Founded by Military Veterans, This Bourbon is on a Mission

There’s bourbon—and then there’s bourbon with a mission.

Founded in 2023, Four Branches Bourbon is a veteran-led spirits company steeped in honor, tradition, and unwavering patriotism. What sets it apart isn’t just the exceptional quality of its award-winning product. It’s the story behind the bottle. As the only spirits brand founded by veterans from all four branches of the U.S. military—Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps— Four Branches is on a mission to raise a glass to those who serve, especially those who do so in the shadows.

At the heart of this endeavor is Rick Franco, a Marine Corps veteran and former CIA contractor. Franco served 11 years in the military before joining the intelligence community, and it was during a deeply personal mission—repatriating a fellow CIA contractor who gave his life to save others—that the idea for Four Branches was born.

“Creating this bourbon was about more than business,” says Franco. “It was about honoring a friend, and all the quiet professionals who live and die with little recognition.”

Born from Service, Built on Legacy

Headquartered in the U.S. and available in 41 states, Four Branches Bourbon channels the grit, discipline, and commitment to excellence forged through military service. Its inaugural release, The Founders Blend, is a 96-proof Kentucky bourbon crafted with a rare four-grain mash bill—an intentional nod to the unity of all four military branches.

The blend, designed in partnership with legendary Master Distiller Steve Nally, a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer, has already earned numerous accolades, including Double Gold at the SIP Awards and Gold at the ASCOT Awards.

But for Franco and his fellow co-founders, the bourbon is only part of the story. “We’re in this to make world-class bourbon,” he explains, “but just as importantly, we’re here to give back.”

That giving back is tangible. In less than two years, Four Branches has helped raise over $400,000 for nonprofits such as Folds of Honor and the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation. A portion of every sale is dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders—communities that continue to inspire the brand’s ethos.

At its core, Four Branches Bourbon is about storytelling—capturing the quiet strength, courage, and sacrifice of America’s warriors and turning it into a message that resonates across generations. That’s why the company partners with artists, musicians, and other patriotic brands to amplify their mission.

One of their recent collaborations was with rising country music star Dillon Carmichael, a modern patriot using his platform to champion faith, family, and freedom. “Dillon may not have worn the uniform, but he’s fighting in his own way,” Franco says. “His music tells stories that matter, and his partnership helps us spread our message farther.”

Another key partnership is with Veteran and MMA Champion, Randy Couture. Couture is widely recognized as one of the greatest and most accomplished MMA fighters in history: a six-time UFC champion across two weight classes, he made history as the fourth fighter inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Through events and appearances, he is helping raise the visibility of Four Branches—and has even created a signature bourbon recipe with the brand called "Toll Road."

Their shared motto? “Let’s not drink to forget—let’s sip to remember.”

These collaborations showcase the brand’s commitment to creative, purpose-driven alliances. From military photographers and veteran-owned businesses to artisan crafters and cocktail curators, Four Branches is forging a community that celebrates service, sacrifice, and American resilience.

Values Distilled in Every Drop

Franco credits faith, family, and the values instilled during military service as the guiding forces behind every decision at Four Branches. “There’s no separation between how I live personally and how I lead this company,” he shares. “Faith played a major role in even starting this journey.”

His leadership philosophy reads like a field manual for life: lead by example, do the hard right over the easy wrong, listen before speaking, focus on the details. Seems simple, but these aren’t just platitudes—they are lessons hard-earned over decades in uniform and in the field.

Despite facing the many challenges of entering the highly regulated spirits industry, the founders leaned on their military training—adapting quickly, forming strategic alliances, and surrounding themselves with industry experts. The result? A brand that stands tall alongside legacy distilleries, yet distinctly honors its modern-day mission.

And while Franco is quick to say that Four Branches is still in a high growth phase with a long road ahead, their early stage impact and momentum tells a different story.

This Season, Sip to Remember

As the seasons shift, Four Branches invites bourbon lovers to try its signature cocktail, The Quiet Professional—a tribute to the elite operatives and special forces community whose stories often go untold. For those who understand that great bourbon can be more than just a drink—for those who want to sip with purpose—Four Branches offers something rare: integrity in a bottle, and a legacy in every glass.

As Franco puts it, “We don’t just make bourbon. We tell stories. We honor lives. We remember.”

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