Spirits · Louisville, Kentucky

Copper & Kings

American brandy made in Louisville, right in the middle of bourbon country.

Founded: 2014
Founded by: Joe Heron, Lesley Heron
Based in: Louisville, Kentucky

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Making it since

2014

Their story

Copper & Kings was started in Louisville, Kentucky, by Joe and Lesley Heron, a pair of serial entrepreneurs who wanted to make a case for American brandy in a city known for bourbon. The distillery opened in 2014 and became a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

The brand changed hands a few times. Constellation Brands bought a stake in 2018 and took full ownership in 2020. In August 2025 the company was sold to Bourdon Spirits Company, a family-owned Louisville spirits business, bringing Copper & Kings back under local, independent ownership.

Visitors to the barrel warehouse often mention the rock music playing among the casks, a small sign of the brand's playful streak.

How it's made

The brandy is distilled on copper pot stills at the Louisville distillery. Much of the range is aged in used bourbon barrels, and the team also makes bourbon finished in brandy barrels, crossing the two traditions.