3 Brothers Making History, Breaking Glass Ceilings as Kentucky’s 1st Black-Owned Bourbon Distillery

The Yarbrough brothers are making history with Brough Brothers Distillery. (Photo: Brough Brothers)

Three brothers, Victor, CEO; Bryson, COO and Kentucky’s first master distiller; and Chris Yarbrough, CMO made history last July when they opened Brough Brothers Distillery, the first Black-owned bourbon distillery in Kentucky.

The Louisville Courier-Journal on Monday published a feature on the distillery that has shattered a glass ceiling and continues to make history every day.

“There’s been so much passed historically, where Black people were involved with the actual manufacturing of the processes and behind the scenes [in bourbon], but never ownership,” Victor told the Courier-Journal.

The brothers told the Courier-Journal they want to inspire other Black entrepreneurs to “break the ceiling” while changing the narrative about the “typical” bourbon customer — middle-aged or older wealthy white males.

“I think diversity is always a great thing,” Victor said. “It always provides a different lens of whatever you’re doing. … I think there should always be a different ear or a different eye to visualize things from. It’s always empowering, and it always gets better with whatever you’re trying to accomplish being in Kentucky.”

Accessibility is important to the Yarbrough brothers, who wanted to make a bourbon for the working and middle classes — hence the price point of under $30.

Victor said the bourbon industry has always been like “an exclusive club, and I believe that our intent is to make it more accessible whether you’re Black, white, Hispanic, Chinese, whatever. We want it to be accessible, … [which] helps change the perception of bourbon itself.”

In the less than two years since launching, Brough Brothers Bourbon has expanded to become available in more than 25 states.

“We’re one of the fastest-growing brands in the U.S.,” Victor said. “We’re very pleased with the progress of the company, the brand itself, and now we look forward to future growth.”

The brothers make a great team. Bryson makes the bourbon. Victor manages supply and distribution, as well as the “overall general health of the company. Chris handles marketing and branding. The three brothers are an inspiration, and their impact will reach far and light the way for other minority distillers.

“People want to be successful,” Victor said. “As African-Americans, I think it helps to showcase that. It’s possible with hard work, diligence, consistency and not giving up. Know you’re going to take some losses, but you know those are learning points. You can do whatever you want to do.”

Brough Brothers Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Proof: 82

Nose: floral aromas of in-bloom red roses with fragrant apples and nutmeg

Taste: A medium-body flavor featuring fruity notes of green apple and pear. It also has subtle hints of ginger and nutmeg. Featuring a golden honey color.

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