the bourbon that wouldn’t quit
Belle Meade’s story is one of grit, revival, and the refusal to fade away.
First came the fire, taking the original distillery. Then Prohibition silenced the stills for more than a century. But in 2012, Belle Meade returned, innovating, winning awards, turning heads, and capturing the hearts of a new generation.
Then, just as quickly, it slipped away from shelves again. For most bourbons, that would have been the last chapter. But Belle Meade has never been like most bourbons.
Fueled by the passion of our team and a legion of loyal fans who refused to let it vanish, Belle Meade Bourbon is back once more, stronger, more determined, and truer than ever to the character that made it famous. It’s back by popular demand and this time, it’s here to stay.
Read on to learn more about our past, present, and future.
BACK IN THE DAY
Tested By Fire.
Tempered By Time.
In the late 1800s, if you were sipping bourbon in Nashville, chances are it was Belle Meade. Born from the vision of Sperry Wade & Company of Nashville, TN, key figures in making Belle Meade a world-renowned stable for champion thoroughbreds, the brand quickly earned its place as the city’s bourbon of choice.
When the original distillery burned down, Sperry Wade & Co. didn’t miss a beat. They partnered with a local distillery to craft their bourbon, rye, corn, and Tennessee whiskies under the Belle Meade name. Soon, Belle Meade Bourbon wasn’t just a bourbon, it was the bourbon. Celebrated for its “exquisite flavor” and “splendid value,” it flowed proudly from 1878 until 1909, when statewide Prohibition put a cork in production.
The Revival
Dedication
“When we brought Belle Meade back to life, we didn’t just dust off the name, we revived the soul.”
For more than a century, the brand sat silent. To some, it was a footnote in whiskey history, but to others, it lingered as legend.
So, when the time came to revive Belle Meade Bourbon, we knew it had to be more than a name on a label. We set out to honor its past and craft a bourbon of true distinction, one that could stand proudly in today’s bourbon world, just as it did generations ago.
That’s why we start by sourcing bourbon from some of America’s finest distilleries, hand-selecting barrels that meet our uncompromising standards. Then comes the magic: blending. Through countless tasting sessions we found the sweet spot where high rye content, perfect proof, and well-aged character meet in harmony.
The result? A bourbon that’s bold yet balanced, smooth yet complex, the kind of pour that earns a place on your bar and stays there. It’s a bourbon worthy of the name and its distinct label.
Belle Meade Bourbon’s label remains almost as it appeared more than a century ago, a timeless tribute to Belle Meade’s equestrian heritage. The horses aren’t just for show:
Bonnie Scotland (on the right) – A foundation sire of the Northern Dancer bloodline, whose descendants include Seabiscuit, Secretariat, and Seattle Slew to name just a few.
Brown Dick (on the left) – Never a champion on the track, but one of the most prolific sires in American racing history. Greatness comes in more than one form.
today and tomorrow
Belle Meade Bourbon is family owned and is as always being aged, blended, and bottled to perfection.
Right now, you’ll find us in Nashville and the surrounding area. But that’s just the beginning. Expansion is on the horizon, so follow along on social media for updates, stories, and a few well-earned toasts.
And in 2026, we’ll open the doors to our new brand home so keep an eye on our socials for updates. We’re planning a grand opening worth raising a glass to, and we’d love to see you there.
Here’s to history, heritage, and one hell of a good pour.
