Old Hillside Bourbon Company Launches Harlem Hellfighters Bourbon Honoring the 369th Infantry Regiment

Durham, NC (February 3, 2026) — Old Hillside Bourbon Company today announced the release of its newest limited-edition whiskey, the Harlem Hellfighters Bourbon, a historically driven blend honoring the 369th Infantry Regiment, the first African American infantry unit to serve in World War I.

Released in conjunction with Black History Month, the Harlem Hellfighters Bourbon pays tribute to a regiment whose bravery and endurance reshaped American military history. Despite facing racial discrimination at home, the unit served on the front lines in France for 191 days, longer than any other American regiment during the war.

Crafted with intention, the release is a blended bourbon finished for 191 days in French oak wine barrels, a deliberate maturation choice reflecting the exact number of days the Harlem Hellfighters spent in combat. The finishing barrels were sourced from the same region of France where the regiment served, creating a direct connection between the liquid, the land, and the history it honors.

“This partnership isn’t just about whiskey. It’s about honoring a legacy of valor, sacrifice, and resilience,” said Jesse Carpenter, Chief Product Officer of Old Hillside Bourbon Company. “The Harlem Hellfighters fought longer and harder than nearly any American unit in World War I, and this release allows us to preserve their story while supporting veterans who continue to serve today.”

Production is limited to 150 cases, bottled in 750ml format and released across three distinct labels honoring notable figures tied to the regiment: Benjamin O. Davis Sr., Henry Johnson, and James Reese Europe. The bourbon is bottled at 112 proof, non-chill filtered, and designed to deliver a smooth, balanced profile with added depth from its French oak finish.

On the nose, the whiskey opens with honeyed grain and delicate vanilla, followed by subtle red-fruit notes and soft oak. The palate is mellow and approachable, offering smooth caramel and light brown sugar balanced by a restrained whisper of rye spice. The finish lingers with warm oak, gentle spice, and a refined Pinot Noir influence.

In keeping with Old Hillside’s mission to create purpose-led releases rooted in history and heritage, a portion of proceeds from the Harlem Hellfighters Bourbon will benefit the Whiskey Valor Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting veterans and their families.

The Harlem Hellfighters Bourbon is available starting today at a suggested retail price of $110.

For more information, imagery, or interview opportunities with Old Hillside’s founders, please visit OldHillsideBourbonCompany.com.

About Old Hillside Bourbon Company

Old Hillside Bourbon Company is a premium spirits brand founded in Durham, North Carolina, by longtime friends committed to honoring heritage through exceptional bourbon. Known for its single-barrel craftsmanship and storytelling-driven releases, Old Hillside highlights the rich, often overlooked contributions of African Americans to American history and bourbon culture.

Through collections inspired by figures such as the Harlem Hellfighters and pioneering Black female jockeys, Old Hillside blends high-quality bourbon with purposeful narrative. Rooted in community and cultural preservation, the brand continues to expand its footprint while remaining dedicated to authenticity, innovation, and impact. Each bottle reflects a commitment to excellence and a mission to celebrate history, one pour at a time.