Brothers Bond Founders Ian Somerhalder & Paul Wesley
Brothers Bond Founders Ian Somerhalder & Paul Wesley
Brothers Bond Founders Ian Somerhalder & Paul Wesley

Brother's Bond Distilling Company Distillery Profile, History & Production

Brother's Bond Distilling Company Distillery Profile, History & Production

Brother's Bond Distilling Company is a bold American whiskey brand co-founded by actors and friends Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. Vincent Hanna is the third co-founder and CEO, who brings a wealth of experience from the wine industry.

Brother's Bond is known for creating approachable expressions that appeal to bourbon newcomers and enthusiasts. To date, they have 5 releases that are widely available in the United States, and they are expanding into territories including the EU, Asia, and UAE.

The brand is passionate about strengthening bonds between friends and loved ones while sharing great bourbon. Sustainability is also a core part of their ethos. They engage in regenerative farming practices and initiatives, and many elements of their products are eco-friendly (label, cork & more). They are also the most followed whiskey brand in the industry on social media.

Visitor Experience: Production is handled off-site at MGP/Ross & Squibb Distillery in Indiana, so you cannot visit Brother's Bond. However, you might be able to meet the faces behind the brand at whisky festivals and expos. Ian and Paul are also active within podcasts and other content on social media platforms. In addition, there are sometimes virtual tasting events.

Brother's Bond Distilling Company is a bold American whiskey brand co-founded by actors and friends Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. Vincent Hanna is the third co-founder and CEO, who brings a wealth of experience from the wine industry.

Brother's Bond is known for creating approachable expressions that appeal to bourbon newcomers and enthusiasts. To date, they have 5 releases that are widely available in the United States, and they are expanding into territories including the EU, Asia, and UAE.

The brand is passionate about strengthening bonds between friends and loved ones while sharing great bourbon. Sustainability is also a core part of their ethos. They engage in regenerative farming practices and initiatives, and many elements of their products are eco-friendly (label, cork & more). They are also the most followed whiskey brand in the industry on social media.

Visitor Experience: Production is handled off-site at MGP/Ross & Squibb Distillery in Indiana, so you cannot visit Brother's Bond. However, you might be able to meet the faces behind the brand at whisky festivals and expos. Ian and Paul are also active within podcasts and other content on social media platforms. In addition, there are sometimes virtual tasting events.

Brother's Bond Distilling Company Profile

Brother's Bond Distilling Company Profile

Brother's Bond Logo
Brother's Bond Logo
Brother's Bond Logo

Company Name

Company Name

Brothers Bond Distilling Company

Brothers Bond Distilling Company

Distillery Name

MGP Indiana (bottled by Brother’s Bond Distilling Co.)

MGP Indiana (bottled by Brother’s Bond Distilling Co.)

Distillery Location

Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA

Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA

Whisky Style/Region

American Whiskey

Year Founded

2020

2020

Distillation Method

Copper column and copper pot-doubler method

Master Distiller/Blender

Ian Somerhalder (Master Blender)

Ian Somerhalder (Master Blender)

Core Product Catalogue

Brothers Bond Distilling Company

Brother's Bond Production Techniques & Facilities

Feature

Detail

Distillery Name

Brother's Bond Distilling Company

Locations

Lawrenceburg, IN (Production) / Offices in Plano and Fort Worth in Texas. Registered in Columbia, Tennessee.

Facilities

Contract distilling via MGP; blending & bottling in Tennessee

Distillation

Column and pot still distillation at MGP

Aging Process

Minimum 4 years in new, deep-charred American oak barrels

Product Range

Straight bourbon, cask strength, blended rye, regenerative grain releases

Blending Oversight

Founders Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley involved hands-on

Feature

Detail

Distillery Name

Brother's Bond Distilling Company

Locations

Lawrenceburg, IN (Production) / Offices in Plano and Fort Worth in Texas. Registered in Columbia, Tennessee.

