Brough Brothers, Kentucky's First and Only Black-Owned Distillery Opens For Business

Kentucky’s first and only Black-owned distillery recently opened its door for business in Louisville, KY.

Brough Brothers Distillery — founded by three brothers, Bryson, Christian, and Victor Yarbrough all born and raised in Louisville — is on a mission to produce quality bourbon whiskey in an industry that’s remained inaccessible to minority entrepreneurs.

According to PR Newswire, the brothers have long been committed to revitalizing the West End neighborhood where Brough Brothers is based as well as supporting other local businesses. The distillery will provide both economic growths for the community of Park Hill, a historically underserved area of Louisville’s West End along with providing job opportunities for its residents.

“Brough Brothers has an opportunity to not only provide employment opportunities for our local community but also design an experience for locals and tourists in the heart of one of Kentucky’s cultural hubs,” Brough Brothers CEO Victor Yarbrough said in a press statement. “At a time in history when there is much attention on Lousiville, we are excited to represent positive change and hope for and on behalf of our city.”

In August 2018, the Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau first approved Brough Brothers Distillery. In August 2020, the company was recognized by Kentucky’s Senate as the state’s first African American-owned distillery. It was also approved by the Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Board back in September and will barrel and distill its first barrel of bourbon this winter.

Although the bourbon shop won’t be open for business to bourbon enthusiasts until spring 2021, the brand is available on store shelves and online now.

Currently, you can find what customers are calling “one of the smoothest bourbons on the market,” in major and independent retailers at its home in Kentucky along with national retailers such as Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Kroger, and more. Today, Brough Brothers has major partnerships in five states including Colorado, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Florida.