From Vampires to Vintage: Ian Somerhalder & Paul Wesley Just Dropped the Most Sustainable Brothers Bond Bourbon Yet—And It’s Turning Heads from Texas to Chicago
Chicago bourbon lovers, take note: There’s a new bottle on the block, and it’s as eco-conscious as it is smooth. Brother’s Bond Bourbon, the ultra-premium whiskey brand founded by actors and longtime friends Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, has just launched its first-ever micro-batch single barrel—and it’s not just a whiskey, it’s a statement.
Available exclusively at select 1 Hotels locations across the U.S. starting this June, this new Regenerative Grain Straight Bourbon doesn’t just taste good—it does good.
“At Brother’s Bond, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s at the heart of how we craft, connect, and give back,” said Ian Somerhalder. “We’re raising a glass to the planet with this 1 Hotels initiative that gives back to the earth and the communities that care for it.”
Whiskey That’s Grounded in the Earth—and in Purpose
So what makes this release different from any other bottle on the shelf in Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, or Rockford? For starters, it’s made with 100% regenerative grain, which means the very act of producing this whiskey helps restore soil health, promote biodiversity, and support sustainable farming.
Crafted in partnership with North Carolina master distiller Pete Barger, and aged for seven years, the Brother’s Bond Regenerative Grain Straight Bourbon is both artisanal and environmentally responsible—a rare combination in today’s spirits world.
“This initiative reflects our dedication to sustainability—because great spirits deserve to come from great soil,” said Steven Minor, Corporate Director of Beverage at 1 Hotels.
What’s in the Brothers Bond Bourbon Bottle?
Let’s get to the tasting notes, because for all its sustainable cred, this bourbon still delivers in the flavor department. At 95 proof, it’s got muscle—but with a sophisticated edge.
- Color: Deep amber with warm copper hues
- Body: Silky, with slow, elegant legs
- Aroma: Caramelized toasted oak and dark cherry, with hints of honeyed grain
- Taste: Ripe stone fruits, baking spice, and charred oak tannins
- Finish: Long, warm, and layered with spice and just a whisper of leather
This is the kind of bottle you pull out for a celebration—or savor slowly, fireside, on a crisp Midwest evening.
Bourbon That Travels in Style
As part of its exclusive launch with 1 Hotels, the Regenerative Grain Straight Bourbon will be featured in two formats:
- 750ml bottles for bespoke cocktails and top-shelf pours at 1 Hotel bars
- 375ml bottles for in-room minibars, allowing guests to unwind in sustainable luxury
If you’re planning a summer getaway from Chicago to New York, Miami, or L.A., you’ll find this rare bourbon waiting at 1 Hotels properties—adding a green twist to your gold-standard travel.
From the Screen to the Still
For fans who know Somerhalder and Wesley from their on-screen vampire days, this might seem like a surprising second act. But the duo are more than Hollywood names—they’re serious whiskey lovers with a deep commitment to craftsmanship, heritage, and environmental responsibility.
Launched in 2021, Brother’s Bond has since carved out a place in the crowded premium spirits space with offerings like their Original Cask Strength Bourbon, American Blended Rye, and the award-winning Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon—recently ranked among the Top 5 bourbons in the world.
A portion of proceeds from every bottle of Brother’s Bond goes to Kiss the Ground, a nonprofit focused on regenerative agriculture and soil health, further cementing the brand’s ethos of “grain to glass, with care.”
Why It Matters to Chicagoans
In a city where craft spirits culture is thriving, and consumers increasingly value transparency, sustainability, and authenticity, Brother’s Bond’s new micro-batch release lands at the right time. Whether you’re grabbing a bottle for a Father’s Day gift in Naperville, adding to your Rockford home bar, or toasting the weekend with friends in West Loop, this bourbon offers both a conversation and a cause.
Final Sip
Brother’s Bond Regenerative Grain Straight Bourbon isn’t just another celebrity spirit. It’s a thoughtful, flavorful, and forward-thinking bourbon that bridges luxury with purpose. And while it’s only available in select hotels for now, it’s proof that the future of great whiskey doesn’t just lie in aging barrels—but in how we treat the earth that grows it.
So go ahead, Chicago—pour one for the planet.
