History

Black Patch Distilling Company is a family-owned distillery in Alabama. The company was founded in honor of military service and sacrifices. The inspiration comes from Clayton, the founder and original owner, whose unit wore a sterile uniform with a single black patch. Together with co-founder Gary Cooper, they named the distillery Black Patch in homage to Clayton’s service. According to the label, the “Black Patch” symbol defines them – uncomplicated, authentic and hard-working – and their motto is to deliver quality in every drop. It’s American-made, and the slogan is not just spoken but lived.

The distillery opened in 2018 in Madison, Alabama. In 2025, a new ownership was announced, and Black Patch moved to Huntsville, Alabama – Rocket City. They donate a portion of every bottle to veteran charities. According to the story, Gary Cooper designed the recipe for the Bourbon while his son was on his first combat deployment; his son lost a leg in service, but the recipe has remained unchanged for more than a decade.

Production

Black Patch offers a range of spirits, including bourbon and rye as core products, plus spiced and flavored variants. The bourbon is listed at 90 Proof and is aged in new charred oak barrels, where the sweetness of the corn meets layers of caramel, vanilla and a gentle spice for a smooth, full-bodied profile – enjoyed either neat, on the rocks or in classic cocktails. Rye whiskey is made with a high-rye mash bill and presents peppery and warm baking-spice notes, balanced by notes of caramel, vanilla and oak; aging yields a smooth, complex rye.

Their lineup also includes H.E.A.T. High Explosive Anti-Tank Cinnamon Whiskey, made with a premium whiskey blend and our own homemade cinnamon candy without artificial sweeteners; it is recommended to be enjoyed neat, chilled shots or in cocktails. BLUE Agave Flavored Whiskey is 70 Proof and sweetened by blue agave syrup; it’s intended to be both sip-worthy and mixable. Orale Platinum and Orale Gold are described as blue agave spirits (80 Proof), where Platinum is 100% Mexican blue agave without additives, and Gold is aged in oak barrels for at least a year for extra complexity and notes of vanilla, caramel and spice. Their Pecan Pie Liqueur is a creamy whiskey blend with pecan-pie flavor, 60 Proof, described as dessert in a bottle.

In addition to the whiskey products, they offer a range of blue agave spirit variants and pecan pie liqueur, and they highlight handmade cinnamon candy in some products and the use of premium ingredients instead of artificial additives.

Products / Whiskey Series

Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon | 90 Proof | 750 ML Aged in new charred oak barrels, it balances the sweetness of corn with layers of caramel, vanilla and a gentle spice. Smooth, full-bodied and suitable for neat, on the rocks or classic cocktails. Quote from Gary J. Cooper: “I designed this recipe while my son was on his first combat deployment. Although my son lost his leg after being seriously wounded in combat, he helped me perfect this recipe and it has remained unchanged for over a decade.”

Rye Whiskey

Rye | 90 Proof | 750 ML Our Rye Whiskey is made with a high-rye mash bill and offers a pronounced pepper and warm baking-spice profile, balanced by notes of caramel, vanilla and oak. Aged to a smooth yet complex rye, suitable for enjoying neat or in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Bold, yet balanced.

H.E.A.T. High Explosive Anti-Tank

Cinnamon Whiskey | 70 Proof | 750 ML Turn up the heat! This is not your standard cinnamon whiskey. It’s made with our premium whiskey blend and our own homemade cinnamon candy—without artificial sweeteners. The flavor explodes, and the tasting notes acknowledge the hard work that goes into making the candy in every bottle. Enjoy neat, chilled shots or in cocktails; whiskey with a fiery twist.

BLUE Agave Flavored Whiskey

Blue Agave Flavored Whiskey | 70 Proof | 750 ML BLUE is a whiskey with a sweet side. We’ve added high-quality blue agave syrup for a light sweetness and drinkability—perfect for mixing or enjoying neat. Smooth, with a touch of sweetness.

Orale Platinum

Blue Agave Spirit | 80 PROOF | 750 ML Not your ordinary tequila. Orale Platinum is a blue agave spirit distilled exclusively from 100% premium Mexican blue agave without additives and delivers a pronounced flavor. An experience that makes you shout “Órale!”

Orale Gold

Blue Agave Spirit | 80 PROOF | 750 ML Same quality principles as Orale Platinum, but aged in oak barrels for at least a year to add vanilla, caramel and spice, giving a smoother and more refined agave spirit. An experience that also makes you shout “Órale!”

Pecan Pie Liqueur

Pecan Pie Flavored Whiskey | 60 PROOF | 750 ML Straight from the Heart of Dixie: pecan pie flavor in a bottle. A whiskey blend with roasted pecans, brown sugar and a buttery crust, tasting like dessert in a glass. Enjoy neat, on the rocks, in fun cocktails or even over ice for cooled desserts.

Visits / Experiences

You can request a distillery tasting and tour by using the contact form. Address: Black Patch Distilling Company, 2650 Leeman Ferry Road Suite B, Huntsville, Alabama 35801. Hours (example): Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and Saturday listed as 11:00–18:00 (Thursday and Friday), Saturday 12:00–17:00. Monday and Tuesday closed.

Philosophy

Earn. Every. Drop.® – Our passion is in the bottle, not on the label. The Alabama-based team carries a hustle-minded mentality with a focus on hard work and the pursuit of profit. The name and symbol Black Patch were chosen as a tribute to military service and sacrifices, and the brand embodies perseverance, authenticity and dedication to craftsmanship in every drop. Items such as veteran support and angel initiatives demonstrate our commitment to the community. Their slogan and identity are rooted in American craftsmanship and a family heritage that values quality and honor above price and hierarchy.

Last updated: 07-12-25 21:54