Before bourbon was big business, Mary Dowling was breaking rules and barrels in Kentucky. Widowed young, she took over her husband’s distillery in the early 1900s and defied Prohibition by secretly relocating her entire whiskey operation to Juárez, Mexico. Her grit, cunning, and relentless ambition made her the most successful woman distiller of her time … and now, her story is finally being told.
This spring, Mary Dowling Whiskey Company is inviting bourbon lovers and bookworms alike to experience “Mother of Bourbon: The Greatest American Whiskey Story Never Told,” a historical fiction novel inspired by her life. Co-written by whiskey legend Kaveh Zamanian and novelist Eric Goodman, the book blends rich storytelling with real history to chronicle Mary’s rise, rebellion, and lasting legacy.
To celebrate the release, the company is hitting the road with an immersive six-stop tasting and literary tour through Louisville, Chicago, and Detroit. At each stop, guests will enjoy exclusive guided tastings of Mary Dowling’s award-winning expressions … Winter Wheat, Tequila Barrel, and Double Oak … paired with scenes from the novel. Think bourbon flight meets fireside storytelling.
Hosted by Zamanian himself, the events will provide dynamic visuals, behind-the-scenes tales of Mary’s life, and conversations about bourbon’s bold women and untold past. Attendees will leave with a signed advance copy of the book and a custom gift package.
Whether you’re a bourbon connoisseur, history buff, or just love a good story served neat, Mother of Bourbon is one to savor. Pre-order the book now ($30) at Amazon or Barnes & Noble before its official release on April 29th.
📍 Get tickets and tour details at www.marydowling.com/booktour
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