Ole Smoky launches limited-edition Espresso Whiskey aimed at espresso martini drinkers

# What happened

Ole Smoky Distillery has launched a limited-edition Espresso Whiskey. The Gatlinburg, Tennessee brand is positioning the new flavored whiskey as a convenient, whiskey-based alternative to vodka for making espresso martinis at home. The release is available at retailers nationwide and through ReserveBar starting this month.

# Why the release matters

The espresso martini remains one of the most-searched and most-ordered cocktails. Ole Smoky is responding to that demand by offering a ready-made coffee-flavored whiskey that aims to simplify the cocktail build and introduce whiskey's flavor profile to consumers who usually reach for vodka.

Tara Wiese, Ole Smoky's VP of Marketing, explained the rationale directly: "With the growing popularity of espresso Martinis, we saw this as the perfect opportunity to offer a convenient, approachable way for our fans to enjoy their favorite cocktail with an Ole Smoky whiskey twist." The company also promotes the expression as enjoyable neat over ice.

# How the brand recommends serving it

Ole Smoky's signature serve for the new Espresso Whiskey mixes:

• 2 oz Espresso Whiskey
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso or cold brew concentrate
• Optional 0.5 oz simple syrup

Shake with ice and garnish with three coffee beans. The brand frames the whiskey as both a cocktail ingredient and a standalone sipper.

# Brand context and positioning

Ole Smoky is best known for flavored moonshine and a broad portfolio of flavored whiskeys. The distillery produces over 15 million jars of moonshine annually and is described as the best-selling moonshine brand in Tennessee. Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky was the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee after state law changed in 2009. The company expanded into whiskey in the mid-2010s and now offers dozens of moonshine and whiskey flavors.

This release follows Ole Smoky's established approach to flavor-driven, approachable spirits aimed at casual drinkers and cocktail home bartenders. The timing—football season and Friendsgiving—signals a focus on social occasions and at-home entertaining.

# Market context

# What to expect at purchase

The product is promoted as a limited-edition release. It will be available in stores nationwide and via ReserveBar. Ole Smoky emphasizes both cocktail convenience and the whiskey's capacity to be drunk neat over ice, positioning it for multiple use cases during the upcoming social season.

# Bottom line

Ole Smoky's Espresso Whiskey is a limited-edition flavored whiskey made to simplify espresso martinis and encourage drinkers to swap vodka for a warmer, whiskey-forward profile. The launch leverages the ongoing popularity of coffee cocktails and Ole Smoky's existing flavor-focused portfolio.