Crack Open the Holidays: Derek Trucks’ Ass Pocket Whiskey Release No. 2 Is Here!

Let’s set the scene: It’s a chilly December evening. The fire is crackling, your favorite holiday tunes are playing softly in the background, and you’re surrounded by friends and family. Someone hands you a perfectly sized flask of bourbon, and as the cap twists off, the warm, oaky aroma is enough to make you forget that it’s freezing outside. That’s the vibe Derek Trucks is channeling with the release of Ass Pocket Whiskey (APW) No. 2: The Holiday Edition—a robust, high-proof bourbon designed to bring the heat to your holiday season.

If you missed out on the first release of APW earlier this year, don’t worry—you’re not alone. That one sold out in a flash at the Bourbon & Beyond Festival, leaving bourbon lovers clamoring for more. But Derek, a man who knows a thing or two about delivering a killer encore, is back with something even better. Release No. 2 isn’t just a sequel; it’s a holiday statement. And trust me, this is one bottle (or flask) you’re going to want to get your hands on.

The Story Behind Ass Pocket Whiskey: A Family Affair

Before we dive into what makes this bourbon special, let’s talk about the man behind it. Derek Trucks isn’t just a world-renowned musician—though, yes, he’s definitely that. You might know him as the slide guitar wizard ranked #16 on Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list, or as one-half of the Grammy-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band (alongside his powerhouse vocalist wife, Susan Tedeschi). Or maybe you remember his years shredding with the Allman Brothers Band, where he earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at an age when most of us were still figuring out how to file our taxes.

But Derek’s not just about riffs and solos. He’s also a bourbon lover—one of us, really. And like any good bourbon enthusiast, he knows the frustration of seeing whiskey become more of a collector’s item than a drink to be enjoyed. You know what I’m talking about: those fancy bottles that sit unopened on a shelf like museum pieces, gathering dust instead of being poured into a glass. Derek’s mission with Ass Pocket Whiskey is simple: to put whiskey back in the hands of the people.

And that’s where his brother David comes in. Together, the Trucks brothers have made it their mission to create a bourbon that’s high-quality, accessible, and—most importantly—drinkable. Nothing pretentious. Nothing stuffy. Just good whiskey in a size that’s easy to share or sneak into your pocket when the occasion calls for it.

What’s the Deal with Release No. 2?

Now, let’s talk bourbon. Release No. 2 is a limited holiday edition of APW’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon, bottled at a bold 122.5 proof. Yep, you read that right—122.5 proof. That’s not just a number; it’s a nod to Christmas Day itself (12/25). But don’t let the high proof intimidate you. Derek and David personally taste-tested this bourbon at multiple proofs to make sure it wasn’t just strong—it had to taste amazing, too. And from the sound of it, they nailed it.

This bourbon is all about warming up your holidays. Whether you’re sipping it by the fire, toasting with friends, or sneaking a quick taste while the in-laws argue over politics at the dinner table, APW Holiday Edition is here to deliver. Plus, it comes in a 200ml flask—the iconic “ass pocket” size—so it’s perfect for sharing or slipping into a stocking. (Pro tip: If you’re the kind of person who gives the gift of booze, you just found your MVP.)

A New Way to Think About Bourbon

The beauty of Ass Pocket Whiskey is in its simplicity. It’s not trying to be flashy or overly complicated. It’s bourbon for people who love bourbon. And that’s exactly what Derek wanted when he came up with the concept. He’s been pretty vocal about his frustration with the way whiskey has become this thing people collect but don’t actually drink. As he puts it, “Have your whiskey and drink it too.”

And let’s be real—he’s got a point. Some bottles cost a fortune and end up unopened, sitting on a shelf as “investments.” But APW? It’s meant to be cracked open, shared, and savored. The 200ml size is genius because it takes the pressure off. You’re not staring down a full-sized bottle, wondering if it’s “special enough” to open. With APW, every moment is special enough.

A Quick Nod to Release No. 1

If you were lucky enough to snag a bottle of Release No. 1 at Bourbon & Beyond, you already know what Derek is bringing to the table. That first batch sold out so fast it left Bourbon fans scrambling. But here’s a cool little detail: a few bottles from that release were held back and are now part of the Revival Vintage Spirits Locker Program in Covington. So, if you’re ever in the area and want to try the whiskey that started it all, you know where to go. Just don’t wait too long—this stuff doesn’t stick around.

Why You Need This Bourbon in Your Life

At the end of the day, Ass Pocket Whiskey isn’t just about bourbon—it’s about the experience. It’s about having something in your pocket that you can pull out at just the right moment. It’s about warming up cold nights and creating stories you’ll laugh about later. It’s about breaking out of the mentality that whiskey is too precious to enjoy.

So if you’re looking for the perfect holiday bourbon, Release No. 2 has you covered. It’s available to order now at AssPocketWhiskey.com, with shipments arriving just in time for the holidays. Whether you’re buying it for yourself, a friend, or that one relative who always brings the good booze to the party, this is one release you don’t want to miss.

Here’s the bottom line: Derek Trucks isn’t just making bourbon—he’s making memories. And with 122.5-proof holiday cheer in your pocket, you’re guaranteed to make some unforgettable ones this season. Cheers!