Never Say Die Bourbon Whiskey
Never Say Die Bourbon Whiskey is a 95-proof (47.5% ABV) 700mL Kentucky bourbon with a story no other whiskey owns: distilled in Kentucky, matured there for five years, then shipped across the Atlantic in its barrels for a further spell of aging in England — roughly six years in wood in total. Named for the racehorse that defied the odds to win the 1954 Epsom Derby, it earned Gold in the Ultra Premium Bourbon class at the 2023 Spirits Business American Whiskey Masters. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 47.5% (95 proof)
- Size: 700mL
- Age: ~5 years in Kentucky + ~1 year in England (shipped in-barrel across the Atlantic)
- Origin: distilled in Kentucky (75% corn / 21% rye / 4% malted barley, Char 4 barrels); bottled in England
- Awards: Gold Medal — Ultra Premium Bourbon, Spirits Business 2023 American Whiskey Masters
The English Take on the American Dream
The Never Say Die story starts with Pat Madden's family farm horse — the first American-born winner of the Epsom Derby in 1954 — and continues in the wood: after five years in Kentucky's punishing summers and winters, the barrels take a six-week ocean voyage and finish their maturation in England's cooler, steadier climate, which slows the aging and lets barrel flavors settle in gently. The small batches run about 2,750 bottles each. Explore the Never Say Die collection and compare it with other bourbon whiskeys at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
The nose is deep and sophisticated — dark berry compote, fizzy root-beer candy, chocolate ganache, and vanilla bean. The palate deepens into blackberry and spiced grape soda, clove and ginger, poached pear, chocolate-dipped graham cracker, and charred oak. The finish is creamy and vanilla-sweetened, lingering on sugary orange candy and charred oak.
How to Enjoy
Sip it neat to trace the trans-Atlantic journey, or let it loose in a Boulevardier or Whiskey Sour, where the dark-berry depth plays against bitter and citrus. It also pairs with grilled meats and aged cheeses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Never Say Die really aged in England?
Yes — it is distilled and aged in Kentucky for five years, shipped across the Atlantic in its original barrels, then aged for at least another year and bottled in England.
What was the Never Say Die racehorse?
A champion thoroughbred born on co-founder Pat Madden's family farm — the first American-born horse to win the Epsom Derby (1954).
What is the mash bill?
75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley, aged in Char 4 American oak barrels.
The ocean-crosser awaits — buy Never Say Die Bourbon Whiskey online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.