Jefferson’s Bourbon Unveils Second Release of Marian McLain: A Bold Tribute to One of Whiskey’s Earliest Women Pioneers

LOUISVILLE, KY | July 14, 2025 – Jefferson’s Bourbon, the award-winning whiskey brand known for pushing boundaries while honoring tradition, announces the second release of its Marian McLain series, a carefully crafted expression that pays homage to one of the earliest documented women in American whiskey.

The namesake bourbon honors founder Trey Zoeller’s 8th-generation grandmother, Marian McLain. To support her five children after her husband died in the Revolutionary War, Marian turned to the illegal production and distribution of liquor. Arrested in 1799, she became one of the first women officially documented for her involvement in making American whiskey. It is that legacy of determination and defiance that endures in Jefferson’s boldest blend to date.

“Marian’s arrest isn’t what defines her. I believe it’s proof of her resilience, her entrepreneurial drive, and her role as a trailblazer in American whiskey-making. That resilient spirit has always been in Jefferson’s DNA,” said Trey Zoeller, Founder of Jefferson’s Bourbon. “With Marian McLain, I think we’ve captured that same trailblazing spirit in the bottle. It’s a whiskey that isn’t afraid of taking a little risk, just like the unforgettable character of the woman it honors.”

Marian McLain is a bold blend of five distinct bourbons, each chosen to represent an element of Marian’s story: Kentucky 13-year-old bourbon (62%), Indiana 11-year-old wheated bourbon double-barreled oak (15%), Kentucky rye barrel wine finish (11%), Kentucky rye barrel run finish (6%), and Kentucky 9-year-old bourbon (6%). The result is a layered and complex bourbon, balancing depth, spice, and sweetness in a way that reflects both heritage and innovation.

“Creating Marian McLain was about creating a spirit that feels alive with history and heart,” said Ale Ochoa, Jefferson’s Master Blender. “Each of the five distinct bourbons was selected for its unique flavor and complexity. As a woman in the craft today, it’s rewarding to help bring attention to someone like Marian, who helped lay the foundation centuries ago.”

Bottled at cask strength (106 proof), Marian McLain offers rich notes of tobacco, fig, brown sugar, soft oak, and coconut. The result is a long finish with leather, red fruit, and cinnamon notes offering a bold taste that nods to the enduring spirit of its namesake.

Jefferson's Marian McLain is available now at select retailers nationwide and online.

For more information, visit jeffersonsbourbon.com and follow along on Instagram: @jeffersonsbourbon.

ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN DISTILLERS

North American Distillers (NADL) is a global brand company within the Pernod Ricard group, dedicated to overseeing and expanding the company’s American whiskey portfolio. NADL brings together a dynamic collection of American whiskey brands, including Jefferson's, Rabbit Hole, Smooth Ambler, Skrewball, and TX. NADL’s mission is to harness the immense potential within the American whiskey category, leveraging its global marketing capabilities and commitment to operational excellence to support the growth of a world-class portfolio.

ABOUT PERNOD RICARD

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world's second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company's leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Co´digo Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson's Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé.; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne, Mumm Napa.

Pernod Ricard USA?is headquartered in?New York,?New York, and has more than 1,000 employees across the country. As "creators of conviviality," we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees, and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking.

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Cork + Knife Communications

Bridget Feeley

North American Distillers

Jennifer O’Neil, Sr. Director, Communications

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