When you think of Terry Bradshaw, images of gridiron glory likely come to mind: the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback hoisting the Lombardi Trophy four times, his induction into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1989, or perhaps his affable presence on Fox NFL Sunday. But in 2020, Bradshaw added a new chapter to his storied legacy—Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Partnering with Silver Screen Bottling Company and Green River Distilling in Owensboro, Kentucky, Bradshaw entered the crowded field of celebrity-endorsed spirits. As of March 5, 2025, this bourbon has been on the market for over four years, giving enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike plenty of time to weigh in. So, how does it stack up? Is it a touchdown or a fumble? Let’s pour a glass and find out.

The Backstory: From Football Fields to Bourbon Barrels

Terry Bradshaw’s journey from football legend to bourbon baron isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. A Louisiana native with a deep Southern heritage, Bradshaw has long professed an appreciation for bourbon’s quintessentially American charm. In promotional materials, he’s quoted as saying, “There’s just nothing better than a fireplace, two fingers of bourbon, a great cigar, and Pavarotti playing in the background.” It’s a romantic image, one that suggests a man who savors life’s finer things. After retiring from football, Bradshaw’s ventures—ranging from television to reality shows like The Bradshaw Bunch—showcased his larger-than-life personality. Launching a bourbon brand feels like a natural extension of that persona.

Bradshaw Bourbon is distilled by Green River Distilling, a historic Kentucky operation formerly known as O.Z. Tyler, which has undergone a renaissance in recent years. The bourbon is a collaboration with Silver Screen Bottling Company, a firm specializing in celebrity-branded liquors (think Star Trek-inspired James T. Kirk Bourbon or Step Brothers vodka). The mash bill—70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley—leans toward a high-rye profile, promising a bit of spice alongside bourbon’s classic sweetness. It’s aged for a minimum of two years in new American oak barrels and bottled at 51.9% ABV (103.8 proof), a nod to Bradshaw’s career passing completion percentage. The gimmick is cute, but does the juice in the bottle live up to the hype?

First Impressions: The Look and Feel

Pouring Bradshaw Bourbon into a Glencairn glass reveals a light amber hue—almost russet, as some reviewers note. It’s not the deep, rich caramel of an older bourbon, which makes sense given its youth. The legs form quickly and slide down the glass with medium viscosity, suggesting a decent body despite its two-year minimum aging. The bottle itself is sleek, with a bold “TB” logo and a cap stamped with “4X” to commemorate Bradshaw’s four Super Bowl victories. At around $40-$45 MSRP, it’s priced in the mid-range sweet spot—affordable but not bottom-shelf. For Steelers fans or Bradshaw devotees, the branding alone might justify the purchase. But for bourbon drinkers, it’s all about what’s inside.

The Nose: A Promising Start

Bringing the glass to your nose, the first whiff is gentle but assertive. There’s a noticeable grain-forward aroma, reminiscent of fresh-baked cornbread or toasted bread, underpinned by a light caramel sweetness. Vanilla peeks through, propped up by hints of new oak—classic bourbon notes that feel familiar but not overly complex. Some tasters pick up subtler layers: a whisper of banana, a touch of leather, even a faint campfire smokiness. The ethanol is present, especially at 103.8 proof, but it’s not overwhelming—more of a warm hello than a harsh slap.

For a two-year-old bourbon, the nose is surprisingly inviting. It’s not as refined as, say, a Buffalo Trace or a four-year-old New Riff, but it hints at potential. The youth shows, though; there’s a rawness here that longer aging might smooth out. Still, it’s a promising start—enough to make you curious about the sip.

The Palate: Youthful and Straightforward

The first taste of Bradshaw Bourbon reveals its true character: young, bold, and a little rough around the edges. Corn sweetness hits upfront, carrying that cornbread note from the nose, followed by a wave of honey and vanilla. There’s a rye-driven spice—think cinnamon or baking spices—that adds a kick, but it’s not as pronounced as you’d expect from a 21% rye mash bill. Subtle oak and a hint of char emerge toward the back, with some tasters detecting coconut shavings or even a faint cherry note.

At 103.8 proof, the heat is noticeable but manageable. It’s not a sneaky sipper that hides its strength; you know you’re drinking whiskey. Water or ice tames it slightly, opening up the sweeter notes, but it doesn’t transform the experience. The mouthfeel is light to medium, lacking the viscosity of a more mature bourbon. Flavors are distinct but don’t meld seamlessly—more like teammates running separate routes than a cohesive play. It’s not bad; it’s just not memorable.

The Finish: A Quick Fade

The finish is where Bradshaw Bourbon stumbles. It’s medium-length, with the sweetness and spice lingering briefly before fading into a drying oakiness. Some detect a peppery bite or a wisp of smoke, while others note a medicinal tang that creeps in on the second sip—a sign of its youth, perhaps. The warmth is there, but it doesn’t deliver the satisfying crescendo you’d hope for in a championship bourbon. It’s more like a field goal than a game-winning touchdown—serviceable but not triumphant.

