Breaker Bourbon Whisky is a limited release hand crafted bourbon produced and bottled by Ascendant Spirits in Buellton, Santa Barbara County, California, and aged for a minimum of five years. Breaker is a genuinely distinctive entry in the American craft bourbon space, representing one of the only bourbon distillers operating on California's Central Coast, where the Mediterranean climate and ocean influence create a maturation environment unlike anywhere in Kentucky. The combination of warm days, cool coastal nights, and the Pacific coastal air accelerates and enriches the bourbon's interaction with the new charred American oak barrels, producing a depth and complexity that punches well above its age statement. The bottle itself is a quiet statement of craft confidence: a clean, broad-shouldered dark bottle with a matte black label and minimal design, letting the whisky inside do the talking. At 45% ABV and 90 proof, Breaker is approachable enough for everyday sipping yet complex enough to reward serious attention. Note that the label uses the Scottish spelling "Whisky" rather than "Whiskey," an intentional brand choice.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Ascendant Spirits, Buellton, Santa Barbara County, California |
| Type |
Bourbon Whisky — Hand Crafted Limited Release |
| Age Statement |
Minimum 5 years |
| ABV |
45% |
| Proof |
90 Proof |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Santa Barbara County, California |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep, rich amber with warm copper tones — a notably dark color for a 5-year-plus spirit, reflecting the accelerated California coastal maturation
Nose: Warm caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and a subtle coastal complexity that sets Breaker apart from standard Kentucky bourbon profiles. Clean and inviting with genuine craft character.
Palate: Smooth and well-rounded at 90 proof, with caramel, baking spice, vanilla, toasted oak, and a warm sweetness that carries through to a satisfying finish. The California climate influence shows in the rounded, approachable character.
Finish: Medium to long, clean and warming, with vanilla, oak, and a gentle spice fade that invites the next sip.
FAQ
Can bourbon be made outside of Kentucky?
Yes. Bourbon is an American product that can be produced anywhere in the United States, provided it meets the legal requirements of being made from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred American oak, and meeting the distillation and bottling proof requirements. Breaker is one of a small but growing number of craft bourbons produced in California, where the coastal climate produces a genuinely distinctive maturation character.
Why does the label say "Whisky" instead of "Whiskey"?
The Scottish spelling "Whisky" is an intentional brand choice by Ascendant Spirits for Breaker. While American spirits conventionally use "Whiskey," Breaker's use of the alternate spelling is a stylistic decision that sets it apart visually and reflects the distillery's independent creative identity.
Where can I buy Breaker Bourbon Whisky online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
