LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Kentucky has a worldwide reputation for bourbon, but Sean and Tia Edwards are hoping to bring a new spin to the famous industry.
The Lexington couple are the first African-Americans to distill bourbon in Kentucky.
“As we went through the process we found out there were no African American distilleries in the state of Kentucky. There had been no African Americans producing bourbon that weren’t slaves,” says Sean Edwards.
Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. proudly announces the upcoming development of the a new 34,000 square feet distillery in Lexington, KY and release of a new beverage alcohol spirits line, Fresh Spirits, marking multiple firsts for African Americans in the KY Bourbon industry.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – A new African-American owned distillery is set to open later this year in Lexington, creating 25 new jobs, according to the state.
Fresh Bourbon Distilling says the 34,000-square-foot distillery will be built near Lexington’s Distillery District.
Sean Edwards, owner and founder of the distillery, says the site will produce the company’s new line of bourbons and other whiskeys, as well as host tours and guided tastings. Plans also include an event space.
Lexington entrepreneurs Sean and Tia Edwards announced the launch of Fresh Bourbon Distilling Company during an event held last week, along with plans to build a distillery, music hall, and event center in downtown Lexington. The couple are positioning Fresh Bourbon as a modern approach to one of Kentucky’s oldest signature industries; an approach Sean Edwards said will help distinguish their brand from the competition.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — As Kentucky celebrates Black History Month, Gov. Andy Beshear Wednesday congratulated African American owned Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. on its plans to construct a new distillery and create about 25 jobs in Lexington.
Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. owner and founder Sean Edwards has been on a mission since he founded his operation in Kentucky in 2017, looking to establish a premier, African American owned bourbon brand in his hometown of Lexington. He is now one step closer to that dream as it was announced recently of plans to construct a new 34,000 square foot distillery there.
As it stands now plans call for Edwards to break ground on his new whiskey making facility later this year near Lexington’s Distillery District, which is currently home to two working bourbon distilleries, James E. Pepper and Barrel House. His distillery, once complete, will produce the company’s new line of bourbons and other whiskeys, as well as host tours and guided tastings. An event space is also said to be in the works.
Entrepreneur Sean Edwards journey into distilled spirits started as a young man when his grandfather and uncle were making moonshine in the basement. “I was always fascinated about the making of alcohol,” said Edwards.
Sean Edwards is the Founder and Co-Owner of a newly announced distillery to be built in Lexington, Kentucky. The new startup company is launching Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. with plans to build a $5.4 million, 34, 000 square foot production facility in Lexington’s Distillery District. This is the same area that is home to the historic James Pepper Distillery that reopened in 2017 and Barrel House Distilling that started in 2006. When completed Edwards distillery is expected to be the largest African-American owned distillery in the state of Kentucky.
