John Battle Spirits
isn’t just about crafting fine whiskey and gin—it’s about honoring legacy, grit, and giving back. Rooted in distilling traditions that trace back to the Revolutionary War era, the brand breathes new life into centuries-old recipes while embracing modern craftsmanship. With a mission to celebrate history, support America’s service members, and redefine what “craft” truly means, John Battle Spirits is proving that when heritage, heart, and innovation collide, something extraordinary is born.
An Interview Between Enthusiast Report Magazine and Co-Founder & CEO of John Battle Spirits, Drew Hibbert
- Let’s start at the beginning—what inspired you to unearth and revive centuries-old spirit recipes from the Revolutionary War era?
It’s actually a bit more straightforward than it sounds. My father, originally from England, was the U.S. head of Bushmills Irish Whiskey in the 1970s while I was growing up in Southern California. Not everyone knows this, but Bushmills is the oldest commercial distillery in the world, established in 1608. He often traveled to Ireland to visit the distillery, and would share stories about production techniques that originated in Europe and eventually made their way to the U.S. around the time of the Revolutionary War—when distilling here was still very new.
Another lesser-known fact he loved to tell me was that Bushmills owned and operated a steamship, the SS Bushmills, which made its maiden voyage across the Atlantic in 1890 to deliver Bushmills whiskey to America for the first time. How cool is that!?
- John Battle Spirits clearly isn’t just about producing quality spirits—it’s about honoring legacy. How did you go about sourcing ingredients and processes that truly reflect 18th-century American distilling?
For ingredients, we researched what was common in the regions of the U.S. where the Revolutionary War took place. For example, the botanicals used in our Liberty Garden Gin were historically used to treat soldiers’ wounds. More details can be found on our website at JohnBattleSpirits.com.
On the process side, it’s a combination of knowledge passed down from my father and thorough research into traditional production methods.
- You only capture the “hearts” of each batch during distillation—a meticulous and intentional approach. Why was this process so important to you?
This is actually a fairly common practice in distilling. The “heart” is the purest, most flavorful portion of the distillate, separated from the less desirable “heads” and “tails.” It ensures quality, balance, and character. At John Battle, we follow this practice for every batch.
- Every bottle supports service members and veterans. Why was philanthropy such a core part of your brand from the start?
My founding partner, David Gianulias, and I have been fortunate in both current and prior ventures. This time, we wanted to build a brand with purpose—a mission behind what we do. We quickly realized that the philanthropic side of this journey is just as rewarding as financial success.
- Your cocktail program showcases some truly creative combinations. Do you have a personal favorite recipe from the lineup?
We’ve partnered with Lifted Spirits Agency, a brilliant local team that develops trending, innovative cocktails. They’ve recently created a new deck of drink cards called The 21 Gun Salute. My favorite? STEPHEN’S LEGACY—a cocktail honoring our partner Stephen Mensinger, made with John Battle Regiment Rye Whiskey, espresso, orange, and chocolate bitters. It’s incredible!
- The design and branding feel like a thoughtful blend of patriotism and grit. How did the visual identity of John Battle Spirits come to life?
That’s exactly what we aimed for. We had a strong brand identity, story, and purpose, and we needed visuals to match. Countless hours of creative development led to what you see today—and we’re proud of it. And trust me, there’s much more to come.
- You’re not just making spirits—you’re giving away fully customized firearms in monthly draws. What was the thought behind pairing collectible American weaponry with premium spirits?
Through an exclusive partnership, we had the chance to craft patriotic, customized firearms. We launched a sweepstakes as part of celebrating the John Battle Foundation, our charitable entity. Each year, we plan to add exciting new initiatives that grow alongside our spirits and foundation. Learn more at JohnBattleFoundation.com.
- “Craft” is a term used often in this industry. How do you define it—and how does John Battle live up to that standard?
For us, craft means small-batch runs, sourcing unique and quality ingredients, using proprietary distilling techniques, and hand-finishing our packaging. Beyond production, it’s also about bringing signature cocktails and unique events to market. Every aspect of what we do is craft.
- If you could pour a glass of John Battle and sit down with one figure from the Revolutionary War era, who would it be and what would you serve?
It would be David Farragut, the esteemed U.S. Navy admiral famous for declaring, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”
I’d serve our new Battle 47 cocktail—John Battle Brigade Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro, and lemon juice. Some know it as a Paper Plane. We call it Battle 47.
- What’s next for John Battle Spirits? Are there any upcoming releases or projects that enthusiasts should keep an eye out for?
We have plenty on the horizon. In Q1 2026, we’re releasing two new whiskies. One will be a collaboration with our sister company, Levendi Winery, aging our Four Grain Bourbon in Levendi Sweetwater Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. This will give the whiskey a delicate Napa Valley Cabernet finish. The release will honor the Purple Heart, awarded to service members wounded or killed in action.
Keep an eye on our website and social media @JohnBattleSpirits for all the latest updates.
