Emerging Brand Bluegrass Bitters Introduces Handcrafted Bitters and Syrup

Emerging Brand Bluegrass Bitters ™ Introduces Handcrafted Bitters and Syrup  

Louisville entrepreneur’s spirited passion turned retail reality 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2025) - - - Louisville-based artisanal cocktail brand Bluegrass Bitters ™ announced the launch of its 5-Spice Orange Bitters and Smoky Simple Syrup — the first installment of the new boutique brand’s uniquely-curated product line. The bitters and syrup pair will be available for purchase beginning Monday, Sept. 1. 

Founded by Shawn Herbig, Louisville native and president and founder of market research and data analytics firm IQS Research, Bluegrass Bitters ™ is Shawn’s long-awaited brainchild.  Born from his meticulous research, science-driven precision and passion for well-crafted libations, Bluegrass Bitters ™ was created to elevate the everyday at-home cocktail experience.  

“My wife and I have always loved the experience of sharing well-made, well-balanced cocktails at home with friends,” said Herbig. “It has taken time, trial and error, but we have perfected these products to represent the heritage and authenticity of the bourbon culture. These products feature the highest quality ingredients, and I truly believe they will raise the bar for the bourbon cocktail experience.” 

The Kentucky Proud certified product line is designed to target professional mixologists as well as at-home bartenders, with additional homemade bitters products projected to launch later this year and in 2026. 

 The 5-Spice Orange Bitters is comprised of a unique combination of orange citrus and a blend of spices fit for a variety of classic cocktails including an old fashioned and Manhattan.  

The Smoky Simple Syrup boasts a smooth sweetness coupled with a complex blend of smoky flavor to add a distinctive, standout flavor to any recipe.  

“Our Bluegrass Bitters™ Smoky Simple Syrup infuses every sip of the drink with smooth, sweet smokiness. When this is blended with our 5-Spice Orange bitters and your favorite bourbon or rye, you get a sophisticated cocktail that both enthusiasts and novices can enjoy,” said Herbig. 

 The 5-Spice Orange Bitters and Smoky Simple Syrup will be available for purchase online and at select retailers with a suggested retail price of $12.99 beginning Monday, Sept. 1. Gift boxes and additional product accessories will be sold and priced separately. 

About Bluegrass Bitters™: 

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Shawn and Kathy Herbig, Bluegrass Bitters™ is the culmination of passion, experimentation and exceptional quality. Together, the team's shared passion to elevate the at-home cocktail experience became the driving force behind this Kentucky Proud cocktail bitters and syrup brand. Set to officially launch in 2025, the Bluegrass Bitters™ product line will include three uniquely curated bitters: Infused Cherry, Black Walnut and 5-Spice Orange; and a Smoky Simple Syrup. All Bluegrass Bitters™ offerings are gluten-free and produced and bottled in Kentucky with no artificial flavoring or colorings. 

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