5 Secrets Behind Lowertown Ninety-Nine Bourbon's Unique Zinfandel Finish And Recent Expansion
The craft bourbon landscape is constantly evolving, and as of December 23, 2025, one brand is drawing significant attention for its distinctive flavor profile and ambitious market growth: Lowertown Ninety-Nine Bourbon. This spirit, a flagship product from the innovative Toledo Spirits Company, is not just another straight bourbon; it stands out in a crowded field thanks to a unique aging process that imparts a complex, fruit-forward nuance rarely found in American whiskey.
The bourbon’s name pays homage to the vibrant Lowertown Arts District in Toledo, Ohio, reflecting a commitment to local craftsmanship and creative innovation. Recent updates confirm that this distinctive high-rye bourbon is no longer a regional secret, with its distribution footprint expanding into major markets like New York and New Jersey, marking a pivotal step in the brand's journey to national recognition. This article dives deep into the history, production secrets, and flavor profile that make Lowertown Ninety-Nine a must-try for bourbon enthusiasts.
The Toledo Spirits Company: A Profile in Craft Distilling
Lowertown Ninety-Nine Bourbon is the cornerstone whiskey brand of The Toledo Spirits Company, a craft distillery founded on the principles of honoring local history while pushing the boundaries of traditional spirit production. The company's operations are rooted in Toledo, Ohio, a city known for its industrial heritage and burgeoning arts community. Their philosophy is to combine the best of time-honored techniques with modern, creative twists.
Lowertown Ninety-Nine Bourbon: Product Line and Specifications
- Distillery/Producer: The Toledo Spirits Company
- Location: Toledo, Ohio, USA
- Flagship Product: Lowertown Ninety-Nine Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Style: High-Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Unique Finish: Rested in Zinfandel Barrels
- Flavor Profile: Balanced complexity, smoothness, with notes of caramel, spice, and dark fruit from the Zinfandel finish.
- Proof/ABV: Varies by batch, typically bottled at a consumer-friendly proof.
- Other Expressions: Lowertown Apple Bourbon (a flavored whiskey) and Lowertown Black Bourbon (a casket-aged, darker expression).
- Inspiration: The craftsmen and creative innovators of the Toledo Lowertown Arts District.
- Recent News (2025 Update): Expanded distribution into New York and New Jersey, significantly increasing market reach.
The core Lowertown Ninety-Nine expression is the centerpiece, a product designed to be both sippable neat and versatile in classic bourbon cocktails. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in its hand-selected, high-rye mash bill, which provides a spicy kick that is beautifully tempered by the secondary barrel aging process.
The Zinfandel Barrel Secret: Why Lowertown 99 Tastes Different
What truly sets Lowertown Ninety-Nine apart from the vast majority of straight bourbons is its innovative finishing process. After its initial aging, the whiskey is "rested" in Zinfandel wine barrels. This is a critical step that elevates the flavor profile beyond standard bourbon expectations.
The use of wine barrels for finishing is a growing trend in the whiskey world, but Zinfandel barrels offer a particular set of characteristics that complement the high-rye bourbon beautifully. Zinfandel wine, known for its bold, jammy, and spicy notes, transfers these complex fruit and spice essences into the whiskey. The result is a bourbon that maintains the classic caramel and vanilla notes of American oak but introduces layers of dark fruit, plum, and a subtle tannic structure. This process is the key to its "complexity and smoothness."
This technique showcases the Toledo Spirits Company’s dedication to creative innovation. It appeals directly to modern whiskey drinkers who are looking for unique and non-traditional flavor experiences. The Zinfandel finish provides a perfect balance, preventing the high-rye spice from becoming overwhelming and adding a velvety texture to the final product. The spirit is intentionally blended to achieve this perfect harmony, demonstrating the skill of the master blenders at the distillery.
Lowertown's Expanding Footprint: From Ohio Gem to National Player
For years, Lowertown Ninety-Nine Bourbon was a coveted regional gem, primarily available in the Ohio area. However, the brand has recently made significant strides in expanding its market reach, a clear indicator of its growing popularity and the distillery's ambitious plans. A major development in 2024–2025 was the announcement of expanded distribution into the crucial markets of New York and New Jersey.
This expansion is a pivotal moment for The Toledo Spirits Company. Penetrating the competitive New York and New Jersey spirits markets is a testament to the quality and unique appeal of Lowertown Ninety-Nine. It means the brand is now directly competing with established national and international labels, bringing its unique Zinfandel-finished flavor to a much wider audience of bourbon aficionados and mixologists.
The move also highlights the growing demand for craft spirits with a distinct story and flavor. Consumers are increasingly seeking out whiskies that offer a sense of place and a unique production method, which Lowertown Ninety-Nine delivers on both counts. This strategic expansion is likely to be followed by further distribution into other states, solidifying the brand's position as a serious contender in the national craft whiskey scene. The availability of their full portfolio, including Lowertown Apple Bourbon and Lowertown Black, is expected to follow this expansion.
Beyond the Ninety-Nine: Exploring Other Lowertown Expressions
The success of the flagship Ninety-Nine Straight Bourbon has allowed Toledo Spirits to innovate with other expressions under the Lowertown banner, further demonstrating their topical authority in the craft whiskey space. These variations cater to different tastes while maintaining the brand's core commitment to quality and unique flavor profiles.
Lowertown Apple Bourbon: The Flavored Innovation
Lowertown Apple Bourbon is the brand’s foray into the flavored whiskey category. Unlike many overly sweet counterparts, this expression is designed to be a balanced and sophisticated option. It combines the caramel and spice of the base bourbon with natural apple flavors, creating a rich and versatile spirit. It is particularly popular for seasonal cocktails or enjoyed as a chilled shot.
Lowertown Black Bourbon: The Casket-Aged Experience
The Lowertown Black Bourbon represents the darker, more intense side of the portfolio. This expression is described as a "Casket-Aged Bourbon," suggesting a more extended or unique aging process, likely in heavily charred or specialized barrels to achieve a deeper color and more robust flavor. It appeals to bourbon drinkers who prefer a bolder, more traditional whiskey experience with amplified notes of oak, leather, and dark caramel.
These different expressions—the original Zinfandel-finished Ninety-Nine, the approachable Apple, and the intense Black—create a well-rounded portfolio. This diversity ensures that the Lowertown brand can capture a broader segment of the whiskey market, from the seasoned connoisseur to the casual drinker looking for a premium flavored spirit. The core message remains: quality, craft, and an innovative spirit, all stemming from the heart of Toledo's Lowertown district.
The next time you are searching for a unique bourbon that breaks the mold, look no further than Lowertown Ninety-Nine. Its distinctive Zinfandel barrel finish offers a flavor journey that is both familiar and excitingly new, solidifying its place as one of the most intriguing craft whiskeys to watch in 2025 and beyond.
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