Ole Smoky Distillery has announced the launch of a small-batch whiskey brand, James Ownby Reserve Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

This 94-proof whiskey aged in American virgin charred oak barrels. It filtered through the Lincoln County Process, passing through sugar maple charcoal before aging.

Fewer than 200 barrels of James Ownby Reserve release this month.

The whiskey commemorates the history and spirit of James Ownby, the fifth-generation great-grandfather of Ole Smoky Distillery’s Founder, Joe Baker.

“James Ownby lived a life so epic we still tell his tale,” says Baker. “A son of the revolution, a soldier, he was dedicated to his country. He enlisted at 17 and served six tours of duty throughout his esteemed military career. James fearlessly fought for our young country’s freedom, for his beliefs and for a better way of life. His most notable service came as a member of the renowned ‘Overmountain Men’ regiment under the command of Colonel John Sevier in the Battle of Kings Mountain, the battle which Thomas Jefferson fittingly deemed ‘The turn of the tide of success’, in the Revolutionary War.”

In the late 1800s, Ownby set down roots in East Tennessee, near where where Ole Smoky operates the distillery today on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Ownby family became known as one of the original families who settled in the area, the company says.

“James Ownby Reserve pays tribute to my family’s heritage and legacy,” explains Baker. “This new brand embodies our creativity and commitment to creating small-batch whiskey and the team at Ole Smoky is proud to bring the product to market.”

The James Ownby Reserve bottle and label design celebrates Tennessee with the three stars found on the Tennessee State Flag. Each represents the areas of Tennessee: middle, east and west.

The label also includes a personal message and signature of Joe Baker.

James Ownby Reserve Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available in major markets, and at Ole Smoky’s Barrelhouse Distillery in Gatlinburg and 6th & Peabody in Nashville.

The suggested retail price is $39.99 per 750-ml. bottle.

This follows the recent release of Ole Smoky mini bottles.