Season 3 | Episode 2 - In the Spirit of Bourbon: Brough Brothers w/ Victor Yarbrough
Featured Guest: Victor Yarbrough
Brough Brothers — Black-Owned and Poised for the Future
What does it take to break into an industry that hasn’t made room for you? For Victor Yarbrough and his brothers, the answer is clear: a whole lot of grit, a little bit of chemistry, and an unshakable commitment to their community.
In the second episode of “Season 3 - On the Road: Kentucky Bourbon”, hosts Jason and Yvonne Lee sit down with Victor, one-third of the trio behind Brough Brothers Distillery — one of the only Black-owned distilleries in Kentucky.
Victor’s story is one of pushing boundaries, quite literally. Located in Louisville’s West End, the distillery is more than just a place where bourbon is made. It’s a beacon in a neighborhood that’s been overlooked for decades. The area has been through it all: drugs, crime, and neglect, but the Yarbrough brothers saw an opportunity to prove that something meaningful and beautiful could emerge from the neighborhood’s historic roots.
Operating a local distillery hasn’t just been about opening a business and becoming successful. For the Yarbrough brothers, their journey has always been about legacy; about reclaiming space in an industry where Black contributions have long been erased. Victor talks about the history of African Americans in bourbon — enslaved people who laid the groundwork for distilling, yet were excluded from ownership. Now, he and his brothers are rewriting that story, one barrel at a time.
And speaking of barrels, Brough Brothers bourbon isn’t just about tradition — it’s about flavor. Their bourbon is designed to be approachable, perfect for first-timers and seasoned drinkers alike. Their repertoire also includes white spirits like vodka and rum. They’re also experimenting with gin, blending botanicals into something that’s smooth enough to sip on its own.
Our visit to Brough Brothers distillery was filled with pride. We hope you’ll feel the same as you learn about legacy, resilience, and what it means to plant roots where you already belong.
Pour yourself a glass — this is one story you don’t want to miss.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
How Brough Brothers is reclaiming Black history in the bourbon industry.
The art and science behind their award-winning spirits.
The challenges of starting a business in a historically underserved area.
Hosts Jason and Yvonne + our producers chiming into the conversation.
Cocktail of the week.
For more spirited discussions, make sure to subscribe to the podcast.
And if you’ve enjoyed exploring bourbon and cocktailing along with us, we’d love for you to leave us a review.
Cheers … and Please Drink Responsibly!
Links:
Guest:
Victor Yarbrough, Brough Brothers
https://www.instagram.com/broughbrothers/
Additional links + Special thanks to:
WEP - https://weeditpodcasts.com/
Liam E. Allen (original music) -@Liamea97
“We just want to show [our community], ‘Hey, this is what's possible.’”
-Victor (minute 44:09)
Cocktail Recipe: Bourbon and Lemonade
6 oz Lemonade.
2.5 oz Brough Brothers Bourbon.
Mint & Cherry garnish.
Ice.
About our special guest
Victor Yarbrough
CEO and Co-Founder at Brough Brothers
Victor Yarbrough is the CEO and Co-Founder of Brough Brothers Distillery, Kentucky's First African American Owned Distillery. Victor leads the day-to-day operations and oversees the expansion of Brough Brothers Bourbon, Gin, Vodka and Overproof Rum. After graduating from the University of Kentucky with a M.B.A. and BS in Accounting, Victor joined Ernst & Young’s Tax group. Yearning for a chance to work abroad, he earned a position at Goldman Sachs in London, England. While in London, he wanted to introduce Europe to some of his Kentucky heritage, so he left corporate finance and co-founded Victory Global to import Moonshine and Bourbon to the United Kingdom and English Hard Cider to the US. Victor has spent the last 12 years in the spirits industry cultivating distribution, supply, and retail partnerships while managing the regulatory requirements. Victor cherishes the opportunity to give back to the community via opportunities in the Spirits industry.
Fun Fact: Victor has appeared in several blockbuster films as a supporting actor.
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