Brough Brothers Bourbon Review | Catch the Spirit of Kentucky | The Liquor Connoisseur

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmWWp-DoLw

The First African-American-Owned Distillery in Kentucky

Brough Brothers Bourbon was founded by brothers Christian, Victor, and Bryson Yarbrough — and the brand carries the distinction of being the first African-American-owned distillery in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the home of American bourbon. On this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Crystal and Roger review the flagship expression, appreciate the bottle, and make the case for a bourbon that leads with accessibility without sacrificing quality.

About Brough Brothers

The mash bill is 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley — a high-corn, rye-forward recipe that leans toward sweetness while the rye adds structure. The bourbon is aged a minimum of six months in new American White Oak barrels at 82 proof (41% ABV). The distillery has tours available and is working toward inclusion on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail — which Crystal and Roger plan to check out when they make the trip.

The bottle itself is worth noting: the brothers are depicted on the front, surrounded by imagery from Kentucky culture — boxing gloves, basketball, horse racing, a bourbon barrel. Roger's initial reaction: 'This is worth a pickup just for the bottle.' The modern label design signals a brand that knows its audience and isn't trying to look like everything else on the shelf. The website is mybroughbrothers.com.

Tasting Notes — Nose, Palate, Finish

Nose: Subtle and young, which is expected from a minimum six-month age statement. The nose is not aggressive on the alcohol — it's 82 proof, and the entry is gentle. Crystal catches vanilla. Roger looks for the corn character that the 75% mash bill promises and finds it: 'You can feel where the corn is.' The nose is understated compared to older, higher-proof bourbons, but that's appropriate here. A hint of cherry or light fruit rounds out the aromatics.

Palate: Corn-forward, smooth, and clean. The youth of the bourbon is apparent — there isn't the deep barrel character and vanilla richness that comes from three or four years of aging, but what's there is honest and drinkable. Crystal and Roger both note a gentleness on the palate that makes this accessible: 'Not a lot of heat at all. Surprisingly so given that they bottle it north of 40%.' The 21% rye adds some backbone without dominating.

Finish: Clean and short, which is characteristic of younger bourbons. The sweetness fades gracefully. Crystal catches something on the back end she can't fully identify — a light fruitiness that suggests the bourbon has more to offer as it develops with more time in the barrel. Roger: 'For the ones who are looking for a whole lot of flavor, very robust bourbons — that's not what this is going to do. If you're looking for a smoother, cleaner approach to bourbon without a whole lot of notes and complexity, this is definitely a good place to start.'

How to Drink It

The mixability is the strong suit here. Crystal and Roger note that the flavor profile — smooth, sweet, not overpowering — makes this an excellent cocktail base. The Brough Brothers website has cocktail recipes including a Negroni, old fashioned, and hot toddy. For anyone making their first steps into bourbon cocktails, the approachability of this expression means the spirit doesn't fight the other ingredients. Neat is fine; on the rocks is equally valid; in a cocktail is where this bourbon earns its keep.

Price & Value

Around $40. For a minimum six-month-aged Kentucky straight bourbon at 82 proof from a Black-owned distillery, that price is fair. Crystal and Roger are clear that as the brand matures its whiskey — more barrel time, higher age statements — the flavor will follow. Roger: 'As smooth as it is right now, I suspect that you add a few years to this and things are going to be really, really flavorful.' Buying this now means being part of the brand's origin story.

LC Verdict

Complexity: Beginner. This is the explicit recommendation — a bourbon for someone who is new to the category, wants to build their palate without being overwhelmed, and values approachability over intensity. Crystal: 'This would be an introductory bourbon for those who are not quite ready to step into the space.' The smooth, corn-forward profile is the on-ramp, not the destination.

Gift-worthiness: 7 out of 10. The bottle is distinctive, the founding story is significant, and the bourbon is genuinely enjoyable. For a beginner bourbon drinker or someone who values supporting Black-owned businesses, this is a thoughtful and useful gift. The mixability means the recipient will actually use it.

Final word: Brough Brothers is a young brand from a distillery that has something to say and is still finding the full expression of its voice in the barrel. The flagship bourbon is smooth, approachable, and honest. Support the distillery now — and stay tuned as the age statements grow. The best Brough Brothers bourbon hasn't been bottled yet, and Crystal and Roger are already looking forward to reviewing it when it arrives.