Louisville, Kentucky continues to be a vibrant hub for American whiskey, and at the forefront of its evolving landscape is Brough Brothers Distillery. As Kentucky’s first African American-owned distillery, the brand recently marked a significant dual milestone: the release of two new bourbon expressions and the impending grand opening of an expanded distillery and visitor experience.
In an exciting partnership with the venerable Belle of Louisville, the world’s oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat, Brough Brothers has introduced “Captain’s Cut” and “Cask Strength” bourbons. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold will directly support the vital preservation and ongoing operations of the nationally registered landmark, the Belle of Louisville. This collaboration grew out of Brough Brothers’ multi-year sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby Festival Great Steamboat Race, forging a natural connection between two Louisville originals.
“The Belle has told Louisville's story on the river for decades, and Brough Brothers will soon share its chapter of that story from the same river's edge from its new distillery,” stated Barbara Sexton Smith, interim CEO of Belle of Louisville Riverboats. Victor Yarbrough, CEO of Brough Brothers Distillery, echoed this sentiment, adding, “Sponsoring the Great Steamboat Race introduced us to the Belle, and opening our doors on Waterfront Park made us family. This bourbon is a tribute to two Louisville originals and the river that connects them.”
Beyond these new spirit releases, Brough Brothers Distillery is poised for significant growth with the September opening of its newest distilling location and visitor experience at 1250 River Road, near the Belle's wharf and Waterfront Park. This expansive 15,000-square-foot facility is designed to substantially increase both production and bottling capacity. It will also feature a dedicated tasting room and versatile event spaces, offering an immersive experience for bourbon enthusiasts and tourists alike. The brand’s original distillery, a foundational step in their journey, opened its doors in Louisville’s Park Hill neighborhood in 2021.
Founded by brothers Victor, Christian, and Bryson Yarbrough, Brough Brothers Distillery has been on a mission to produce high-quality bourbon since its inception as an import and export business in the United Kingdom in 2012. Their commitment culminated in opening Kentucky’s first African American-owned distillery in 2021, a monumental achievement that broke barriers in the industry. This expansion on River Road signifies not just a business milestone but a deepening of their roots within the heart of American bourbon country, further solidifying the Yarbrough brothers’ vision of bringing their unique chapter of Kentucky bourbon to a broader audience.
As we’ve seen with other Black-owned beverage brands making significant strides, such as Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. securing legal victories and fueling expansion dreams, the growth of Brough Brothers Distillery highlights the vibrant innovation and increasing representation within the spirits industry. This continued progress is vital for fostering diversity and creating new legacies in American distilling.
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