In the rolling hills of Kentucky, where bourbon flows as naturally as conversation on a front porch, the story of Five Springs begins. But unlike most bourbon tales that end in oak-paneled tasting rooms and dusty archives, this one carries on — all the way to the Northeast, into modern living rooms, weekend hikes, rooftop bars, and open-air bonfires. Five Springs is not just a bourbon-inspired brand. It’s a reimagination of what bourbon can be when it honors the old while embracing the new.

At the heart of Five Springs is founder Lisa Sawyer Derman — a Kentucky native whose career in the spirits world spans more than three decades. Her résumé includes household names like Stoli and The Macallan, where she served in senior executive roles. But for all her experience in vodka, tequila, and single malt, bourbon has always held a special place. For Lisa, bourbon isn't about mahogany boardrooms or leather-bound exclusivity. It's about warmth, community, and that sense of ease you find in wide-open spaces. It’s a conversation around a fire, a friend handing you a glass after a long hike, a laugh that lingers long after sunset.

That philosophy is what inspired Lisa to launch Five Springs — a collection of naturally infused bourbon liqueurs designed to bridge the gap between heritage and modernity. Each bottle is crafted with premium bourbon distilled, blended, and bottled in Kentucky, then infused with fruits, botanicals, and other natural flavors to create something that feels both rooted and refreshing. The result? A line of bourbon liqueurs that invite a new kind of drinker to the table — curious, adventurous, and not afraid to mix things up.

Currently available in Kentucky and New Jersey, and online for the wider curious crowd, Five Springs debuted with three distinct flavors: Vanilla Maple, Honey Sage, and Blood Orange. Each one offers a unique expression of flavor and feeling, yet all remain tied to the same core idea — that bourbon, in all its depth, can also be playful, inclusive, and unpretentious.

Vanilla Maple is perhaps the coziest of the trio. Infused with natural vanilla, maple, and subtle complementary notes, it calls to mind flannel blankets and golden autumn light. It’s a flavor that doesn’t just warm the palate — it invites you to settle in. Whether sipped neat by the fire or shaken into a Five Springs Espresso Martini, Vanilla Maple is comfort in a glass.

Five Springs Bourbon- Vanilla Maple

Honey Sage, on the other hand, walks through the woods. With herbal brightness and floral sweetness, it’s the flavor equivalent of a breath of fresh air. Perfect on the rocks or mixed with ginger beer for a Honey Sage Kentucky Mule, this blend has also caught the attention of bartenders for its versatility — particularly in Five Springs' signature twist on the Paper Plane cocktail.

Five Springs Bourbon- Honey Sage

Then there’s Blood Orange, the boldest of the trio. Zesty and vibrant, it plays well with classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned, but also shines on its own over ice. It’s citrus-forward, confident, and a little unexpected — like a familiar tune played on a new instrument. Or, as Five Springs puts it, “like adding a banjo to the band.”

Five Springs Bourbon- Blood Orange

With an ABV of 35% and a suggested retail price of $35, the Five Springs range occupies an approachable yet premium corner of the market. While the bottles proudly state “bourbon infused with natural flavors,” the ABV means that technically, these are bourbon liqueurs — a subtle distinction for purists, but one that also gives the brand freedom to explore a more flavor-forward, lower-proof drinking experience that aligns with shifting consumer tastes.

This fresh take on bourbon arrives at a time when the industry is undergoing change. There’s a growing appetite among consumers for spirits that are not just high-quality, but also creative, approachable, and suited to more casual, social settings. Lisa saw an opportunity not just to create a product, but to reshape the narrative around a spirit steeped in heritage.

The name Five Springs reflects this duality. Springs are fresh, vibrant, and a source of renewal. The number five suggests balance, harmony, and a nod to the elements — earth, water, fire, air, and spirit. Together, the name evokes a kind of grounded optimism: a bourbon brand that knows where it came from, and isn’t afraid to explore where it’s going next.

And people are taking notice. From casual drinkers discovering bourbon for the first time to seasoned connoisseurs intrigued by a new expression, Five Springs is carving a space for itself — not by shouting, but by inviting. Not by chasing trends, but by gently pushing boundaries.

In Lisa’s words, “We created Five Springs because we believe bourbon needs a refresh.” That refresh doesn’t mean abandoning the soul of the spirit. It means opening the door wider, pouring a few glasses, and saying, “Come on in.”

Because bourbon, at its best, isn’t just a drink. It’s a moment. A memory. A gathering.

And at Five Springs, that’s exactly what’s in the bottle.

Header image sourced from Five Springs Bourbon (Instagram).