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Chicago’s Black-owned whiskey brands are breaking down barriers in the alcohol industry

Launched within the last four years, Alexander James, Bull Young Bourbon and Renard Whiskey are carving out space in a historically exclusive industry.

By Erica Thompson, May 7, 2024, 6:00pm CST

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In honor of Black History Month, CEO Chef Danny Bullock appeared on NBC 5’s Chicago Today Show, hosted by Matthew Rodrigues and Cortney Hall! Chef Danny showcased the Young 75 and Bull Young Arnold Palmer cocktails, along with a Bull Young-infused Lobster BLT and Contemporary Bruschetta!

Chef Danny Bullock, the CEO of Bull Young Bourbon, discussed his unconventional journey from being a chef for a basketball team to whiskey making on NBC 5’s Chicago Today Show. After living in Israel and traveling to 18 countries, Bullock discovered that bourbon served as a universal language for communication. In 2020, he launched his own whiskey company, leveraging his following from his chef days. Bullock presented three cocktail pairings, starting with a light bourbon cocktail and lobster BLT. The second cocktail was a young 75, featuring Bull Young Bourbon instead of traditional cognac, paired with contemporary-style bruschetta. The final drink was a young fashioned, a heavier drink suitable for winter, paired with steak bruschetta. Bull Young Bourbon and a cookbook from Chef Danny are upcoming projects for the entrepreneur.

Red Bull Bourbon has a rich and captivating history that has shaped its exceptional taste and distinguished character. From its partnership with MGP of Indiana (Midwest Grain Products) to the meticulous selection process undertaken by Chef Danny Bullock, every step has been carefully orchestrated to deliver a truly remarkable bourbon experience.

In preparation for its launch in 2020, Bull Young Bourbon forged a partnership with MGP of Indiana, a renowned distillery located just outside of Chicago in Lawrenceburg, IN. This collaboration ensures that only the highest quality grains and distillation processes are used in the creation of our bourbon.

Before the official launch, Chef Danny Bullock personally immersed himself in the art of bourbon-making. He undertook the task of handpicking and tasting over 100 different barrels to perfect the unique taste profile of Bull Young Bourbon. This relentless pursuit of excellence is the hallmark of our brand.

Once the selection process was complete, Bull Young Bourbon found its home at Thornton Distilling Co. in Thornton, IL, where it is bottled with utmost care and precision. This facility ensures that every bottle of Bull Young Bourbon meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

The aging process is a crucial element in the development of our bourbon’s distinctive flavor. Bull Young Bourbon is aged for a minimum of 5 years in brand new charred white oak barrels. This extended aging period allows the bourbon to develop complex layers of flavor, creating a truly extraordinary sensory experience.

Our bourbon’s mash bill is meticulously crafted to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. With 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, our mash bill sets the stage for the harmonious interplay of sweetness, spice, and depth.

When it comes to tasting notes, Bull Young Bourbon offers a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. You’ll discover delightful notes of sweet caramel, subtle smokiness, hints of citrus, and the smooth embrace of vanilla. Each sip reveals a new facet of the bourbon’s complexity, making it an exquisite choice for discerning spirits enthusiasts.

The history of Red Bull Bourbon is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and flavor innovation. With every bottle, we invite you to savor the legacy of Chef Danny Bullock and experience the captivating journey that is Bull Young Bourbon.