For Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, the reason for launching their own bourbon brand is personal. The two actors drew inspiration for the brand while working on the set of the show “Vampire Diaries”. Based on the growing brotherly bond they formed while working together. Even though the show ended 4 years ago, they have continued their close friendship. They co-created an alcohol brand called Brother’s Bond Bourbon and to say the least, they have brewed up a storm.
When the bourbon launched in May it sold out online within a matter of days. After the launch’s success they went on to sell 50,000 cases of the four grain bourbon whiskey.
Wesley expressed that the pandemic allowed them to stay focused. With little else to do, the two spent the majority of their time together to create this “passion project” that was “over ten years in the making”.
“I mean, obviously, it was a horrible time, but at the same time, it forced us to sit in our homes, get on our Zooms, talk every single day, and develop this product. Ian and I live close to one another,” said Paul Wesley. “So I went to Ian’s. We blended this bourbon together in his living room.”
The new brand is not only fermenting in success, but they are giving back to the planet too. Somerhalder is well known as an environmentalist and humanitarian. He has his non-profit organisation, The Ian Somerhalder Foundation. They work to empower, educate and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures.
With his knowledge and understanding of how new businesses can affect the environment he expressed how he and Wesley are doing all they can to ensure Brothers Bond has a positive impact on the world.
“The future of business are the companies with triple bottom lines,” said Somerhalder. “People, planet, profit— end of story, right? We obviously know scientifically regenerative agriculture can stop climate change in its tracks, so we are doubling down and putting our money where our mouth is… We are an agricultural company. And we are going to make sure that we invest heavily, heavily, heavily in regenerative ag’ by sequestering enormous amounts of carbon dioxide and storing it safely back in the ground where it belongs.”
The co-owners knew that bourbon was the way forward for them. “This is the most authentic thing that we can think of doing. Our soul is in this bottle.” Said Paul Wesley
The drink retails for $39.99, is sold both online and in major chains, including Walmart, Albertsons and Trader Joe’s.
The article New bourbon brand’s success: Brother’s Bond appeared first on World Branding Forum.