Facilities

Contract distilling via MGP; blending & bottling in Tennessee

Distillation

Column and pot still distillation at MGP

Aging Process

Minimum 4 years in new, deep-charred American oak barrels

Product Range

Straight bourbon, cask strength, blended rye, regenerative grain releases

Blending Oversight

Founders Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley involved hands-on

Awards

Awards

Year

Award Category

Award / Rating

Awarding Body

2023

American Blended Rye Whiskey

Double Gold

San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2023

American Blended Rye Whiskey

Platinum

TAG Global Spirits Awards

2023

American Blended Rye Whiskey

90 Points

London Spirits Competition

2023

American Blended Rye Whiskey

Double Gold

New York World Spirits Competition

2024

Straight Bourbon (Cask Strength)

Double Gold

San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2024

Innovation in Sustainability

Special Commendation

American Whiskey Magazine

Year

Award Category

Award / Rating

Awarding Body

2023

American Blended Rye Whiskey

Double Gold

San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2023

American Blended Rye Whiskey

Platinum

TAG Global Spirits Awards

2023

American Blended Rye Whiskey

90 Points

London Spirits Competition

2023

American Blended Rye Whiskey

Double Gold

New York World Spirits Competition

2024

Straight Bourbon (Cask Strength)

Double Gold

San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2024

Innovation in Sustainability

Special Commendation

American Whiskey Magazine

Sustainability & Innovation

Sustainability & Innovation

Initiative

Description

Regenerative Agriculture

In 2024, Brother’s Bond launched its first bourbon using grains sourced from regenerative farms focused on biodiversity, low soil disturbance, and ecosystem health.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Uses lightweight bottles to cut carbon emissions, recycled paper labels with minimal ink, and sustainable cork and recyclable shipping materials.

Philanthropy

Profits support nonprofits improving soil health, carbon sequestration through agriculture, and wildlife preservation; founders advocate for environmental change.

Sustainable Expansion

Partners with eco-conscious logistics firms that prioritize carbon offsets and sustainable warehousing as the brand scales internationally.

Initiative

Description

Regenerative Agriculture

In 2024, Brother’s Bond launched its first bourbon using grains sourced from regenerative farms focused on biodiversity, low soil disturbance, and ecosystem health.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Uses lightweight bottles to cut carbon emissions, recycled paper labels with minimal ink, and sustainable cork and recyclable shipping materials.

Philanthropy

Profits support nonprofits improving soil health, carbon sequestration through agriculture, and wildlife preservation; founders advocate for environmental change.

Sustainable Expansion

Partners with eco-conscious logistics firms that prioritize carbon offsets and sustainable warehousing as the brand scales internationally.

Financial Highlights

Financial Highlights

Year

Funding Round

Amount Raised

2022

Series A

$2 million

2024

Series B

$4.92 million

2025

Series B (add-on)

$7.5 million

Year

Funding Round

Amount Raised

2022

Series A

$2 million

2024

Series B

$4.92 million

2025

Series B (add-on)

$7.5 million

Year

Funding Round

Amount Raised

2022

Series A

$2 million

2024

Series B

$4.92 million

2025

Series B (add-on)

$7.5 million

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Brother’s Bond releases are there?

As of the end of March 2025, there are 5 Brother’s Bourbon releases, including: 


  • Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey (80 proof)
    Aged for a minimum of 4 years, this four-grain bourbon (65% corn, 22% rye, 13% wheat & barley) offers notes of vanilla, spice, caramel, and oak. Smooth, approachable, and crafted for wide appeal.

  • Brother’s Bond American Blended Rye Whiskey (95 proof)
    A blend of straight rye whiskeys, this expression balances rye spice with layers of dried fruit and subtle sweetness. Aged at least 4 years, it offers a bold yet refined character.

  • Brother’s Bond Original Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey (115.1 proof average). This is the uncut, unfiltered version of their flagship bourbon—aged 4+ years and bottled at cask strength. Rich and bold with intensified notes of cinnamon, toasted oak, and dark fruit.

  • Brother’s Bond Regenerative Grain Bourbon (90 proof)
    Crafted using sustainably grown regenerative grains, this limited release highlights earthiness and toasted grain notes, complemented by vanilla, honey, and baking spice. Aged 4+ years.

  • Brother’s Bond Bottled-In-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey (100 proof)
    Aged for at least 4 years and produced under Bottled-in-Bond standards, this whiskey delivers a robust and balanced flavor with oak, spice, and sweet grain complexity.

How many Brother’s Bond releases are there?

As of the end of March 2025, there are 5 Brother’s Bourbon releases, including: 


  • Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey (80 proof)
    Aged for a minimum of 4 years, this four-grain bourbon (65% corn, 22% rye, 13% wheat & barley) offers notes of vanilla, spice, caramel, and oak. Smooth, approachable, and crafted for wide appeal.

  • Brother’s Bond American Blended Rye Whiskey (95 proof)
    A blend of straight rye whiskeys, this expression balances rye spice with layers of dried fruit and subtle sweetness. Aged at least 4 years, it offers a bold yet refined character.

