Iron Smoke Distillery has announced the release of its collaborative bottling Anchors Aweigh with rock band The Bouncing Souls, the first of what is expected to be a long running partnership.

In Spring 2024, the band hand-picked three Iron Smoke bourbon barrels for limited release while backstage at their concert in Chicago. Bassist and artist Bryan Kienlen was in charge of the original artwork, which can be seen on each of the bottles.

Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), Anchors Aweigh will be available for purchase online only, and there is a six-bottle limit for customers due to its limited-edition release.

Iron Smoke is an artisan farm distillery based in Fairport, New York, and has created highly rated small batch bourbons and whiskeys.

Commenting on the collaboration, Iron Smoke CEO Tommy Brunett said: “Being an artisan small batch farm distillery and making our bourbons in house – we’ve always adhered to a strong DIY punk rock ethic, just like the Souls. I’ve known the lads since the Argyle EP back in 1993 and they have never wavered from this mentality and way of life. The first release cements a new chapter for us with the band and is tasty as all get out."

The Bouncing Souls have had a career spanning more than 30 years, with their most recent album Ten Stories High inspired by stories from their own fans, exemplifying the close bond they have built with their listeners.

Speaking on their relationship with Brunett, a spokesperson for The Bouncing Souls said: “We’ve known Tommy for a long time, and he helped us record some songs for the Argyle EP. We’ve spent the last 30 plus years refining our respective crafts, so it only makes sense to reconnect on a new type of collaboration all these years later. No strangers to whiskey, we wanted to make a bourbon that we’d all enjoy. Tommy helped us do that and Anchors Aweigh Bourbon was born.”