Peg Leg Porker Toasts USA's 250th With Resilient Bourbon Spirit

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March 10, 2026 – As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, a Nashville-based spirits brand is bottling the essence of American resilience to mark the occasion. Peg Leg Porker Spirits, founded by celebrated pitmaster Carey Bringle, today announced the launch of "Spirit of America™," a limited edition Bottled-in-Bond bourbon crafted to commemorate the nation's semiquincentennial.

The release is more than a commemorative bottle; it's a narrative of perseverance, quality, and community, deeply rooted in the founder's own story and the nation's history. The brand is also launching a national "Raise a Glass to 250" initiative, encouraging Americans to toast the milestone at gatherings from Memorial Day to the 4th of July.

A Founder's Journey Poured into Every Bottle

The story behind Peg Leg Porker is inseparable from the spirit of its new bourbon. Founder Carey Bringle's personal journey is a profound tale of overcoming adversity. At just 17 years old, he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, a bone cancer that resulted in the amputation of his leg. Refusing to be defined by the challenge, Bringle channeled his determination into mastering the craft of barbecue, eventually becoming a world-renowned pitmaster.

His success didn't stop at the smoke pit. In 2015, Bringle became the first pitmaster to launch his own spirits company, creating a portfolio of whiskeys that has since garnered international acclaim. This unique fusion of barbecue and bourbon is not just a marketing gimmick; the brand's signature flavor profile is achieved by filtering its whiskey through hickory charcoal, a process inspired by the Lincoln County Process and executed using charcoal from Bringle's own barbecue pits.

This dedication to craft has earned the brand significant accolades. In 2023, the Tasting Alliance, which combines the results of the prestigious San Francisco, New York, and Singapore World Spirits Competitions, crowned Peg Leg Porker's White Label expression the "World's Best Bourbon." The brand's products consistently earn Double Gold and Gold medals, solidifying its reputation for quality. This story of individual grit and award-winning excellence forms the philosophical backbone of the "Spirit of America™" release.

Built the American Way: The Bottled-in-Bond Promise

In a market that will likely see numerous commemorative spirits, Peg Leg Porker has chosen to anchor its celebratory bourbon in one of American whiskey's most respected and historically significant quality designations: Bottled-in-Bond.

Established by the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, this classification was America's first consumer protection law, created to guarantee whiskey authenticity and quality against the rampant adulteration of the era. To carry the designation, a spirit must adhere to strict federal regulations:

• It must be the product of one distiller at one distillery.
• It must be from a single distilling season.
• It must be aged for a minimum of four years in a federally bonded warehouse.
• It must be bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume).

"If we're celebrating 250 years of America, it better be done the right way," said Bringle in the announcement. "Bottled-in-Bond. High standards. No shortcuts. Let's raise a glass together." This commitment ensures a bold, balanced, and transparently produced bourbon. Paired with the signature hickory charcoal finishing, the result is a whiskey that is both a tribute to American history and a unique expression of the Peg Leg Porker brand.

A Toast to Tradition and Service

The roots of Peg Leg Porker run deeper than barbecue and bourbon; they trace back through generations of American history. Bringle's family has been in America since 1727, carrying forward traditions of hospitality and service. This legacy includes military service, during which family members became known for cooking whole hogs for their fellow servicemen in the Philippines—a tradition that directly influenced the barbecue heritage Bringle champions today.

This spirit of service continues with the launch of "Spirit of America™." A portion of the proceeds from the limited edition release will be donated to Hearty Hog's Veteran BBQ Camp, a Tennessee-based nonprofit. The organization teaches military veterans the craft of barbecue, aiming to help them build community, find purpose, and develop new career skills after their service.

By tying the release to a charitable cause that supports veterans, Peg Leg Porker reinforces the themes of community and giving back that are woven into its brand identity, making the commemorative bourbon a tribute not only to the nation's history but also to those who have served it.

Crafting a New Patriotic Tradition

Peg Leg Porker's strategy extends beyond a single anniversary. The "Spirit of America™" bourbon is the inaugural release in what will become an annual Limited Edition Summer Series. This positions the brand to create a new American tradition, releasing a patriotic bourbon each summer to celebrate the people and milestones that define the country.

"This isn't a one-time release," Bringle stated. "We are starting a tradition — raising a glass to the people, traditions and milestones that define America every summer."

This long-term vision sets Peg Leg Porker apart in a competitive market where other distilleries, such as Green River Distilling Co. and StilL 630, are also launching special editions for the semiquincentennial. By establishing an annual series, the brand aims to build a lasting association with American summer celebrations, quality craftsmanship, and patriotic commemoration.

The Peg Leg Porker Spirit of America™ Limited Edition Summer Series – America 250 Bourbon is available for a suggested retail price of $59.99. The brand's spirits are distributed in 13 states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas, as well as the United Kingdom. National shipping is also available to states where direct-to-consumer alcohol sales are permitted.