Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey started in 2019, after Judy Hollis Jones and Jason Brauner met while doing a barrel pick. As the two got to know each other, an idea started to form. “Let’s start our own bourbon brand!” they said. They knew they wanted Buzzard’s Roost to be not just exceptional but unique. So they turned to a trusted barrel expert at Independent Stave Company, who worked with them to create proprietary barrels for secondary maturation. It was decided to use Char #1 on all their barrels, to let the whiskey access the oak influence more easily. It was also decided to season that oak for at least 18 months (6 months is the norm for other brands). And finally, they developed a series of exclusive toast profiles to coax out specific characteristics from the oak, bringing rare flavor combinations to every Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey.

Judy took on the role of CEO, leading distribution, operations, sales and marketing, while Jason heads up production, ensuring that each batch of Buzzard’s Roost exceeds the expectations of discerning whiskey drinkers. From their first three barrels of Indiana rye, Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey was a hit.
Today, Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey is built around six core expressions and special limited release whiskies are launched several times a year. Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey can be found online, in 23 states, plus Alberta, Canada, and at the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience in downtown Louisville.
Their shared goal for Buzzard’s Roost is to redefine what American whiskey can be through innovation, experience and – like a buzzard – sharp, long-range vision.