DuBlasé Whiskey, the premium brand founded in Jacksonville, Florida, by engineer Darrin Eakins, has expanded its portfolio with three aged straight bourbon expressions. The launch, which took place on September 1, follows an 82% increase in overall sales from 2024 to 2025.
The three new expressions add to a range that previously centered on the brand’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey and its signature Vanilla Whiskey.
“We’ve always been intentional about how we grow DuBlasé,” said Eakins. “For us, expansion isn’t simply about entering as many markets as possible. It’s about building the right relationships, creating demand and establishing a foundation that allows the brand to grow sustainably.”
Quick whisky question
Single malt is everywhere, but what does it mean? We want to know what the word “single” means to you. Three quick questions, under a minute.
A Florida A&M University graduate, Eakins built a career in engineering before entering the spirits sector. His interest developed while exploring sponsorship opportunities for a semi-professional basketball team he co-owned.
That curiosity led to nearly two years of recipe development alongside a master distiller.
Eakins launched the brand in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when supply-chain disruptions and hospitality closures created challenges for emerging drinks companies. The business responded by emphasizing online sales and direct relationships with retailers.
What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris
READ THE STORYWithin six months of launching, DuBlasé secured Sam’s Club as its first national retail account. It has since added Total Wine and a network of independent retailers, restaurants and lounges. The whiskey is currently distributed in Florida, California, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Its online retail platform provides access to consumers across 38 states.
DuBlasé described this launch as one of its most significant since the brand debuted in 2021.
“We’re building a national brand, but we also want that growth to create opportunities that extend far beyond whiskey,” Eakins said.
The brand has earned recognition from competitions including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Craft Competition Awards. While Eakins was named the JAX Chamber’s 2026 Overall Small Business Leader of the Year.
A portion of DuBlasé proceeds supports The DuBlasé Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Eakins established in 2021. The foundation has awarded more than $30,000 (£22,000) in scholarships and supports STEM education programs.
The company said it is continuing to expand its retail, hospitality and distribution relationships.
Latest On The Whiskey Wash
