Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey 750ML

Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey 750ML is a blackberry-flavored Kentucky bourbon whiskey bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle. A Double Gold winner at the 2018 SIP Awards and Gold Medal recipient at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this expression helped pioneer the flavored whiskey category more than a decade ago.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Flavored Whiskey  |  Producer: Western Spirits Beverage Company

Production & Heritage

Bird Dog Blackberry is produced by Western Spirits Beverage Company in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The process begins with Kentucky bourbon as the base spirit, into which natural blackberry flavoring is infused. Bird Dog Blackberry was the original expression that launched the brand's flavored whiskey lineup, predating much of the broader flavored whiskey trend and establishing a template that the category would eventually follow.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet ripe blackberries rise immediately, underscored by warm bourbon and subtle caramel. A trace of vanilla lingers beneath the fruit, giving the nose a layered quality beyond simple berry sweetness.

Taste: The entry is sleek and smooth, leading with vibrant blackberry sweetness that fills the front palate. At mid-palate, traditional bourbon characteristics emerge — honey, vanilla, and caramel weave through the fruit. Oak surfaces toward the peak, grounding the sweetness with a hint of woody structure.

Finish: Slightly sweet with a gentle roll into warm, aged bourbon warmth. The blackberry recedes gradually, leaving behind oak and a whisper of honey that keeps the finish from fading too quickly.

How to Drink Bird Dog Blackberry

Served chilled or over ice, this whiskey highlights the balance between blackberry sweetness and bourbon warmth without requiring any additional ingredients. It also performs well as a cocktail foundation in several classic templates:

• Blackberry Smash: The whiskey's natural berry character intensifies with muddled mint and fresh lemon, creating a refreshing warm-weather drink.
• Blackberry Whiskey Sour: The fruit sweetness reduces the need for added sugar, letting the bourbon backbone and citrus acidity carry the drink.
• Blackberry Mule: Paired with ginger beer and a squeeze of lime, the blackberry flavor adds depth to the classic mule format.

Best For

• Introducing bourbon-curious drinkers to whiskey through an approachable flavor profile
• Mixing fruit-forward summer cocktails at backyard gatherings
• Gifting to someone who enjoys flavored spirits but wants a bourbon foundation
• After-dinner sipping as a lighter alternative to traditional dessert pours

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bird Dog Blackberry taste like? Bird Dog Blackberry leads with vibrant, ripe blackberry sweetness that transitions into honey, vanilla, caramel, and oak from the Kentucky bourbon base. The finish is gently warm with lingering berry and bourbon notes.

How does Bird Dog Blackberry compare to Crown Royal Blackberry? Bird Dog Blackberry uses Kentucky bourbon as its base spirit, giving it a warmer, more oak-forward backbone, while Crown Royal Blackberry starts with Canadian whisky, resulting in a lighter, smoother profile. Bird Dog also carries stronger competition credentials, including a Double Gold at the 2018 SIP Awards and Gold at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Is Bird Dog Blackberry good for cocktails? Its pronounced blackberry flavor and 80-proof strength make it an effective cocktail ingredient that holds its own against mixers like ginger beer, citrus, and soda without disappearing. It works particularly well in whiskey sours, smashes, and mule variations.

Where is Bird Dog Blackberry made? Bird Dog Blackberry is produced by Western Spirits Beverage Company in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The base spirit is Kentucky bourbon, placing it firmly within the American whiskey tradition.

What foods pair well with Bird Dog Blackberry? Dark chocolate desserts complement the berry sweetness without overwhelming the bourbon notes. Grilled pork chops benefit from the fruit-forward contrast. Sharp cheddar cheese creates a sweet-savory balance. Lemon tart or cheesecake echoes the whiskey's vanilla and caramel tones. Pecan pie pairs naturally with the bourbon base and subtle oak character.

What sizes does Bird Dog Blackberry come in? Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Bird Dog Blackberry worth the price? Bird Dog Blackberry positions as an accessible, value-tier flavored whiskey that punches above its price point in competition — its Double Gold at the 2018 SIP Awards and Gold Medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition suggest quality that outpaces many similarly priced competitors in the flavored whiskey segment.

Why Bird Dog Blackberry?

Bird Dog Blackberry was the original expression that helped establish the flavored whiskey category, giving it a foundational status that later entrants cannot claim. Its competition record — Double Gold at the 2018 SIP Awards, Gold at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and a Silver at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards — demonstrates consistent quality across judging panels and years. The Kentucky bourbon base provides more depth and warmth than many flavored whiskeys that rely on lighter spirits, and the natural blackberry infusion avoids the artificial character that plagues lesser products in this space. For drinkers looking for a blackberry whiskey with genuine bourbon credentials and proven recognition, this remains the benchmark expression.