Sean and Tia Edwards are the visionary husband-and-wife team behind Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co., a Lexington, Kentucky-based brand that has significantly impacted the modern bourbon landscape. Recognized by the Kentucky General Senate, Fresh Bourbon holds the distinction as among the first Black-owned bourbon distilleries licensed in the Commonwealth and for being founded by the first African Americans to make bourbon in Kentucky since the era of slavery. Their journey marks a crucial chapter in expanding diversity and representation within Kentucky’s signature spirits industry, building upon the often-unacknowledged historical contributions of African Americans to bourbon production.
Founders and Vision
Sean Edwards, a Lexington native, grew up with a familial connection to alcohol production, recalling his grandfather and uncle making moonshine in their basement, sparking an early fascination with distillation. Tia Edwards, a University of Kentucky alumna with a background in integrated strategic communication and over two decades of sales experience, partnered with Sean to bring a fresh perspective to the traditionally conservative bourbon world. Sean holds a degree in business management from the UK Gatton College of Business and Economics.
The idea for Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. solidified during the Edwards’ extensive travels, where they observed Kentucky’s global recognition for bourbon, horses, and fried chicken. They identified an opportunity to create a bourbon that was approachable and versatile, challenging the notion that bourbon should only be enjoyed “neat”. Their mantra, “Start Fresh. Finish wherever you like,” reflects their commitment to making bourbon accessible to all drinkers, whether in cocktails, on the rocks, or neat. This vision led them to register Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. in 2017.
Milestones and Industry Impact
In February 2020, Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. publicly announced its plans to build a $5.4 million, 34,000-square-foot production facility and entertainment complex in Lexington’s historic Distillery District. The planned facility would include a music hall and event center, offering tours and guided tastings. This ambitious project aimed to establish the largest African American-owned distillery in Kentucky upon completion. The company’s launch and initial fundraising efforts, however, faced slowdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed back their construction timeline.
Despite these delays, Fresh Bourbon remained committed to its “grain-to-glass” philosophy, ensuring meticulous oversight of every step of their bourbon-making process, from sourcing local grains to crafting and aging. Rather than sourcing existing whiskey and simply labeling it, Sean and Tia Edwards were intentional about developing their own unique recipe from scratch. Their bourbon features a distinctive four-grain mash bill consisting of 60% corn, 20% honey malt, 10% malted wheat, and 10% malted rye. The use of honey malt is particularly unique in the industry, contributing a gently sweet and complex flavor profile to their non-chill filtered bourbon, which is produced in a pre-Prohibition style and matured in a mix of barrel sizes.
The first batch of Fresh Bourbon was released in late 2020, with subsequent distribution expanding to five states by early 2021. While their permanent distillery was under development, Fresh Bourbon was contract distilled at Hartfield & Co. in Paris, Kentucky.
A significant milestone occurred in September 2022, when Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. opened its sophisticated tasting room in downtown Lexington. The tasting room provides a premium bourbon and cocktail experience, offering guided tastings and mixology sessions. Designed with marble floors, porcelain tile, chandeliers, and imported African Kewazinga wood paneling, the space reflects a modern luxury aesthetic, contrasting with more traditional distillery tour experiences.
Legal Recognition and Legacy
The rise of Black-owned distilleries in Kentucky, including Fresh Bourbon, has also brought attention to historical claims and distinctions. Brough Brothers Distillery, founded by Victor, Bryson, and Christian Yarbrough in Louisville, also debuted around the same time and was recognized by the Kentucky State Senate as the state’s first African American-owned distillery in August 2020, with their doors opening in December 2020. This context is vital when discussing the pioneering efforts of Fresh Bourbon.
In a notable legal development, a federal appeals court ruled in favor of Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. in March 2026, upholding their right to claim that they distilled the first Black-produced bourbon in Kentucky in modern times. This ruling affirmed Fresh Bourbon’s long-held assertion and their recognition by the Kentucky State Senate as the first African Americans to make bourbon in Kentucky since slavery. Sean and Tia Edwards emphasized their transparency and pride in creating their own unique recipe, honoring their legacy in the industry. Sean Edwards is recognized as one of the first Black master distillers in Kentucky since slavery. This achievement not only highlights their entrepreneurial success but also addresses the historical erasure of African American contributions to the bourbon industry.
Sean and Tia Edwards continue to drive Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. forward, with ongoing plans for their larger distillery and a commitment to fostering inclusivity and a welcoming experience within the world of bourbon. Their work contributes significantly to the growing landscape of craft distilling in America and empowers greater diversity within the spirits industry. The founders are also keen on supporting their community, aiming to create jobs and economic growth in Lexington. The story of Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and reclaiming a rightful place in an industry deeply intertwined with American history.