  • Brother’s Bond Original Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey (115.1 proof average). This is the uncut, unfiltered version of their flagship bourbon—aged 4+ years and bottled at cask strength. Rich and bold with intensified notes of cinnamon, toasted oak, and dark fruit.

  • Brother’s Bond Regenerative Grain Bourbon (90 proof)
    Crafted using sustainably grown regenerative grains, this limited release highlights earthiness and toasted grain notes, complemented by vanilla, honey, and baking spice. Aged 4+ years.

  • Brother’s Bond Bottled-In-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey (100 proof)
    Aged for at least 4 years and produced under Bottled-in-Bond standards, this whiskey delivers a robust and balanced flavor with oak, spice, and sweet grain complexity.

Who is the owner of Brother’s Bond?

Brother's Bond Bourbon was co-founded by actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, renowned for their roles in the television series The Vampire Diaries. Their friendship, which began on the show's set, deepened through their mutual appreciation for bourbon, often sharing a glass both on and off camera.​

In addition to Somerhalder and Wesley, Vincent Hanna is the third co-founder and serves as the company's CEO. Hanna brings extensive experience in the wine and spirits industry and previously collaborated with Somerhalder in the wine business. ​

The trio launched Brother's Bond Bourbon in 2021, aiming to embody values of community, authenticity, and sustainability, while also paying tribute to their enduring friendship.​

While Somerhalder and Wesley remain the public faces and key decision-makers for the brand, the bourbon is distilled and aged by MGP in Indiana. Brother's Bond Distilling Company is based in Columbia, Tennessee, operating independently as a bottler and marketer.

Who is the owner of Brother’s Bond?

Brother's Bond Bourbon was co-founded by actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, renowned for their roles in the television series The Vampire Diaries. Their friendship, which began on the show's set, deepened through their mutual appreciation for bourbon, often sharing a glass both on and off camera.​

In addition to Somerhalder and Wesley, Vincent Hanna is the third co-founder and serves as the company's CEO. Hanna brings extensive experience in the wine and spirits industry and previously collaborated with Somerhalder in the wine business. ​

The trio launched Brother's Bond Bourbon in 2021, aiming to embody values of community, authenticity, and sustainability, while also paying tribute to their enduring friendship.​

While Somerhalder and Wesley remain the public faces and key decision-makers for the brand, the bourbon is distilled and aged by MGP in Indiana. Brother's Bond Distilling Company is based in Columbia, Tennessee, operating independently as a bottler and marketer.

Is Brother’s Bond whiskey any good?

Brother's Bond has developed a reputation for being a smooth, approachable bourbon with wide appeal. 

There’s no doubt that this bourbon has strong support among fans of the brand’s celebrity founders, however, in the wider bourbon market you are likely to find mixed reviews that suggest due to the price point and age statement that you might find bottles that provide an equivalent experience for less. 

From our perspective, we enjoyed the experience of tasting this bottle as there were certainly several qualities to appreciate within its profile, and when we compared it to other bourbons of similar ages and proofs. 

Is Brother’s Bond whiskey any good?

Brother's Bond has developed a reputation for being a smooth, approachable bourbon with wide appeal. 

There’s no doubt that this bourbon has strong support among fans of the brand’s celebrity founders, however, in the wider bourbon market you are likely to find mixed reviews that suggest due to the price point and age statement that you might find bottles that provide an equivalent experience for less. 

From our perspective, we enjoyed the experience of tasting this bottle as there were certainly several qualities to appreciate within its profile, and when we compared it to other bourbons of similar ages and proofs. 

Where can you buy Brother’s Bond in the United States?

Brother’s Bond is available in many states within the U.S. and can be found at many online and physical retailers like Total Wine, BevMo!.

It’s also available online for shipping in most states via the Brother’s Bond website, which offers product bundles and special releases.

Where can you buy Brother’s Bond in the United States?

Brother’s Bond is available in many states within the U.S. and can be found at many online and physical retailers like Total Wine, BevMo!.

It’s also available online for shipping in most states via the Brother’s Bond website, which offers product bundles and special releases.

What sustainability practices does Brother's Bond follow?

The company uses regenerative grain in select expressions, supports environmental nonprofits, and uses recyclable packaging materials. Their regenerative grain bourbon was among the first of its kind in the U.S. market.

What sustainability practices does Brother's Bond follow?

The company uses regenerative grain in select expressions, supports environmental nonprofits, and uses recyclable packaging materials. Their regenerative grain bourbon was among the first of its kind in the U.S. market.

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Copyright © 2025 Craft Cask (Pty) Ltd