‘We’re proud to lead.’ First black-owned bourbon distillery coming to downtown Lexington.
Lexington entrepreneurs Sean and Tia Edwards are launching what is thought to be the first black-owned bourbon distillery in Kentucky.
The Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. announced plans Wednesday to build a 34,000-square-foot distillery in downtown Lexington.
In December, the company received approval from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority for up to $325,000 in tax incentives for the $5.4 million project, which will create an estimated 25 new full-time jobs.
“Bourbon is a mainstay of Kentucky’s economy, and I am thrilled to see this step toward greater inclusivity in this iconic industry,” said Gov. Andy Beshear in a news release. “Creating opportunities for all Kentuckians is essential, and our administration aims to pave the way for progress. I sincerely thank Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. for choosing to build its distillery in our state.”
Sean Edwards, who grew up in Lexington, said that they have not yet signed a contract for a location to build their distillery but hope to break ground this summer. He said they estimate it will take 18 months to build the Fresh Bourbon Distillery, which will incorporate a music hall and tasting room as well as spaces for tours.
Using a mashbill they have distilled at the Hartsfield & Co. distillery in Paris, the Edwardses hope to release their first batch by the end of the year.
They are working with an African-American master distiller, something Sean Edwards said “hasn’t happened since slavery.” The distiller’s name is confidential at the moment, Edwards said.
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While Fresh Bourbon will be historic, Edwards said “one of the most important things is we want to make bourbon for everybody.”
Their brand will a premium product, in an elegant bottle aimed at a modern and sophisticated audience, Tia Edwards said.
The bourbon is made with a mashbill of 60 percent corn, 20 percent honey malt, 10 percent malted wheat and 10 percent malted rye, Sean Edwards said, giving it a nose of honeysuckle, hot water cornbread, peaches and apricots. The flavor profile includes vanilla, brown sugar, oak smoke and a nuttiness, with a long sweet finish. It will be 90 proof, priced about $39 a bottle.
They also hope to launch other spirits, including a gin, an agave-blend product and another whiskey.
“For nearly three years, we have been diligently developing an authentic and unique bourbon and spirits line,” Sean Edwards said in a statement. “We chose not to buy bourbon from someone else and just place our name on a bottle. We have been very intentional and deliberate in crafting our spirits — from the mash bills up — and also our Fresh Bourbon team, including in selecting our master distiller, the first African American master distiller in Kentucky since slavery. We are excited to receive economic incentives from the State of Kentucky to build our distillery and share with the world what we have created.”
The Edwardses say it’s important to acknowledge the African-American contributions to the spirits industry and raise awareness of sometimes hidden origin stories, but they also are focusing on authenticity in creating their own bourbon.
“We have a story, and it’s a good one, but when you taste (the bourbon), it’s great,” Tia Edwards said.
They also hope to inspire new interest in bourbon and perhaps new entrepreneurs, especially in Lexington.
“We’re proud of what we’re doing for the industry, for Lexington and for Kentucky, and we’re proud to lead with our whiskey,” Sean Edwards said.
Separately, three brothers — Victor, Chris and Bryson Yarborough — are starting a black-owned microdistillery in Louisville. Brough Brothers Bourbon expects to officially launch in March.
This story was originally published February 5, 2020 at 4:29 PM.
