Mary Dowling Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Tequila Barrels
Mary Dowling Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Tequila Barrels is a high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon — 70% corn, 25% rye, 5% malted barley, aged 4+ years in #3 wood-fired, toasted and charred new American oak — finished in reposado tequila barrels and bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV) in a 750mL bottle. The tequila barrels themselves carry a history: Appalachian American oak that first held sacrificial sherry, then Oloroso sherry in a solera system, then VDN, before holding reposado tequila in Mexico. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 93 proof (46.5% ABV)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 4+ years in new American oak, then finished in reposado tequila barrels
- Mash bill: 70% corn, 25% rye, 5% malted barley (high rye)
- Namesake: Mary Dowling, "Mother of Bourbon," Prohibition-era distiller
The Mother of Bourbon's Tequila-Finished Tribute
Mary Dowling ran her distillery when few women were recognized in whiskey — and when Prohibition hit in 1920, she dismantled it and, with the Beam family's help, moved production to Juárez, Mexico to survive. This bottle honors that audacity with a bourbon that crosses the same border: Kentucky high-rye spirit finished in tequila barrels, layering agave, citrus, and smoke over toasted-oak bourbon character. The result is a whiskey the brand describes as delicate spice and anise on the nose, citrus, grapefruit, smoke, tobacco, and nutmeg on the palate, closing with black pepper and lingering spice. Explore the Mary Dowling collection, browse more bourbon whiskey, and shop tequila-finished whiskey at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Spice, anise, and herbal root with light floral notes on the nose and a hint of agave; the palate weaves citrus, lemon, grapefruit, smoke, tobacco, and nutmeg over toasted oak, with a satisfying black-pepper and lingering-spice finish.
How to Enjoy
Sip it neat or over a single cube to catch the tequila-barrel layering; it also makes an exceptional Oaxaca Old Fashioned — the rare bourbon built for agave-friendly cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mary Dowling?
Mary Dowling was a pioneering Kentucky distiller known as the "Mother of Bourbon." When Prohibition halted U.S. whiskey production in 1920, she moved her distillery operations to Juárez, Mexico with help from the Beam family — the history this tequila-barrel finish commemorates.
What kind of barrels is it finished in?
Reposado tequila barrels made of Appalachian American oak with a deep history: they first held sherry, then Oloroso in a solera system, then VDN (a French fortified wine), before holding reposado tequila in Mexico.
Is this a flavored whiskey?
No — it is straight bourbon finished in tequila barrels, not flavored. The tequila-barrel influence comes from wood contact, the same way sherry- or port-finished bourbons work.
Get Mary Dowling Tequila Barrel Bourbon online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — Kentucky bourbon with a Juárez soul.