Steven Busch, founder of King Spirits and the son of legendary beer businessman August A. Busch III, has announced the company’s inaugural brands: Walker’s Cay Bourbon and Hope Town Vodka.
Steven grew up in the brewing industry and has owned a beer wholesaler for the past 15 years. He now launches his own spirits line with guidance from his father, who brings strategic oversight, liquid development, leadership and brand-building skills.
“Our inaugural small-batch spirits were inspired by quality time spent with my father on the water and our family’s passion for saltwater fishing for the past 100 years in Mexico, Florida and the Bahamas,” says Steven Busch, King Spirits founder. “My family has a deep history with The Bahamas, and I’ve seen firsthand how hurricanes can destroy the islands and disrupt the livelihoods of the communities. To that end, we proudly make donations as well as contribute a portion of our profits from Walker’s Cay bourbon and Hope Town vodka to charities that directly help the Bahamian citizens.”
Named after a Bahamian island, Walker’s Cay Bourbon comes from Green River Distillery in Kentucky. As a nod to the family’s brewing heritage, Walker’s Cay is aged in new Missouri oak barrels and finished on sherry cask staves for a rich. The expression has a mash bill of 70% Kentucky corn, 21% winter rye and 9% malted barley. It’s 90 proof (45% ABV). Flavors include toasted oak, grain, fig, vanilla and a hint of pepper, the company reports.
Hope Town Vodka is made in small batches in Charleston, SC. It’s inspired by a village in Elbow Cay, located in the Abaco chain in the northern Bahamas. The company’s method yields an all-natural, gluten-free spirit. Distilled six times and available in Original and Lime expressions, Hope Town has a delicate, clean, subtly sweet character, the company reports.
King Spirits partnered with globally acclaimed marine artist, Carey Chen, to create the art featured on the Walker’s Cay and Hope Town bottle labels. Carey shares the company’s affinity for saltwater fishing.
King Spirits are available online via Mash & Grape and Drizly, as well as on- and off-premise establishments in the following markets: DC, FL, MA and MO. The company launches soon in GA, IL, MD, SC, WI and more.
The suggested retail price for a 750-ml. bottle of Walker’s Cay Bourbon Whiskey and Hope Town Vodka is $34.99 and $22.99, respectively. Retail prices may vary by market.