How It Compares: Bradshaw vs. the Competition

To put Bradshaw Bourbon in context, let’s stack it up against some peers. At $40-$45, it competes with bourbons like Buffalo Trace ($30), Evan Williams Single Barrel ($35), and Wild Turkey 101 (~$25). Buffalo Trace, with its balanced sweetness and spice, outclasses Bradshaw in complexity and smoothness, even at a lower price. Evan Williams Single Barrel, aged 7-8 years, offers a richer, more polished profile for a similar cost. Wild Turkey 101, also 101 proof, brings bolder flavors and a thicker mouthfeel at a bargain.

Among celebrity bourbons, Bradshaw fares better than some (Sammy Hagar’s canned cocktails come to mind) but falls short of standouts like Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan) or Sweetens Cove (Peyton Manning). Heaven’s Door, with its older stock and thoughtful blending, delivers a sip worth savoring. Sweetens Cove, a Tennessee whiskey, boasts depth and character that Bradshaw lacks. At two years old, Bradshaw Bourbon feels rushed to market—a rookie quarterback thrown into the game too soon.

The Verdict: Touchdown or Pick-Six?

So, is Bradshaw Bourbon worth your money? It depends on what you’re after. For Steelers fans or Bradshaw enthusiasts, it’s a fun novelty—a piece of memorabilia you can drink. At $40, it’s not a bank-breaker, and it’s decent enough neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. The 103.8 proof gives it some punch, making it a solid mixer for an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan, where its flaws can hide behind bitters and vermouth.

For bourbon aficionados, though, it’s a pass. The youth is its Achilles’ heel—another year or two in the barrel could round out the rough edges and boost complexity. As it stands, it’s average at best, teetering between “meh” and “not bad.” Reviews across the web echo this sentiment. Breaking Bourbon calls it “below average,” noting its lack of standout qualities. Drinkhacker gives it a B, praising its approachability but critiquing its lack of depth. Wine Enthusiast awarded it a 91, an outlier that highlights its roasted nut and vanilla notes but overlooks its shortcomings. On Reddit’s r/bourbon, users are harsher, with comments like “absolutely terrible” and “I wouldn’t buy it for $15.”

The Celebrity Spirits Trend: Cash Grab or Craft?

Bradshaw Bourbon’s middling reception raises a broader question: what’s the deal with celebrity spirits? The trend isn’t new—Dan Aykroyd’s Crystal Head Vodka and George Clooney’s Casamigos Tequila paved the way—but bourbon’s seen a surge lately. From Metallica’s Blackened Whiskey to Matthew McConaughey’s Longbranch, stars are cashing in on liquor’s cultural cachet. Some, like Ryan Reynolds with Aviation Gin, bring marketing savvy and quality. Others feel like pure name recognition plays.

Bradshaw Bourbon leans toward the latter. Silver Screen Bottling’s track record—gimmicky releases tied to pop culture—suggests a focus on branding over craft. The two-year minimum aging and $40 price tag reinforce this: it’s a quick-turn product aimed at casual buyers, not connoisseurs. Compare that to Peyton Manning’s Sweetens Cove, where the involvement feels more hands-on and the result more refined. Bradshaw’s bourbon isn’t awful, but it’s hard to shake the sense that his name is doing the heavy lifting.

Room for Improvement: What’s Next?

There’s hope for Bradshaw Bourbon. Green River Distilling is on the rise, producing solid young distillate that could shine with more time in oak. If Bradshaw and his team commit to longer aging—say, four or five years—they could elevate this from a novelty to a contender. Batch consistency might improve too; early reviews vary, with some praising its sweetness and others bemoaning a metallic bite. A higher-end expression, perhaps a single barrel or cask strength release, could also win over skeptics.

For now, though, it’s a work in progress. As The Whiskey Wash put it, “The novelty of a Terry Bradshaw whiskey on your shelf might warrant the price.” That sums it up: it’s a conversation starter, not a cellar star.

Final Thoughts: Sip or Skip?

Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is neither a disaster nor a revelation. It’s a young, straightforward pour with decent flavors—cornbread, vanilla, spice—that don’t quite gel into something special. At 103.8 proof, it’s got guts, but its two-year age leaves it raw and unpolished. For $40, you can do worse, but you can also do better.

If you’re a Bradshaw fan, grab a bottle, toast to his Super Bowl wins, and enjoy the ride. If you’re a bourbon purist, save your cash for something with more maturity—like Bradshaw himself in his prime. This bourbon’s not Super Bowl caliber yet, but with time, it might just make the playoffs.