Veteran-owned Four Branches Bourbon has expanded the distribution of its Founders Blend into 91 Army & Air Force Exchange Stores (AAFES) globally. The rollout will see the whiskey become available in stores across the U.S., Europe, and Asia starting this month.
The brand was founded by four veterans, each having served in a different U.S. military branch: the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force. Their combined service totals more than 100 years.
Rick Franco, co-founder of Four Branches Bourbon, said: “We are honored to have the opportunity to expand the locations where the Founders Blend is available. We started this company with the mission to honor those who serve and have sacrificed.”
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READ THE STORYHe added: “We are also passionate about drinking responsibly, which is represented in our motto ‘Serve Honorably. Drink Honorably’ and want our brothers and sisters in arms to do so as well while we all ‘Sip to Remember’ life’s greatest memories and celebrations.”
The Founders Blend is arriving in most U.S. AAFES locations this month. The overseas rollout is scheduled to run from November through January.
This agreement with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service places the brand in a key retail network for active duty military members, their families, and retired veterans. The AAFES has provided goods and services to U.S. military personnel worldwide since its establishment in 1895.
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The expansion builds on the brand’s existing presence in 14 U.S. Naval Exchange (NEX) stores. The company is also working to secure listings with the Marine Corps and Coast Guard exchanges.
The brand’s inaugural release, The Founders Blend, is a 96-proof Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. It is made with a four-grain mash bill by Hall of Fame master distiller Steve Nally.
Four Branches is part of a growing number of spirits brands founded by military veterans. The company is committed to charitable giving, with a portion of proceeds donated to nonprofits that support veterans and first responders.
Since its launch in 2023, the brand has helped raise nearly $500,000 for organizations including Folds of Honor and The Third Option Foundation.
Tasting events are planned for many of the new retail locations. For more information, visit the Four Branches Bourbon website.
