Four Branches Founders Blend Bourbon Review and History

Four Branches Bourbon
Founder’s Blend
Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
96 Proof
MSRP: $79.99-$89.99
Review & Brand History

Please enjoy our Four Branches Founders Blend Bourbon Review and Brand History!

“Drink Honorably” / “Sip To Remember”

The Four Branches Bourbon Brand

From the bottle label: “Four Branches is the only spirits company founded by veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. With over 100 years of combined service, we embarked on a mission to honor the special people in our lives by crafting an exceptional expression of American whiskey. We Sip to Remember, inviting all to join us in reflecting on life’s meaningful moments.“

We were fortunate enough to spend some time with the founders of the brand and learn their story. Needless to say, we sampled some of their bourbon, too!

Why Bourbon?

The founders of Four Branches Bourbon wanted to create a brand which would be a tribute to those who have served alongside them, and the sacrifices those people have made. Since bourbon is a truly American spirit, it seemed a logical choice for the product that they would produce. However, early on, they took pause and reconsidered their decision due to some of the negative effects alcohol has had on members of the military. Nonetheless, after much deliberation, they decided to focus on the positive rather than the negative. One of their trademarked brand mottos, “Sip to Remember” focuses on just that. Don’t sip to forget. Instead, “Sip to Remember”. Remember the ones who have been lost, but also the good things in life, as well.

A “No Fail” Mission

For the founders, creating the Four Branches Bourbon brand and making it successful is a “No Fail” Mission. Since often veterans have some difficulties assimilating into civilian life and jobs, the founders want Four Branches to serve as an example for making a transition from the military to a successful civilian business and career. A second goal of the brand is to give back philanthropically, as well. They are doing this by donating a portion of their sales to non-profit organizations and events that benefit the veteran and first responder communities. During their first year and a half, they have already given over $400,000 to these worthwhile causes!

Four Branches Bourbon Founders Blend – The Details

Four Branches Bourbon Founders Blend was developed in conjunction with the folks at Bardstown Bourbon Company. The bourbon is also blended and bottled there. It is a blend of four to seven year-old bourbons distilled in Indiana and Kentucky. The Indiana component is a rye bourbon. However, the Kentucky component is a wheated bourbon, which was distilled at Bardstown Bourbon Company. The wheated component was the suggestion of Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Member and BBC Master Distiller Steve Nally. Aside from making Founders Blend a delicious bourbon, this fourth grain fit in well with the Four Branches theme. The composite mash bill is 65% Corn, 15% Rye, 10% Malted Barley, and 10% Wheat.

The Future

Four Branches Founders Blend Bourbon was first released in June 2023, and up to now, was their only expression. The brand is about to release Black Ops, which is a 9 year old Caribbean rum barrel finished bourbon. It is a limited time offering, and will likely be in short supply. In addition, Four Branches has 500 barrels of their own Bardstown Bourbon Company distilled distillate aging. It will be used in future products, although the exact plans are still in the works.

Tasting Notes – Four Branches Bourbon Review – Founders Blend

Let’s taste it:

🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn

👉🏻Nose: Mild simple syrup sweetness, light brown sugar & sweet light caramel; black cherries, mild baking spices, tart orange peel & mild dry oak; alcohol vapor appropriate for the proof
👉🏻Taste: Light caramel, light brown sugar, moderate simple syrup sweetness, hint of cloves, mild dry oak & tart orange peel; white pepper spice later on
👉🏻Finish: Growing white pepper spice; lingering mild sweetness and tart orange peel; mild barrel char & dry oak; long; pleasant warmth

The nose of Four Branches Bourbon Founders Blend starts off with mild sweetness, black cherries, light brown sugar and light caramel, as well as nicely contrasting hints of baking spices, tart orange peel and dry oak. The alcohol vapor is appropriate for the proof. The taste is fairly sweet, more so than expected from the nose, with a simple syrup-like character. Light caramel, light brown sugar, a hint of cloves and tart orange peel are there, as well. Later on, white pepper spice appears and grows considerably in the long finish, lingering for quite some time. Nonetheless, a mild sweetness, along with tart orange peel, remain. However, those flavors gradually fade, to be replaced by mild barrel char and dry oak. In the end, I am left with a pleasant warmth deep down.

Buy Four Branches at Frootbat!

Conclusion – Four Branches Bourbon Review – Founders Blend

Four Branches Bourbon has an interesting transition from a mildly sweet nose, to a taste which is fairly sweet initially, but later transitions to a spicier finish that’s a bit more dry. Along the way, there are just the right amount of spices early on to provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness and fruit in the nose and taste. I have to admit, initially, I did not know what to expect from this bourbon. However, I had faith, since the folks at Bardstown Bourbon Company were involved. It turns out my faith was well-justified, because this is a very enjoyable pour.

If you enjoy these flavors and are looking for a pleasant, easy to drink bourbon, you’ll want to give Four Branches a try. As an added bonus, you’ll be supporting our veterans and first responders, too! Have you had Four Branches Founders Blend Bourbon? What did you think? Cheers!🥃

Buy Four Branches at Frootbat!

We hope you have enjoyed our Four Branches Founders Blend Bourbon Review!

Would you like to learn more about the Bardstown Bourbon Company? Then check out our Bardstown Bourbon Company Tour Review! You can also learn about BBC’s bourbons in our Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Bourbon Review and our Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Bottled In Bond Bourbon Review.

Congratulations to Four Branches Bourbon on being featured on the Today Show on Veterans Day!

Note: This bottle was graciously provided by the brand for my review.

Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!