Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Lydia Martin
With stars Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley heralding the brand, it wasn’t difficult to imagine why many anticipated this cult whiskey’s release. But is Brother’s Bond Bourbon actually worth trying, or will it just be another in a long line of subpar celebrity booze brands?
We’ll take an in-depth look at Brother’s Bond Bourbon in this article.
Table of Contents
ToggleBrother’s Bond Bourbon’s Origin
Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, who met on the famed TV series The Vampire Diaries, had a few things in common: they were both drop-dead gorgeous, enjoyed pranks on co-stars, and had a shared love for bourbon. In fact, you’ll likely notice the pair drinking bourbon whether on- or off-screen.
Somerhalder and Wesley played Salvatore brothers Damon and Stefan for over a decade and became best friends in the process. They fondly refer to Brother’s Bond as “a story of time and quality, a passion project that represented the bond between the two founders in a drinkable form.”
The brand’s name is a nod to their on-screen characters and the brotherhood they formed over the years. The Brother’s Bond Distilling Company is located in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Distillation Process & Filtration
Somerhalder and Wesley are more than just the faces behind Brother’s Bond — they created this bourbon themselves.
After the pair filmed the end of the TV series in 2017, they spent time together off-screen. However, instead of reading scripts, they tested an ample assortment of mash bills, sourced quality ingredients, and took the time to study the long process of distilling bourbon.
They decided that the spirit would be double-distilled in copper columns and aged a minimum of four years in virgin American oak. Once it’s aged right, it is blended and mixed to achieve a bourbon with a great taste and an exceptionally smooth flavor.
Brother’s Bond Main Ingredients
Traditionally, American bourbon requires at least 51 percent corn in their mash bill, but they dialed it up to a whopping 65 percent corn for a touch of sweetness that will captivate palates.
The spirit is also rye-heavy (22 percent) to really amp up the spice. The mash bills are finished off with wheat and barley for a more complex and balanced taste.
What Does It Taste Like?
When we put the spirit to our lips, the first thing that came to our mind was baked banana bread, dried fruit, and orange honey. This had quite an approachable quality — no wonder the brand sold 50,000 standard cases within the first four months of its launch! [1]
The 65 percent corn in the mash bill contributed to a spirit that was the combination of sweetness and fruit notes. It has subtle floral notes and a distinct spiciness for a harmonious balance. We would assume that its bread-like quality came from the wheat.
Overall, this premium, hand-selected batch was a pleasant surprise. You can tell that each grain plays a part in this special bourbon’s complex and balanced flavor.
Brother’s Bond Bourbon Average Price
Type | Size | Proof | Average Price |
Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey | 750 ml | 80 | Around $54.99 |
Compared to Other Bourbons
Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey brand characterized for its high rye content (a whopping 25 percent). Notes of oak, maple, and nutmeg are present in this bourbon.
A 750ml bottle of Bulleit Bourbon is approximately $31.99, relatively cheaper than Brother’s Bond.
Also Read: Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Knob Creek
You’ll likely notice that Knob Creek is darker than most other brands. According to the company, its long aging process allows it to absorb more sugar from the wood. This results in complex flavors and an exceptional taste profile.
Knob Creek is a small batch bourbon brand targeted at the high-end liquor market. A 750ml bottle costs around $61.99 (at par with Brother’s Bond).
Evan Williams
Evan Williams is ranked as one of the world’s best-selling whiskey brands and is created in Bardstown, otherwise known as the Bourbon Capital of the World. It’s one of the best bourbons for cocktails with its friendly flavor profile of vanilla and apples.
A 750ml bottle of Evan Williams costs just around $16.09 (less than half of Brother’s Bond).
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Popular Brother’s Bond Bourbon Cocktail Recipes
Mystic Charmer
Anyone who’s a big fan of The Vampire Diaries knows that it takes place in a quaint little town called Mystic Falls. This cocktail is a nod to the two Mystic Charmers.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz honey syrup
- Ginger ale
- Ice
- Lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour all ingredients (except the ginger ale) into a shaker with ice and combine.
- Strain and pour into a tall beer mug with fresh ice.
- Top off with ginger ale. Garnish with lemon.
Serving: 1
Bond Fire
Bond Fire is hot chocolate for adults. Here’s how you make this warm drink.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 0.5 oz mezcal
- 4 oz hot chocolate
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Whipped cream
- Caramel
Directions:
- Pour all of the ingredients into a coffee mug and stir until combined.
- Top off with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a drizzling of caramel.
Serving: 1
Blood Brothers
Ian and Paul are more than just great friends — they’re blood brothers (pun intended). Here’s how you make this tangy drink.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 0.75 oz port wine
- Ice
Directions:
- Pour all ingredients (except the wine) into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
- Pour and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
- Slowly pour the port wine over the mixture to allow it to “float.”
Serving: 1
FAQs
Is Brother’s Bond Bourbon limited edition?
No, Brother’s Bond is not a limited edition. However, the brand released a limited edition bottle back in 2021 that included a special card and video message from Somerhalder and Wesley themselves.
Is Brother’s Bond sold in stores?
Yes, Brother’s Bond is sold in stores in 17 states across the United States. Brother’s Bond bourbons are also sold online at ReserveBar and Drizly.
Is Brother’s Bond Bourbon sold at Walmart?
Yes, Brother’s Bond Bourbon is sold at Walmart. You can also get this specialty bottle from Bevmo and Total Wine.
How much is a bottle of Brother’s Bond bourbon?
The price of a bottle of Brother’s Bond bourbon can vary depending on factors such as location, retailer, and any promotional discounts or markups. However, as of recent data, Brother’s Bond bourbon typically falls within the mid-range price category for bourbon whiskeys. A standard 750ml bottle of Brother’s Bond bourbon might range from $25 to $40, though prices can fluctuate slightly based on market demand and availability.
How popular is Brothers Bond bourbon?
In terms of popularity, Brother’s Bond bourbon has garnered significant attention and interest since its release. The brand was co-founded by actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, best known for their roles in the television series “The Vampire Diaries.” Leveraging their celebrity status and passion for bourbon, Somerhalder and Wesley have successfully promoted Brother’s Bond bourbon through various marketing channels, including social media, interviews, and public appearances.
While Brother’s Bond bourbon may not have the same level of recognition as longstanding bourbon brands, its association with well-known personalities and its commitment to quality and craftsmanship have undoubtedly contributed to its popularity among consumers, particularly fans of the actors or enthusiasts looking to explore new bourbon offerings. As the brand continues to grow and expand its presence in the market, it is likely to attract even more attention and further solidify its popularity among whiskey enthusiasts.
Brothers Bond: In Summary
Brother’s Bond Bourbon is more than just a brand of bourbon whiskey — it perfectly encapsulates the brotherhood shared by two best friends.
With every sip of this bourbon, we actually believe more and more that this is not just a cash grab — this special blend is made by those who have a fondness for great bourbon and want to celebrate it with other people.