Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon

This week’s Whiskey Wednesday takes us across the Atlantic to highlight a bourbon with an incredible backstory. Never Say Die is making headlines as England’s first self-proclaimed bourbon, even though its roots are deeply American. This high-rye small batch is not just about the whiskey inside the bottle - it’s a story of survival, long shots, and rock and roll history.

What Is Never Say Die Bourbon?

Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon starts its journey in Kentucky, where it’s distilled and barreled. But unlike traditional bourbons, it’s then shipped in barrels across the ocean and aged, bottled, and distributed in England - making it the first of its kind to undergo transatlantic maturation.

The name Never Say Die honors a legendary American racehorse, but it also plays a surprising role in the early days of the Beatles. This is a bottle packed with character inside and out.

Never Say Die

Small Batch Bourbon

Image Source: Never Say Die

Key Details at a Glance: Never Say Die

From Never Say Die:

Small Batch Bourbon is our flagship product, with a mash bill using 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. Considered a “High Rye” Bourbon, this offering has spicy notes characteristic of a rye, but with the complexity of a Bourbon whiskey, which can be enjoyed neat, on ice or in your favorite cocktail.

What makes Never Say Die Bourbon unique?

• Transatlantic Production: Distilled in Kentucky → Aged & Bottled in England

• High-Rye Mash Bill: Offers rye spiciness with classic bourbon depth

• Historic Branding: Ties to horse racing, whiskey revival, and the rise of British rock music

• Global Perspective: The only bourbon matured at sea and finished in the UK

The Never Say Die Story: Horse, Whiskey, and Rock & Roll

How a Shot of Whiskey Saved a Horse

In 1951, a struggling foal was born at Hamburg Farm in Lexington, KY. Barely breathing, the colt was revived with a shot of whiskey administered by legendary horseman John A. Bell III. The foal survived the night and earned his name: Never Say Die.

The Epsom Derby Win That Shocked the World

In 1954, Never Say Die shocked the racing world by winning the Epsom Derby at 33-1 odds—the first American-born horse to do so in over 70 years. The race was watched by over 250,000 spectators, including Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill.

How This Horse Helped Launch the Beatles

Inspired by the underdog story, a Liverpool woman named Mona Best bet everything she had on Never Say Die - and won. With the earnings, she purchased a large Victorian home and transformed the basement into a music venue: the Casbah Coffee Club.

The venue’s opening act? A teenage band called The Quarrymen, featuring John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. The band’s early gigs helped lay the foundation for what would become The Beatles. Mona’s son Pete Best even became their drummer before being replaced by Ringo Starr.

One horse. One sip of whiskey. One musical revolution.

What are the tasting notes?

According to the brand:

• Nose: Toasted grain, subtle spice, and soft caramel

• Palate: Bold rye spice balanced with corn sweetness and notes of vanilla

• Finish: Medium length with pepper, oak, and a hint of citrus

This bourbon walks the line between spice and sweetness, making it ideal for both sipping and mixing.

Where to find Never Say Die Bourbon?

Never Say Die is still somewhat elusive in the U.S., with wider availability in the UK. However, select retailers and venues have begun importing small quantities—keep an eye on the Whiskey Social app to track availability near you.

Why does this Whiskey Wednesday drop matter?

This isn’t just another bourbon. It’s a global story in a glass. A bottle that connects Kentucky craftsmanship, English ambition, and the wild unpredictability of life. Whether you’re a collector, history buff, or Beatles fan, Never Say Die is a pour worth chasing.

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