The Wells County Chamber of Commerce, Ambassadors, and Board Members recently gathered to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of The Bourbon MD, owned by Joey Mossburg and Nathan Dirig. Located at 209 West Market Street, this unique bourbon and cigar bar aims to bring a distinctive social experience to Bluffton’s growing downtown scene.
The idea for The Bourbon MD was born from a combination of Mossburg’s passion for bourbon and Dirig’s love of cigars. As Dirig puts it, “We just wanted to do something that was awesome. In all honesty, we just have some cool hobbies that we thought were cool, and we want to be able to share it with everybody else. We think we’ve got some good traction, and we’re excited to show it all.”
The name “The Bourbon MD” is both a nod to their last names (Mossburg and Dirig) and a playful take on the idea of a bourbon “doctor.” The concept began when Mossburg, who moved his family to Bluffton six years ago, noticed the strong sense of community and downtown revitalization. “We started going to the brewery, meeting people, and hanging out, and I just realized how phenomenal the sense of community is,” said Mossburg. “We thought, ‘Let’s do something cool—they deserve it.’”
Mossburg and Dirig, both line workers by trade, built the business from the ground up—literally working on it late into the night after their full-time jobs. The interior reflects their dedication to craftsmanship, featuring custom elements like a bar top made from an old utility pole.
The Bourbon MD offers an array of curated experiences, including bourbon flights, craft cocktails, wine, and a wide selection of cigars. Guests can also enjoy a menu of charcuterie boards, cheese ball flights, and paninis, with gluten-free options available. One standout feature is the table-side s’mores, where guests can roast marshmallows over personal fire pits, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the refined setting.
A particularly popular attraction is the VIP “Wicking Room,” named to honor the building’s rich history of housing tobacco production in the late 1800s. The exclusive space is already sold out, offering 20 members private access to cigar lockers, personalized glassware, and a cozy, intimate atmosphere complete with a fireplace and private restroom.
While the atmosphere may feel sophisticated, the owners emphasize that The Bourbon MD is a welcoming and laid-back space. “People might think it’s swanky, but we’re just blue-collar guys who want everyone to feel welcome—whether they come in dressed up or just off the job site,” Mossburg said.
The Bourbon MD is open Thursdays through Mondays. Thursday and Monday hours are 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 11 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m.
To learn more about The Bourbon MD, visit their physical location or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates and event announcements. Pictured cutting the ribbon are owners Nathan Dirig and Joey Mossburg, surrounded by family, friends, Chamber Ambassadors, and Board Members.