NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans-based Big Easy Spirits Company is redefining the flavored whiskey category with its flagship Big Easy Whiskey, a premium 5-year-old straight whiskey that puts authentic whiskey flavor front and center. Launched in early 2025 in its hometown of New Orleans, this innovative infused American whiskey starts with 100% straight whiskey distilled in Kentucky and Indiana from a traditional bourbon mash bill (81% corn, 15% rye, 4% malted barley). Aged for five years in used bourbon barrels for a smooth, rounded profile, it’s then expertly infused with over two dozen natural herbs, spices, botanicals, and fruits by Master Blender Kieran Walsh. The result is a bold yet approachable botanical-infused whiskey that enhances the spirit’s rich character without overpowering it – perfect for enthusiasts searching for high-quality flavored whiskey options.
This whiskey (86 proof, 43% ABV, $34.99 SRP for 750mL) shines as an everyday sipper, especially over ice where flavors evolve with each melt. Tasting notes feature toasty American whiskey aromas transitioning to warm baking spices like vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, with complex Amaro-like herbal layers of cedar and lemon balm on the palate. Versatile for cocktails honoring New Orleans’ legendary mixology, it adds depth to simple serves like “Easy Over Ice” or creative ones like “Easy Like Sunday Morning.” Founded by industry veterans and New Orleans natives, crafted this spirit to be neither pretentious nor gimmicky – bold and boozy, bitter and sweet, embodying the Big Easy’s laid-back soul. Now available online with shipping to 46 states and in select retailers, this New Orleans whiskey is ideal for holiday entertaining or casual sipping. Bourbon Outfitter
About Big Easy Spirits Company
Big Easy Whiskey was launched in New Orleans in early 2025, captures the vibrant, laid-back essence of the Crescent City in every bottle. Founded by distilled spirits industry veterans and New Orleans natives, the brand aims to deliver a premium, approachable infused whiskey that’s neither pretentious nor gimmicky. Bold and boozy yet bitter and sweet, this whiskey embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and rich cocktail heritage of New Orleans, offering an everyday sipper that’s perfect for casual moments or sophisticated gatherings. Now available across 46 states, this innovative American whiskey redefines the flavored category with authentic quality and local inspiration.
How did New Orleans get the name, The Big Easy?
The nickname “The Big Easy” for New Orleans reflects the city’s renowned laid-back, easygoing lifestyle, vibrant jazz culture, and relaxed pace compared to faster-paced places like New York City (known as “The Big Apple”). While the exact origin is debated with several theories, the most widely accepted account traces its popularization to the 1970s.
New Orleans gossip columnist Betty Guillaud (sometimes spelled Guillot or similar) used the phrase in her newspaper columns to highlight the city’s carefree atmosphere in contrast to New York’s hustle. This usage caught on, especially after author James Conaway titled his 1970 crime novel The Big Easy (inspired by his time as a police reporter in the city, where he overheard the phrase), and the 1987 film adaptation starring Dennis Quaid further cemented it in popular culture.
Earlier theories include references to a early 20th-century dance hall called “The Big Easy Hall” in Gretna (across the river from New Orleans), where jazz pioneer Buddy Bolden performed, or slang among musicians describing how it was relatively “easy” to find gigs and make a living in the city’s thriving jazz scene compared to elsewhere. Other suggestions point to the city’s lenient attitude toward alcohol during Prohibition or its overall low-key vibe. Though locals rarely use “The Big Easy” themselves (preferring “New Orleans” or “NOLA”), the nickname endures as a celebration of the city’s unique charm.
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