PonyBoy Slings Hopes To Flip The Bourbon-Based RTD Market On Its Head!

Written By: The Gnarly Gnome
Photos: Provided

I’ve been casually watching this brand for a little bit after seeing some of the production roll through Cincinnati through some of the copacking operations in town. It was about time to dig in and introduce them to you, too.

Ponyboy Slings was founded by some industry veterans and debuted in the summer of 2023. They are a new piece of a quickly growing part of the drink industry – Ready To Drink Cocktails – bridging the gap between spirits drinkers, seltzer drinkers, and folks just looking for something a little bit different than what they’ve been used to. Ponyboy Slings is hoping to pick up a bit of the incredible Bourbon culture currently while redefining it with innovation and accessibility.

The Story

Mike and Janell Bass founded the brand using their extensive experience in the bar and beverage industry to create a vision that includes making bourbon more approachable by breaking the traditional stereotypes surrounding a VERY old industry.

The couple spent around two years developing the product before launching it in July 2023. The result is a canned cocktail that is Bourbon-based, carbonated, and certainly different from other bourbon drinks you’ve tried!

The Company Keeps Growing

Ponyboy Slings has kept popping up on my radar over the last year or so – they continue to keep slowly expanding into new territories and growing at a slow but steady pace.

This growth includes a deal with Whole Foods to get into stores across the state of Kentucky and a partnership with Heidelberg Distributing to ensure that as they find new markets perfect for the nostalgic brand, they’re ready to move in.

What Makes Them Different?

In itself, a Bourbon-based carbonated cocktail isn’t anything earth-shattering. Instead, Ponyboy Slings carefully balances the flavors in their drinks to avoid the overly sweet or overpowering personality that plagues most other canned RTDs currently available on the market.

The line leans into a classic yet nostalgic look and personality. It’s refreshing and also comforting at the same time. If you are bored of the same old, same old – I think you’ll find what you’re looking for here!

To follow along with the brand, you can find them online at DrinkPonyBoy.com or on their Instagram profile… and I heartily encourage you to do so!