I had such a fun time creating this feature while listening to Tyler Boone’s music and crafting a St. Patrick’s Day-inspired drink with his very own Boone’s Bourbon Whiskey. He’s the first artist I’ve ever interviewed who has a bourbon, and I’m thrilled to share the recipe below. Check it out!

Over the past decade, bourbon has exploded in popularity. Nowadays, many people suddenly decide they’re “getting into bourbon,” even those you wouldn’t expect. While they might genuinely enjoy it, the bourbon industry wasn’t always this mainstream. Ten years ago, it was just starting to gain momentum, and now, like the music industry, new brands emerge constantly. However, breaking into and surviving in this business is extremely tough. Much like being an artist, Tyler noted that establishing a bourbon brand requires resilience. If you can last five to seven years, you stand a chance at recognition, and people eventually accept you as a serious contender. But in the beginning, it’s brutal—people are skeptical, and bourbon enthusiasts often prefer established brands like DH Taylor, Blanton’s, or Weller.

One of the biggest challenges Tyler found in the bourbon industry is distribution. It’s unpredictable—distributors can go out of business or drop brands overnight, leaving companies scrambling. Some of the biggest distributors, like RNDC, have lost major portfolios like Sazerac, creating chaos in the market. A brand can be doing well, then suddenly lose its ability to fulfill orders, even from major retailers like Costco. Another reality is that many bourbons are sourced rather than distilled by the brands themselves. Large producers, such as MGP in Indiana, provide the base whiskey for countless brands. While this was once controversial, it’s now widely accepted—provided companies are transparent about it. Some brands, like Penelope Bourbon, source their whiskey from MGP and market it effectively, selling huge volumes. Tyler shared that the key in the bourbon industry is honesty; misleading consumers can lead to lawsuits and reputational damage.

Boone’s Bourbon follows a similar model: the whiskey is sourced but undergoes a proprietary secondary finishing process. The bourbon is bottled at 117 proof, meaning it isn’t diluted with water beyond minor proof adjustments for consistency. A high corn content (75%) gives it a natural sweetness, while 21% rye adds a touch of spice. Unlike some brands that attempt to operate their distilleries, Boone prefers to refine the product while avoiding the financial risks of running a distillery. The business of brewing and distilling is tough—many small operations fail, even after being acquired by major companies. A prime example is Wicked Weed Brewery, which was bought by Anheuser-Busch but recently shut down a key location. Boone’s Bourbon utilizes advanced aging technology. Initially produced in Charleston, South Carolina, before relocating to Zebulon, North Carolina, the process mimics Kentucky’s seasonal aging using ultrasonic waves. This accelerates the aging process, allowing a one-year-old bourbon to develop characteristics of a much older spirit. While some purists may be skeptical, the approach has earned Boone’s Bourbon numerous awards, including:

• Named “The Top 6 Best Bourbons in the World” by Forbes Magazine

• Platinum Los Angeles Winner

• Double Gold San Francisco 2022 (beat Blantons)

• Double Gold winner Fifty Best New York

• Double Gold winner at the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition

The bourbon business isn’t for the faint of heart much like music. But Tyler Boone shows us how surviving in both the music and bourbon industry requires transparency, strong distribution partnerships, and a quality product. Boone’s Bourbon has embraced these principles, proving that innovation and authenticity can lead to success in a crowded market.

Tyler Boone continues to make waves in the music scene, consistently releasing great music every few months. Be sure to check out his Spotify and keep an eye out for new YouTube and lyric videos. One of my personal favorites from Tyler is “Wicked Girl”-the first song I heard from him and still my favorite, closely followed by “Hallelujah”. His latest lyric video, “When I Was Younger”, is giving off major Soundgarden-inspired rock vibes, taking me right back to the ’90s with its raw edge. I absolutely love this track!

Check out the video below, and don’t forget to follow Tyler on Instagram to stay updated on his latest releases and behind-the-scenes moments.

Follow Tyler Boone on Instagram

 

When it comes to food, Tyler Boone has a diverse palate, enjoying a variety of cuisines. He appreciates dishes like sushi, fish tacos, and oysters—both raw and baked. His tastes also include classic combinations such as steak accompanied by asparagus and mashed potatoes. Additionally, Tyler has a fondness for Mexican cuisine. When it comes to cocktails, his preferred choice is a Kentucky Mule. With St. Patrick’s Day here and a bottle of Boone’s Bourbon in my liquor cabinet, I knew I had to create a special green-inspired cocktail—a shamrock shake with a bourbon twist. I used Boone’s Bourbon whiskey along with a rich Kentucky bourbon cream to give it that smooth, velvety texture and deep, indulgent flavor. The result? A festive, creamy, minty delight perfect for celebrating the occasion and a perfect nod to all things Tyler Boone on St. Patrick’s Day. Check out the recipe below and give it a try!

Shamrock Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Combine the bourbons, crème de menthe, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake vigorously.
  3. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a mint leaf, whipped cream and mint leaf. Enjoy!