Puncher’s Chance Kentucky Straight Bourbon a Pandemic Success Story
Famed sports and entertainment announcer Bruce Buffer, also known as the “Voice of Mixed Martial Arts,” explains: “A puncher’s chance means that anyone has the potential to succeed, whatever the odds or circumstances, if he or she works for it.” Puncher’s Chance 100 percent Kentucky Straight Bourbon, launched by Wolf Spirit Distillery in September 2020 is living up to that name: within only four full months of sales, this independent brand has already shipped more than 10,000 6-bottle cases, as well as 30 private barrels at cask strength (115-122 proof).
Wolf Spirit CEO Bradd Levitan said: “This is the most exciting launch I have been part of in my 27 years as a supplier. We have partnered with some of the most discerning supply sources in the industry, including IJW and others, to build a robust pipeline of excellent quality, true Kentucky bourbon, in enough quantity to keep up with demand. We are on track to sell more than 25,000 9L cases in 2021, which will be our first full year of business; this would place us among the fastest-growing new bourbon brands from an independent producer.”
- The private barrel program kicked off with Liquor Barn, one of the leading retailers in Kentucky. Wolf Spirit is on track to ship more than 200 private barrels of Puncher’s Chance in 2021.
- In Florida, chains such as Winn-Dixie, Norman’s and Golden Ox all stocked the upstart brand starting on December 1 and have already sold a combined 471 6-packs.
- The team behind Puncher’s Chance is providing much-needed entertainment and surprise during these tedious times: Bruce Buffer himself has been seen in stores such as Dale’s in Playa Del Rey. The brand is also strong in Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and WinCo grocery stores – a full 37 of the latter. WinCo in Arizona (seven stores) and Nevada (five stores) are also going strong, with Washington state soon to follow.
COO Larry Margolis comments: “We just completed our fifth bottling in six months, have another bottling scheduled this month and a seventh in March. Keeping up with demand has been extremely positive and fun, really a great problem to have.”
Wolf Spirit founder and proprietor Umberto Luchini says: “We set out to target a new bourbon consumer. We are a small, independent company competing with multinationals. We can’t afford expensive research, so our decisions come from hard won experience. The popularity of the UFC, boxing and fighting fitness sports – plus general world circumstances leading so many to fight for what they believe in – guided our choices. We are happy to say that, so far, it seems we have made the right decisions.”
In addition to Puncher’s Chance, Wolf Spirit Distillery brands include Blood x Sweat x Tears Vodka and Tom of Finland Organic Vodka.