The American Whiskey Association (AWA) has named Brother’s Bond, the brand co-founded by actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, as a Global Growth Craft Member. Brother’s Bond co-founder and CEO Vincent Hanna has also joined the Washington, D.C.-based Association’s Board of Directors.
Brother’s Bond has built an ultra-premium American whiskey portfolio since its founding by Somerhalder and Wesley. The brand is expanding its presence across the United States and international markets.
Hanna’s appointment brings the perspective of an entrepreneurial whiskey company to the AWA Board. The move comes as the Association works to advance opportunities for producers across the American whiskey supply chain.
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READ THE STORY“Brother’s Bond reflects the entrepreneurship, innovation and ambition shaping the next chapter of American whiskey,” said Michael Bilello, president and CEO of the American Whiskey Association. “Ian, Paul, Vincent and their team have built a brand with a strong connection to American agriculture and the people behind the product. We’re proud to welcome Brother’s Bond to AWA, and Vincent’s experience will be valuable to our Board as we work to expand opportunity for American whiskey at home and around the world.”
Somerhalder underlined the brand’s view of the wider category.
“American whiskey is much bigger than any one brand. It begins with American farmers and extends through distillers, barrel makers, warehouses, distributors, retailers and communities across the country,” he said.
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The actor continued: “Joining the American Whiskey Association gives us an opportunity to work alongside others who believe in protecting what makes American whiskey special while helping create greater opportunity for the category around the world.”
Hanna outlined his priorities for the role. “As we continue building Brother’s Bond in the United States and internationally, we want to play a role in increasing market access, celebrating the high standards that distinguish American whiskey, supporting our agricultural partners and helping drive the long-term competitiveness of American whiskey around the world,” he said. “We’re excited to join the Association and contribute to that work.”
Brother’s Bond joins an AWA membership that spans major American whiskey producers, entrepreneurial craft brands and companies across the broader whiskey supply chain.
Somerhalder and Wesley, who starred together in the television series The Vampire Diaries, launched Brother’s Bond Bourbon in 2021.
