Old Hillside Harlem Hellfighters Whiskey

Old Hillside Harlem Hellfighters Whiskey

Old Hillside Bourbon Company might be one of our favorite new brands (to us) for 2026.  In just six short years, this young company with huge ideas has carved a path not only for their brand, but to honor the legacy of incredible African American jockeys and war heroes.  North Carolina natives and friends founded Old Hillside Bourbon Company and they haven't looked back.  In fact, they're always looking to the future.

One thing that likely makes this company so successful in its early stages is the approach they have towards the business.  Courtney Tucker, co-founder and COO, says, "This business is not about us.  We're just playing a part.  This is higher than us."  And that is evident by every bottle that pays homage to what would have been a long-forgotten great American and their stories that need to be preserved.  The company even created a limited release Straight Bourbon Whiskey for Hillside High School (hence the name, Old Hillside) and proceeds from the sale of that bottle benefitted the historic school.

The bottle we are tasting today is the Harlem Hellfighters Whiskey - Benjamin O. Davis Sr. Commemorative Bottle.  There are actually three different bottles in the Harlem Hellfighters series so far, and each one has a story that honors a military hero.  Benjamin Davis was born in 1877 and began his military service during the Spanish-American War.  Serving over fifty years, he was promoted to Colonel in 1930 and assigned to the 369th Harlem Hellfighters.  In 1940, he was promoted to Brigadier General, becoming the first African American general in the United States Army!  Davis was a champion for racial equality and he paved the way for the future of Black military leaders.  

The Harlem Hellfighters was an Afican American military unit in World War 1.  Although they faced discrimination and racial segregation, they served with honor, pride and distinction on the front lines for 191 days.  This unit served longer than any other regiment on the front lines in WW1.  To taste this whiskey appropriately, we feel like you need to be at least remotely aware of the story behind the label.

Dark copper and chestnut color.  This is a seven year blended whiskey consisting of 60% Kentucky Bourbon and 40% Indiana Rye with undisclosed mash bills.  On the nose is a fruity and semi-sweet expression of honey, vanilla bean and dusty leather-bound book.  This is incredibly smooth on the palate with ripe red fruits, molasses, toasted rye bread and baking spices.  The finish feels pure and incredibly soft.  This is absolutely gorgeous!

Old Hillside Harlem Hellfighters Whiskey Label

ABV:  56.0% (112 proof)

Distillery:  Old Hillside Bourbon Company

Suggested retail price:  $110.00

Drink The Bottles score: 94/100


Location: Sparta, KY 41086, USA

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