Chris Radomski is a busy guy—and for good reason. The co-founder of Duke Spirits (named after the legendary John Wayne, aka “the Duke,” and created with Wayne’s youngest son, Ethan) has been traveling following the latest buzzy release of a grand cru reserve bourbon and rye (yes, that’s aged Kentucky whiskey further aged in French oak wine barrels). Radomski gives us a slice of his time to chat about his love of O.C., the latest launches and what’s on the horizon.
What’s Duke Spirits’ history in Orange County?
We’ve had a presence in O.C. for a number of years now and have supported John Wayne Cancer Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, CureDuchenne and Miracles for Kids, to name a few.
What’s so special about your latest release?
I wanted to take the classic bourbon recipe and combine it with my years of experience in the wine world. This project took years of trial, relationships, and many combinations of bourbon vintages and wine barrels, but I believe these are truly unique creations that will stand up to and surpass anything in the market.
Spill it. What’s next?
We are on the cusp of introducing a fine tequila made much like a cult wine: single plantation, harvested piña by piña, only the purest. Tequila is a spirit that is so close to a fine wine... a spirit truly in touch with the land. Also coming up is the Made From Character tour, a national concert tour with our ambassadors, Runaway June, to spread the good word of the Duke.
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