February is Black History Month, and here in Kentucky, it’s a time to honor the immense contributions of African Americans to the history and culture of the bourbon industry. For centuries, African Americans have played a vital role in bourbon production, from working in distilleries and fields to innovating the craft itself. Yet, for too long, black contributions to bourbon were overlooked. Today, that history is being reclaimed and celebrated.

One of the most exciting names in bourbon today is Fresh Bourbon, founded by husband-and-wife duo Sean and Tia Edwards. As the first African Americans recognized by the Commonwealth of Kentucky to produce bourbon since slavery, their contributions to the bourbon industry are breaking barriers while they are crafting an approachable and smooth bourbon that welcomes new drinkers to the fold. “We want Fresh to be accessible so everybody can experience bourbon and enjoy what Kentucky has to offer,” says Tia. With a new 34,000-square-foot distillery, Fresh Bourbon is tru8ly making a notable black contribution to the bourbon industry in more ways than one.

Bourbon’s history is deeply intertwined with African American heritage, yet much of that story has remained untold. Organizations like the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild are working to change that by researching and sharing the narratives of Black distillers and workers who contributed to shape the industry.

At the Frazier History Museum in Louisville—the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail—new tours like “Black Americans in Bourbon” explore the often-overlooked role of African Americans in the evolution of the bourbon industry.

Here at the Louisville Bourbon Inn, we take immense pride in being partially Black-owned, embodying the legacy of African Americans in bourbon while embracing the future of the industry. Our historic inn offers guests an elegant, welcoming space to explore Kentucky bourbon, learn its history, and celebrate its diversity. Whether you’re just beginning your bourbon journey or you’re a longtime aficionado, we invite you to experience the warmth, craftsmanship, and inclusivity that define both bourbon and our inn.

Happy Black History Month and cheers to history, innovation, inclusion, and black contributions to the bourbon industry!