Whiskey lovers are no strangers to barrel finishing these days. From sherry and port casks to rum and wine barrels, distillers are constantly looking for new ways to add flavor. But Bear Fight Whiskey has taken a different path, borrowing a page from tequila’s playbook to create one of the more unusual bourbons on the shelf.

The brand’s Kentucky Reserve starts with a high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon, bringing plenty of spice, oak, and bold whiskey character to the party. Then Bear Fight gives it a finishing touch in reposado tequila barrels, adding subtle layers of vanilla, caramel, light agave notes, and a hint of smokiness that set it apart from traditional bourbons.

The result is a whiskey that feels familiar enough for bourbon fans but adventurous enough for tequila drinkers looking to dip a toe into the whiskey world.

That spirit of experimentation has been part of Bear Fight’s DNA from the beginning.

Launched in 2022 by Next Century Spirits, Bear Fight first made its name with an American Single Malt that blended Scotch-inspired techniques with American whiskey sensibilities. The brand’s flagship expression uses bourbon barrels along with peat-smoked oak and sherry cask finishing to create a whiskey designed to bridge the gap between bourbon and Scotch drinkers. The whiskey quickly earned awards and developed a following among adventurous whiskey fans.

Kentucky Reserve, introduced in 2024 as the brand’s first bourbon expression, continues that same philosophy. Rather than simply releasing another Kentucky bourbon, Bear Fight wanted to push boundaries and create something that tapped into two fast-growing spirits categories: bourbon and tequila. The reposado barrel finish gives the whiskey a distinctive personality while still allowing the underlying bourbon character to shine through.

What’s particularly interesting is that Bear Fight isn’t treating the tequila finish as a gimmick. The company says its finishing process is carefully controlled to develop consistency and flavor from batch to batch, helping ensure that the tequila influence complements rather than overwhelms the whiskey.

Bottled at 45% ABV and carrying an approachable suggested retail price of $37.99, Kentucky Reserve feels tailor-made for summer sipping. Enjoy it neat, over ice, or even as the foundation for a bourbon cocktail with a little Southwestern flair.

For whiskey drinkers who think they’ve tasted every barrel finish imaginable, Bear Fight may have found a way to surprise you. Sometimes the best whiskey adventures start when someone decides not to follow the traditional path.