Duke Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Duke Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is an 88-proof (44% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon, aged a minimum of 5 years in heavily charred new American oak. Distilled and bottled at the O.Z. Tyler Distillery (KY-11) in Owensboro, Kentucky, from a proprietary mash bill of American dent corn, rye, and sixth-row barley, it's blended to honor the tasting profile of John Wayne — built from his original 1962 recipe and his private collection. Order Duke Small Batch online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 44% ABV (88 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: Minimum 5 years in heavily charred new American oak barrels
- Origin: Owensboro, Kentucky — distilled and bottled at O.Z. Tyler Distillery (DSP-KY-11)
- Mash bill: 75% American dent corn, 13% rye, 12% sixth-row barley
- Production: Small-batch blending by founder Chris Radomski and master distiller Jacob Call
- Story: Inspired by rare bottles from John Wayne's private collection, developed with his son Ethan Wayne
The Bourbon John Wayne Drank — Rebuilt From His Own Bottles
Duke is built on an unusual foundation: rare bottles unearthed from John Wayne's personal collection, preserved for over 50 years, used as the tasting blueprint for a new bourbon. His son Ethan Wayne guided the brand's development with one goal — a bourbon that reflects the Duke's values of integrity, perseverance, and boldness — and founder Chris Radomski worked with master distiller Jacob Call to reconstruct the profile from Wayne's original 1962 recipe. The whiskey itself is Kentucky through and through: distilled the old-fashioned way in Owensboro, aged in hand-built, heavily charred new American oak, and bottled at 88 proof — approachable neat, and built to hold up in a proper cocktail. Browse more Duke spirits and other Kentucky bourbons and small-batch whiskies at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Subtle charred oak and roasted nuts, with hints of vanilla, caramel, and nutmeg.
Palate: Warm pepper spice and toasted nuts give way to vanilla and candied fruit, with toffee and brown sugar mid-palate.
Finish: Long and robustly sweet — a deeply satisfying combination of oak, warmth, and a hint of clove and cinnamon.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a single cube for the full small-batch profile; at 88 proof it's also an ideal cocktail bourbon — built for an Old Fashioned or a Boulevardier that needs backbone without overpowering. A fitting bottle for a western movie night, a steak dinner, or any toast that calls for something with character.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Duke Small Batch Bourbon? It is aged a minimum of 5 years in heavily charred new American oak barrels, with barrels hand-selected for the blend.
Where is Duke Bourbon made? It is distilled and bottled at the O.Z. Tyler Distillery (DSP-KY-11) in Owensboro, Kentucky.
What is the mash bill? 75% American dent corn, 13% rye, and 12% sixth-row barley — a high-corn, rye-spiced recipe.
Is this really connected to John Wayne? Yes — the brand was developed with Wayne's son Ethan Wayne, and the flavor profile was reverse-engineered from rare bottles in John Wayne's private collection using his original 1962 recipe as a guide.
A 5-year Kentucky bourbon built from John Wayne's own 1962 recipe — order Duke Small Batch from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA and pour something with a story.
