JOHN LEE HOOKER LEGACY SPIRITS LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE “STRINGS OF LEGACY” KENTUCKY BOURBON SERIES
JOHN LEE HOOKER LEGACY SPIRITS
Today, the family-owned John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits has announced the launch of “Strings of Legacy: Kentucky Bourbon Collection” under the Boogie Chillen’ Bourbon brand. Created by the estate of legendary “King of the Boogie” John Lee Hooker, this limited-edition series features four distinct eight-year-old, single-barrel, cask-strength expressions crafted to honor John Lee Hooker’s beloved Gibson guitars, which defined his revolutionary sound.
A powerful meeting of two worlds, where the history of the blues meets Kentucky bourbon craftsmanship. Every John Lee Hooker “Strings of Legacy: Kentucky Bourbon Collection” bourbon bottle is inspired by a specific Gibson guitar model that John Lee Hooker preferred for his sound, from the Gibson ES-335, Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, and Gibson SJ-200, to the Epiphone Zephyr, covering the entire landscape of American music. This is history you can taste. The four spirits each embody a different chapter of Hooker’s career, each a unique single-barrel expression, straight from the barrel.
“This is more than a collaboration; it’s a testament to my grandfather’s enduring legacy,” says Glenn Thomas, Founder of John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits and Grandson of the blues icon. “By partnering with Gibson, we’re preserving the rebellious spirit and uncompromising craftsmanship that defined his life. This limited release collectible bourbon is an act of honor, bottling the soulful sound and story that continues to resonate with fans around the world.”
“John Lee Hooker’s influence on music continues to be immeasurable, and his favorite Gibson guitars were central to his powerful sound,” says Codey Allen, Gibson Cultural Influence-North America. “A beautiful tribute to this legendary blues artist, we’re excited to celebrate our shared history and offer fans a unique way to experience a piece of that legacy.”
Known to music fans around the world as the “King of the Boogie,” John Lee Hooker endures as one of the true superstars of the blues genre: the ultimate beholder of cool. His work is widely recognized for its impact on modern music – his raw, yet deeply moving songs transcend borders and languages around the globe. Each decade of Hooker’s ever-evolving career brought a new generation of fans. He never slowed down either: As John Lee Hooker entered his 70s, he suddenly found himself in the most successful era of his career. He was reinvented yet again, and energized as ever, and touring and recording up until his passing in 2001.
The Gibson ES-335 is a prolific chapter in John Lee Hooker’s musical history. He loved experimenting with different sounds, but at the end of the day, his heart always returned to true, pure, heartfelt blues. The Gibson ES-335 single barrel embodies that same blues spirit. Adds Glenn Thomas, “I’m in awe of the sound of his ES-335 and the electrifying edge of his raw blues. He knew how to make that guitar sing, and bend notes so deep, you feel them in your soul.”
A solid, beautiful, and very powerful sound, John Lee Hooker’s Gibson Les Paul Goldtop guitar had an edgy, louder tone, and this single barrel captures that same fierce vibe. “The Goldtop brings back memories of his absolutely unwavering integrity and that raw, captivating authority,” continues Thomas. “This bourbon embodies that same power and is a tribute to how JLH could electrify and astound a crowd time after time. It’s a tribute to the blues legend, and the man I knew and loved.”
Thomas describes the Gibson SJ-200 series: “This single barrel release is a profoundly personal tribute to Granddad. I remember his Gibson SJ-200, and I remember his presence growing up, when his deep, Southern, soulful voice often filled our home. The blues have played a big part in my life. It wasn’t just about the blues. It was about family, about sharing his gift in its purest form. This bourbon honors all of it. It’s a tribute to his deep, private moments, the enduring warmth of his music, and the love that lives on in his songs, now reflected in this spirit.”
“This single barrel takes us on a journey back to our roots, connecting us to the Epiphone Zephyr, which was truly a bedrock of Granddad’s legacy,” adds Thomas. “He played his music with passion, with swagger, and with the deeply personal closeness you feel when imagining him with that archtop, bending those only he knew how notes. This bourbon pays homage to those early days; the raw talent, the blood, sweat, and tears that launched it all. It’s a taste of where the story began, and a part of my family’s history.”
John Lee Hooker’s “Strings of Legacy: Kentucky Bourbon Collection” is about preserving the stories, craftsmanship, and passion that built American music culture. This new bourbon tribute inspired by John Lee Hooker’s beloved Gibson guitars is a prime example of a true legacy musician-spirits project.
The foundation for this new series is the recent success of the John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits’ inaugural release, Boogie Chillen’ Bourbon 1948. In less than 12 months, this original expression has earned numerous spirits awards, a testament to the quality and care poured into every bottle. The Strings of Legacy series builds upon this acclaimed foundation: a blues tribute whiskey that continues to honor a family legacy.
The John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits “Strings of Legacy” Collection will be available for a limited time. To be among the first to receive access and purchase information, visit the official John Lee Walker Legacy Spirits website.
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