Mike Trott, a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and a U.S. Air Force veteran, has called Peoria home for nearly a decade. Initially drawn to Arizona by family ties, Trott and his family returned often until Peoria became their home. These roots have provided a solid foundation for Trott to co-found Four Branches Bourbon (FourBranches.com), a brand built on service and legacy.
Loving the Upper Westside
Peoria’s steady growth and close-knit community inspired Trott to settle down.
“It’s a well-managed city, seeing incredible sustainable economic growth and stable home values. It’s great seeing more shopping, restaurants, parks, theaters, and other activities in our area,” says Trott, adding that proximity to the 101 and the new 303 freeways also makes travel more convenient.
Trott also loves the new ‘Upper Westside' description of North Peoria and enjoys the peaceful community with good friends nearby.
As co-founder and managing principal of Four Branches Bourbon, Trott oversees everything from communications to product development and distribution. When he’s not managing the brand’s expanding reach, he enjoys North Peoria's many amenities.
Among his favorite local spots are Char Pizzeria, Harkins Cine Grill, Black Rock Coffee Bar, and Bourbon and Bones—one of the venues that carries Four Branches.
“During the day, I’ll sometimes take a computer break and ride my Harley over to Black Rock Coffee Bar for a shot of caffeine,” he says.
While his ties to the local community are strong, the roots of Four Branches Bourbon run even deeper.
Four Branches Bourbon is a Legacy
Founded by Trott and his three co-founders, Four Branches Bourbon represents more than just a brand. It’s a legacy. Along with US Air Force veteran Trott, Alfredo (Rick) Franco was a Marine, Robert (RJ) Casey was in the Army, and Harold Underdown was in the Navy. The four men share over 100 years of combined military and CIA service.
“The genesis of our brand and company was to honor a fellow Marine and close friend of my partner,” Trott says. “We quickly realized we collectively had many names of individuals we wanted to honor and recognize. It didn’t take long after this to realize we were friends from four different branches of the military who wanted to use our company to recognize and remember others and celebrate all of life’s precious moments.”
Their mission is encapsulated in three guiding principles: Serve Honorably. Drink Honorably. Sip to Remember.
“We hope our brand messaging begins to take hold and will help modify the narrative around veterans and first responders who may struggle with alcohol use,” Trott says. “We want to help show others you can enjoy alcohol by drinking honorably, similar to drinking responsibly, and slowing it down to sip to remember and not use it as a means to forget difficult times.”
This commitment to honoring service and fostering connection naturally guided the founders to bourbon, a spirit steeped in American tradition.
“As founders, we all enjoy and appreciate what it takes to make bourbon and find it a ‘reflective spirit,’” says Trott. “As veterans, we have a history of taking a moment to toast someone or an event.”
Therefore, bourbon seemed like the perfect spirit to represent our appreciation of life, family, and the country we served. Bourbon is uniquely known as American whiskey, as it can only be produced and made in America.
The bourbon stands apart in a crowded market. Using a four-grain mash bill consisting of corn, rye, barley, and wheat, Four Branches offers a complex and smooth flavor profile. Less than 10% of bourbons use this approach. Aged between four and eight years, each release pays tribute to craftsmanship and service.
That attention to detail has earned them acclaim. Their debut Founders Blend has already earned a double gold, two golds, and a silver in the prestigious San Francisco Spirits Awards. However, accolades aren’t the primary goal. For Trott and his team, it’s about impact.
Bourbon with a Cause
Since launching the company just two years ago, Four Branches has raised over $400,000 for nonprofit organizations, many focusing on veterans, first responders, and children.
“As veterans who have experienced different types of loss, misfortunes, and physical disabilities over the years, we’ve all had to lean on others at times,” Trott says. “It’s just part of our nature, and we believe that giving back so others can receive the support they need during a difficult time brings us closer together as Americans and humans.”
This ethos fuels Trott’s passion for expanding Four Branches’ footprint, starting locally.
“We’ve been introducing our brand and message to more venues here in Peoria to grow our local community,” he says.
That local reach is about to expand even further. This month, specialty bourbon cases will arrive in Arizona, with more on the way.
“This year is the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marines, and in honor of their long and storied history, in June 2025, we’ll be releasing our second LTO named The Continental,” says Trott.
This release will feature a special 9-year Straight Kentucky Bourbon at 102 proof, packaged in a commemorative design. Only 600 cases, totaling 3,600 bottles, will be available nationwide, and Trott doesn’t expect them to last long. Most will be sold through their website, with some cases available in Arizona.
Whether building a brand, riding his Harley, or raising a glass to service, Trott is grounded in a mission far beyond bourbon. For him, it’s about honor, remembrance, and community.