Fresh Bourbon offers a new approach to the bourbon experience
September is Bourbon Heritage Month. Founders Sean and Tia Edwards say they want bourbon to be for everyone.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Bourbon is a $9 billion dollar industry in Kentucky, and the industry and its marketing has largely stayed the same.
However, Sean and Tia Edwards, founders of Fresh Bourbon, say they’re not only the first African-American bourbon makers in Kentucky, they’re wanting to add a unique take to the bourbon experience, saying their goal is to make bourbon enjoyable for everyone.
They say it started with a dream back in 2017.
“We felt like we could add something to the industry to add a fresh approach. And what we mean by that, basically, you can drink bourbon however you like it,” said Sean Edwards.
The Edwards say they noticed bourbon was often served one way at distilleries: neat.
However, they’re not sacrificing the traditional: the Edwards created an original, 4-grain recipe for their bourbon, which is 95 proof in order to hold up in any cocktail. Not to mention, the recipe is award-winning.
“A lot of times bourbon connoisseurs push the neat experience onto you. And so for me, I wanted to find my taste. And finding it, it was in a cocktail. We want people to come and enjoy bourbon the way they like it,” said Tia Edwards.
That’s exactly how they want you to feel at Fresh Bourbon’s newly-opened tasting room on Main Street in Lexington.
“It’s not like anything you’ve seen in a tasting room. It has a woman’s touch, I’m proud to say. It’s everything you want to enjoy in a nice space,” said Tia Edwards.
Moving forward, Fresh Bourbon is looking to build its own distillery in downtown Lexington, hoping to break ground by the end of the year.
“You know it’s America’s native spirit. And we’re happy to be in the industry. And as the first African-Americans to make bourbon in Kentucky, we’re excited to add a fresh approach to the industry,” said Sean Edwards.
If you’re looking to try Fresh Bourbon out for yourself, the Fresh Bourbon Tasting Room is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10AM to 5PM at 377 E. Main Street.
