Four Branches Bourbon Unveils Liberty Reserve to Honor America's 250th

BARDSTOWN, KY – May 20, 2026 – As the United States approaches its Semiquincentennial, a unique tribute is being poured in the heart of bourbon country. Four Branches Bourbon, a spirits company founded by veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, today announced the release of Liberty Reserve. This limited-edition commemorative bourbon is a toast to 250 years of American history, with only 1,776 individually numbered bottles being produced in a nod to the year the Declaration of Independence was signed.

The release is more than a collector's item; it's a continuation of a mission rooted in service. Founded by veterans with over a century of combined military experience, Four Branches was built on the philosophy of "Sip to Remember"—a call to honor those who serve and to foster connection. Liberty Reserve embodies this ethos, tying the craft of Kentucky bourbon to the enduring American values of service, sacrifice, and unity.

A Spirit Steeped in Craftsmanship

Liberty Reserve is a meticulously crafted spirit designed for intentional sipping. The company describes it as a special double oak finish expression, a process that imparts significant depth and complexity. The blend itself is a marriage of old and new, combining a well-aged 10-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon with the company's own inaugural four-grain distillate. This mixture is then finished in a second set of toasted American white oak barrels, layering additional character onto the whiskey.

Bottled at a robust 100 proof, the resulting bourbon promises a rich and complex flavor profile. The distillery's official tasting notes describe an inviting nose and palate filled with dark caramel, honey, vanilla, toasted marshmallow, and dark fruit, all underpinned by a warm, lingering oak finish. This profile is consistent with the quality that connoisseurs have come to expect from the Bardstown-based brand, whose flagship "Founders Blend" has already garnered accolades, including a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, under the guidance of Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Master Distiller Steve Nally.

The careful construction of Liberty Reserve positions it as a premium offering in a competitive market. The double-oaking process and the inclusion of a 10-year-old component are hallmarks of high-end, sought-after bourbons, appealing directly to enthusiasts who appreciate nuanced production techniques and the rich flavors they produce.

Beyond the Bottle: A Mission of Service

While the bourbon itself is noteworthy, the story of Four Branches Bourbon is what truly sets it apart. The company is the first of its kind, founded by veterans representing all four major branches of the U.S. military. This shared background of service is not just a marketing point; it is the core of the brand's identity and its purpose-driven business model.

"At Four Branches, we've always believed bourbon should bring people together and stand for something greater than itself," said Rick Franco, co-founder of Four Branches Bourbon, in the company's announcement. "Liberty Reserve is our tribute to the values that have endured for 250 years: courage, sacrifice, unity and service."

This commitment is most evident in the company's philanthropic efforts. Operating under the motto "Serve Honorably. Drink Honorably," Four Branches has woven charitable giving into its DNA. The company has already helped raise over $600,000 for a variety of veteran and first responder organizations. These initiatives support crucial areas such as mental health services, transition assistance for those leaving service, and long-term community support for service members and their families.

Beneficiaries of their fundraising include prominent national organizations like Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members, as well as more specialized groups like The Third Option Foundation and the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation, which support the unique needs of the intelligence and special operations communities. This focused giving reflects the personal histories of the founders and their desire to make a tangible impact.

The Collector's Pursuit and a National Milestone

With only 1,776 bottles available, Liberty Reserve is poised to become a highly sought-after item for bourbon collectors and history buffs alike. The limited quantity, combined with the patriotic theme and the company's compelling backstory, creates a perfect storm of collectibility. The individually numbered bottles add a layer of exclusivity that is prized in the spirits world, where rarity often translates directly to desirability and secondary market value. The brand has already seen single bottles from previous charity auctions fetch prices well into the thousands of dollars, demonstrating a strong market for its purpose-driven products.

The release is strategically timed to coincide with the nationwide commemoration of America's 250th anniversary in 2026. This multi-year event, coordinated by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, known as America250, aims to engage every American in reflecting on the nation's past and future. As communities across the country plan "America's Block Party" and other celebratory events, Liberty Reserve offers a tangible way for individuals to participate in the commemoration. It serves as both a consumable luxury good and a historical keepsake.

The launch of Liberty Reserve taps directly into this national moment, offering a product that is not just about taste, but about participating in a shared historical narrative. For a company built on the principles of service and remembrance, it is a fitting tribute to the nation its founders swore to protect.

Pre-sale orders for Liberty Reserve begin today, May 20, 2026, with a suggested retail price of $119.99 per bottle. Given the extremely limited run and the significant interest in both premium bourbon and the upcoming national anniversary, availability is expected to be highly constrained.