Sips & Sites & Bites

When Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley wrapped their long run on The Vampire Diaries, they knew their next act would need to mean something. The two had built a decade-long bond on set … one forged over late-night conversations, shared meals, and, yes, plenty of whiskey. Out of that friendship came Brother’s Bond Bourbon, a brand rooted not just in flavor, but in connection … to each other, to their fans, and to the land itself.

Four years after launching their award-winning small-batch bourbon, the co-founders are introducing their most ambitious release yet: Brother’s Bond Regenerative Grain New Batch Bourbon. It’s more than a new bottle on the shelf; it’s a statement about where whiskey, and agriculture, can go.

Crafted from grains grown using regenerative farming practices, the bourbon represents a future where spirits are as good for the soil as they are for the palate. Regenerative agriculture restores soil health, encourages biodiversity, and supports farming communities, all while producing grains that give this whiskey its distinctive character.

The bourbon itself is worth lingering over. Aged four years and bottled at 92 proof, it shines with a dark amber glow and a medium, velvety body. Aromas of honeyed cornbread, florals, and toasted oak lead into nostalgic flavors of cracker jacks, warm vanilla, and icing sugar. The finish carries a mellow warmth that lasts just long enough to invite another sip.

“Blending isn’t just science … it’s instinct, memory, and emotion,” Somerhalder reflects. “With our new Regenerative Grain New Batch Bourbon, we’re pushing flavor forward while also pushing farming forward. Every sip connects you to the land it came from.”

This release also signals a new chapter for Brother’s Bond’s look. A redesigned bottle, led by Wesley, offers stronger shelf presence, refined luxury cues, and sustainability at its core. U.S.-sourced glass lowers carbon impact without sacrificing elegance, delivering what the founders call “approachable luxury.”

For Brother’s Bond, it all circles back to purpose. A portion of every sale still supports Kiss the Ground, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing regenerative farming. “Consumers today want purpose and polish in the same bottle,” says CEO Vincent Hanna. “We’re proud to deliver both with a whiskey that looks as good as it tastes.”

In other words, Brother’s Bond isn’t just making bourbon … it’s rewriting the story of what bourbon can be: a drink to savor, a friendship to honor, and a future worth raising a glass to.