon and charcoal-filtered Texas mesquite. The mesquite charcoal filtration process, inspired by Matthew's childhood memories of Texas barbecues, imparts a subtle smokiness to the bourbon, enhancing its complexity and depth of flavor.

The result is a bourbon that is both familiar and distinctive. Longbranch Bourbon boasts a smooth and mellow character with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. The hint of smokiness adds a layer of complexity and a touch of Texas charm.

Longbranch Bourbon is the brainchild of Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell and cultural tastemaker Matthew McConaughey. Their collaboration brought together the best of Kentucky bourbon tradition and Texan flair, resulting in a truly exceptional whiskey. Whether you are a bourbon enthusiast or a casual whiskey drinker, Longbranch offers a unique and enjoyable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.