BROTHER’S BOND JOINS THE AMERICAN WHISKEY ASSOCIATION; VINCENT HANNA JOINS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The addition expands AWA’s craft whiskey representation and brings an entrepreneurial industry voice to its Board

WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 21, 2026 — The American Whiskey Association (AWA) today announced that Brother’s Bond has joined the Association as a Global Growth Craft Member and that Vincent Hanna, Brother’s Bond co-founder and CEO, has joined AWA’s Board of Directors.

Founded by Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, Brother’s Bond has built an ultra-premium American whiskey portfolio and is growing its presence in the United States and international markets. Hanna’s appointment brings the perspective of an entrepreneurial whiskey company to AWA’s Board as the Association works to advance opportunities for producers across the American whiskey supply chain.

“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.”

“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,” said Ian Somerhalder, co-founder of Brother’s Bond. “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.”

“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,” said Vincent Hanna, co-founder and CEO of Brother’s Bond Distilling Company. “We’re excited to join the Association and contribute to that work.”

Brother’s Bond joins an AWA membership that includes major American whiskey producers, entrepreneurial craft brands and companies across the broader whiskey supply chain.

ABOUT BROTHER’S BOND

Brother’s Bond is an ultra-premium whiskey brand founded by Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. Its award-winning portfolio includes Straight Bourbon, Original Cask Strength Straight Bourbon, American Blended Rye, Regenerative Grain Straight Bourbon and Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon. Brother’s Bond has earned more than 57 awards and accolades from leading international spirits competitions, including scores from 93 to 100 points, and supports regenerative agriculture and responsible sourcing through a portion of proceeds from every bottle sold.

For more information, visit www.brothersbondbourbon.com and follow Brother’s Bond on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @brothersbondbourbon, and on X @brothersbond.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN WHISKEY ASSOCIATION

The American Whiskey Association is the leading voice for the American whiskey supply chain and works to lead, protect and promote American whiskey in the United States and around the world. Its mission is simple: Make American whiskey the world’s whiskey.

Made in America. Made for the World.