Emma Jones
An Unassuming Distillery Making Global Waves
Take a turn off the main road in Laylow, Kentucky, and you’ll find yourself winding down quaint country lanes, past rich farmland and the idyllic setting of a truly world-class distillery: The Bourbon Kings. What makes this distillery truly remarkable is that it is the creator of the Newly Crowned World’s Best Bourbon, a title that doesn’t come easily or without passion, commitment, and a little bit of Kentucky magic.
Introducing The Bourbon Kings
If you haven’t heard of The Bourbon Kings yet, it’s much less a commentary on their craft and more a reflection of their humble nature. Founded by lifelong friends and distilling enthusiasts, Tom Anderson and Lily Renu, The Bourbon Kings has been quietly perfecting its bourbon since its humble beginnings five years ago.
The Craftspeople Behind the Bourbon
Tom Anderson – The Visionary
Anderson, a laid-back Kentucky native, is the heart and soul of The Bourbon Kings. Growing up in a family with a rich history of distilling, it was perhaps inevitable that Tom would carry on this time-honored tradition. After years of learning from old hands in the industry and nurturing a sense of what would become the signature flavor of The Bourbon Kings, he met his partner in crime, Lily Renu, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Lily Renu – The Detail Oriented
Renu, who hails from the cityscapes of Chicago, brings a different perspective to the distillery. Trained as a biochemist, her attention to detail and precision complements Anderson’s instinctive approach perfectly. It’s a winning combination that sees them work seamlessly together, crafting bourbons that are nuanced, well balanced, and now, world-renowned.
The Winning Bourbon
So, what’s the secret, other than this exceptional pairing, that has led to their world championship win? It isn’t just one thing. The Bourbon Kings credit their success to a trio of factors: locally-sourced grains, pure Kentucky limestone water, and an absolute dedication to an unhurried approach. They believe in the age-old adage, “it’s ready when it’s ready.”
The Bourbon Kings Signature
The recently crowned World’s Best Bourbon is their Signature Edition – an elegant, smooth bourbon, rich with complex layers of vanilla, caramel, and oak. This isn’t just a bourbon designed for sipping; it’s one for savoring. And while the rest of the world might just be finding out about it, those in the know have been enjoying this beauty for years.
The Future of The Bourbon Kings
So, what’s next for these disrupters of the global bourbon industry? Well, according to Anderson and Renu themselves, the plan is to ‘keep on keeping on.’ They intend to keep making bourbon the way they enjoy it – with passion, dedication, and a pinch of Kentucky pride. From their quiet corner of the world, they’ll continue to create spectacular bourbons that give the globe a sip of true Southern hospitality.
Although The Bourbon Kings is no longer an under-known distillery, the team’s philosophy remains unchanged. Winning the title of the World’s Best Bourbon doesn’t change who they are or why they do what they do. Each batch is still lovingly crafted, each bottle filled with the spirit of Kentucky. The only difference now is that the rest of the world got an invitation to share in their unique, award-winning blend of heart and spirit.
