Journeyman Conor Daly 500 750ML is a limited-edition organic-grain bourbon bottled at 45.5% ABV (91 proof) in a 750ml format. This collaboration release between Journeyman Distillery and IndyCar driver Conor Daly ties the craft of small-batch bourbon to the spirit of the Indianapolis 500, making it a distinctive collector's bottle with genuine substance behind the label.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45.5% (91 Proof)  |  Origin: Three Oaks, Michigan, USA  |  Bourbon Whiskey  |  Distillery: Journeyman Distillery

Production & Heritage

Journeyman Distillery operates out of a historic building in Three Oaks, Michigan, and holds certification as one of the few organic distilleries in the United States. All grains used in production are certified organic — grown without synthetic fertilizers, artificial pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, growth hormones, or genetically modified organisms. The Conor Daly 500 is distilled using copper pot stills rather than the continuous column stills typical of most American bourbon production, a choice that contributes a fuller, more textured distillate. Aging takes place in new charred American oak barrels, as required by bourbon standards, imparting rich caramel and spice character. While Journeyman's flagship Featherbone Bourbon serves as the distillery's core offering, the Conor Daly 500 stands apart as a limited collaboration release bottled at a slightly higher proof point.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm caramel and toasted oak lead the nose, followed by vanilla and dried corn husk. A light dusting of baking spice — cinnamon and nutmeg — rounds out the aromatics with inviting warmth.

Taste: The entry is sweet and approachable, delivering butterscotch and honey upfront. At mid-palate, a firm grain backbone emerges alongside cracked black pepper and cinnamon bark, lending structure and complexity. The transition from sweetness to spice is well-paced, giving each sip a sense of progression.

Finish: The finish carries forward the toasted oak and caramel themes, with baking spice and a gentle pepper warmth that lingers. The 91-proof bottling strength ensures the finish has presence without excessive heat.

How to Drink the Conor Daly 500

At 91 proof, this bourbon rewards neat sipping — the extra proof carries its caramel and spice notes with clarity. A single large ice cube will open up the vanilla and grain sweetness for those who prefer a slightly cooler pour. In cocktails, the Conor Daly 500's sweet-forward profile and pot-still richness make it a strong candidate for an Old Fashioned, where its butterscotch and oak notes harmonize with bitters and a sugar cube. It also shines in a Bourbon Smash, as the honey and caramel flavors complement fresh lemon and mint. For something spirit-forward, try it in a Boulevardier — the bourbon's baking spice and barrel char stand up well to Campari's bitterness and sweet vermouth.

Best For

• Gifting a motorsport or IndyCar enthusiast who also appreciates whiskey
• Adding a limited-edition organic bourbon to a home whiskey collection
• Hosting a bourbon tasting featuring craft and independent distilleries
• Celebrating race day with a spirit tied directly to the Indianapolis 500

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Conor Daly 500 taste like? The Conor Daly 500 is a sweet, grain-forward bourbon dominated by caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, and toasted oak, balanced by moderate baking spice and cracked black pepper from new charred American oak aging.

How does the Conor Daly 500 compare to Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon? Both are organic-grain bourbons produced at Journeyman Distillery using copper pot stills and new charred American oak barrels. The Conor Daly 500 is a limited collaboration release bottled at 91 proof, while Featherbone Bourbon is the distillery's flagship expression available in wider distribution.

Is the Conor Daly 500 good for sipping neat? Yes — the 91-proof bottling strength delivers enough intensity for neat sipping while remaining approachable, with its caramel and vanilla sweetness balanced by spice and oak.

Where is the Conor Daly 500 made? The Conor Daly 500 is produced at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan, a small town in the southwestern corner of the state near the Lake Michigan shoreline.

What foods pair well with the Conor Daly 500? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complement the bourbon's charred oak and caramel character. Dark chocolate brings out the vanilla and cinnamon notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère echoes its butterscotch sweetness. Pecan pie mirrors its toasted grain and honey flavors. Grilled stone fruit like peaches works well alongside the bourbon's baking spice.

What sizes does the Conor Daly 500 come in? The Conor Daly 500 is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is the Conor Daly 500 worth the price? The Conor Daly 500 positions as a limited-release craft bourbon from a certified organic distillery using copper pot stills, which places it in a premium tier above mass-produced bourbons but within range of other small-batch, limited-edition expressions from independent American distilleries.

Why the Conor Daly 500?

What separates this bourbon from the broader market starts at the source: Journeyman Distillery's commitment to certified organic grains is rare in American whiskey production, and even rarer among distilleries using copper pot stills rather than column stills. The pot-still distillation produces a heavier, more characterful spirit that carries more grain and barrel complexity into the glass. As a limited collaboration release with IndyCar driver Conor Daly and the Indianapolis 500, this bottle has genuine crossover appeal as both a collectible and a drinking bourbon. For anyone seeking a well-made craft bourbon with an organic pedigree and a story rooted in American racing culture, the Conor Daly 500 delivers beyond the novelty of its name.