June 22, 2021 - Hooten & Young Wine and Spirits is proud to announce the release of their barrel proof American Whiskey. Hooten Young was founded by former Special Operations Soldier, Master Sgt. Norm Hooten and Tim Young. Created as a brotherhood bonded by the love of freedom, family and honor, Hooten Young is a tribute to the brave men and women of the armed forces who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Notably known for his portrayal by Eric Bana in the film Black Hawk Down, Hooten is a true American hero. While retired from active military duty, he continues to work with veterans today as a full-time health care provider. In addition to his medical work, Hooten has partnered with his closest friends to create an American Whiskey to honor the brave men and women of the armed forces.

“Hooten Young was crafted to help folks slow down, bond with the people around them and remember those who are no longer here,” Hooten Young President, Norm Hooten, said. “Our mission is simple, we are committed to honoring America’s heroes one thought-provoking sip at a time.”

Bonded by decades of friendship with Young, Hooten Young Barrel Proof American Whiskey was discovered by Master Sommelier George Miliotes. Rare distillation and barrel aging practices, coupled with over a decade’s rest, have produced an American Whiskey with notes of baked pear, maple, nutmeg, cinnamon and a robust finish. The whiskey is aged 12 years and made with a mash bill of 99% corn and 1%barley. The spirit was distilled to 189 proof and originally barreled at 140proof; fewer than 3,000 bottles of this barrel proof whiskey were then bottle dat 120 proof from second fill barrels. Miliotes brings his renowned expertise to Hooten Young as one of only 268 Master Sommeliers in the world.

“It’s been an honor to assist Normand Tim to create an American Whiskey that is evocative of their background and seeks to honor America’s heroes,” Miliotes said. “The uniqueness of our barrel proof American Whiskey can be attributed to the 12 years of aging, as well as the second fill barrels instead of using the first fill. Our barrel proof American Whiskey is a direct and flavorful experience. The spirit at this strength will most certainly command your attention. Beyond its power, there is also a mellowness and richness not often found in barrel proof spirits. This particular whiskey reminds me of pulling an apple pie straight from the oven, the intense baked apple and hint of spicy cinnamon are akin to the aromas one will experience. With our barrel proof American Whiskey, take the time to slowdown and savor this unique spirit.”

Visit hootenyoung.com for more information and follow @hooten.young on Instagram and HootenYoung Whiskey on Facebook.

About Hooten Young

Established in 2018 by former Delta Force Master Sergeant Norm Hooten, Tim Young and their friends, Hooten Young is a brand dedicated to providing fine cigars and smooth spirits. Created as a brotherhood bonded by the love of freedom, family and honor, Hooten Young is a tribute to the brave men and women of the armed forces who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Visit hootenyoung.com for more information or follow @hooten.young on Instagram or Hooten Young Whiskey on Facebook.

About Master Sommelier George Miliotes

As one of 268 Master Sommeliers in the world, George Miliotes is a passionate educator and curator of wines and spirits. In March 2007, Miliotes became a Master Sommelier, passing a series of rigorous examinations that require the candidate to identify grape variety, country of origin, district of origin and vintage of wines by taste, aroma and sight. A firm believer in education and knowledge-sharing, Miliotes continuously studies wines and spirits. Miliotes is currently the proprietor and owner of Wine Bar George at Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort. Wine Bar George brings Miliotes ’expertise and worldwide travels to the heart of Central Florida. Follow George @WineBarGeorge on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Visit WineBarGeorge.com for more information.