A new chapter in bourbon history begins as Wes Henderson, a Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee and co-founder of Angel’s Envy, unveils his latest venture: True Story. To celebrate the launch, Henderson and his team invite the community to a free tasting event, meet-and-greet, and bottle signing in Owensboro.
The event will be held at Barrel Heads Liquor Market and Tasting Bar (3281 Hayden Road) from 4-7 p.m. on November 6.
Henderson said the innovative whiskey brand blends timeless tradition with modern craftsmanship, featuring unique finishing techniques that create sophisticated and distinctive spirits.
“After a successful run with Angel’s Envy, I thought I was ready for retirement,” Henderson said. “But I realized I wasn’t suited for that lifestyle. My sons and I decided to start this next chapter in our family’s bourbon journey.”
Henderson’s roots in the bourbon industry run deep; his father was a master distiller for Woodford Reserve and played a pivotal role in developing iconic brands like Gentleman Jack and Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel.
With True Story, Henderson aims to honor those traditions while embracing modern techniques.
“We wanted to create a whiskey that facilitates conversation and brings people together,” Henderson said. “When you open a bottle and share it with friends, you’re not just sharing a drink; you’re sharing stories and memories.”
True Story’s unique packaging reflects this philosophy. The bottles feature a distinctive opaque design that Henderson said stands out on shelves, a departure from traditional clear bourbon bottles.
“I wanted something different,” Henderson explained. “In a sea of brands, we needed to stand out.”
The event at Barrel Heads will allow attendees to sample both the bourbon and the rye and hear firsthand from Henderson about his vision for True Story. Henderson will also sign bottles, offering fans and bourbon enthusiasts a unique opportunity.
Travis Estes, a sales representative from Republic National Distributing, expressed excitement about the launch.
“It’s not every day you get to be part of introducing a new product from someone with Wes’s pedigree,” he said. “This event will be a celebration of bourbon and the stories that come with it.”
Deval Patel, owner of Barrel Heads, echoed Estes’ sentiments.
“We feel privileged to host this event for True Story, especially as a new store,” he said. “Our goal is to support new brands and craft distilleries, and this is a perfect opportunity to do just that.”
Henderson’s last visit to Owensboro was in partnership with the Owensboro Bourbon Society, where he shared insights on his journey with Angel’s Envy and engaged in a discussion about the evolving bourbon industry.
“Owensboro has a deep love for bourbon, and the community’s passion for craftsmanship and tradition always resonates with me,” Henderson said. “Every time I come here, I feel a genuine connection with people who truly appreciate what we’re creating.”
