Guitar Legend Derek Trucks Talks ‘The Search,’ The Whiskey Release He Drops Every Year At Bourbon & Beyond

Derek Trucks, renowned guitarist and co-leader of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, has carved out a distinctive niche beyond music by developing a bourbon whiskey brand known as Ass Pocket Whiskey (APW). This venture, which intertwines his passion for music and spirits, has seen steady growth since its inception, marked by annual limited-edition releases unveiled at major festivals.

The APW brand gained notable visibility when Trucks’ tour truck was emblazoned with its branding, a sight that surprised and amused those familiar with his dual pursuits. Contrary to initial skepticism about tour trucks featuring album art, this whimsical promotional approach was embraced by Trucks, aligning his musical journey with his whiskey enterprise in a tangible way during high-profile events like the Hollywood Bowl and Bonnaroo.

APW’s latest release, titled The Search (Limited Release No. 7), debuted at the Bourbon & Beyond festival in Louisville and is available for purchase at $64.99. This edition continues a collaboration with Danny Wimmer Presents, a company known for producing prominent music and bourbon festivals. Wimmer’s access to diverse bourbon selections has enabled Trucks to refine the quality and uniqueness of each annual release.

The brand’s trajectory reflects a shift in the bourbon marketplace. While initial efforts involved sourcing barrels suitable for branding, Trucks now finds that suppliers approach his team, recognizing APW’s focus on small-batch, aged bourbons. This progression indicates APW's rising credibility within the spirits community, bolstered by an expanding portfolio that includes the continuously available APW Original, a 7-year-old, 92-proof straight bourbon that Trucks favors personally.

A notable seasonal addition to APW’s lineup came in 2024 with the Holiday Proof bourbon, boasting a potent 122.5 proof and timed for consumption on Christmas Day. Its strength left a lasting impression on those who sampled it, underscoring APW’s commitment to offering diverse expressions for different occasions.

Beyond product releases, Trucks shares a personal tradition that projects the brand’s legacy into the future. Recently, he and his team filled a fresh bourbon barrel, agreeing to let it age untouched for a decade. The barrel is intended as a commemorative gift for his grandson, born just months prior, symbolizing a generational passing of both family and brand heritage.

Trucks’ engagement with APW also extends into his everyday life and local culture, particularly in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. Whether at Jacksonville Jaguars tailgate parties or on the road, he adopts unique approaches to enjoying bourbon responsibly. For instance, he borrows a practice from a friend who works on a Georgia farm, chilling bourbon bottles on ice to create what he dubs "tractor beers," a method suited to the region’s intense summer heat.

For enthusiasts seeking exceptional vintage bourbons that inspired Trucks’ own appreciation for the spirit, he recommends exploring specialized retailers such as Revival Bottle Shop in Covington, Kentucky. Known for its extensive collection of estate-sale acquisitions, this shop serves as a resource for discovering rare and aged bourbons, though Trucks cautions potential buyers about the premium prices often associated with such finds.

As APW continues to develop and expand its offerings, Derek Trucks remains deeply connected to both his musical roots and the evolving bourbon community. His annual releases, strategic collaborations, and personal anecdotes highlight a brand that pays homage to tradition while embracing innovation, ensuring that his legacy resonates through both sound and spirit for years to come.