“Strings of Legacy: Kentucky Bourbon Collection” honors the blues icon’s beloved Gibson guitars
Family-owned John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits has announced the launch of “Strings of Legacy: Kentucky Bourbon Collection” under the Boogie Chillen’ Bourbon brand. Launched 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 that 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, the collection covers the entire landscape of American music. The four spirits each embody a different chapter of Hooker’s career, each a unique single-barrel expression, straight from the barrel. We caught up with John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits CEO and Founder, Glenn Thomas—also the grandson of the blues legend—to find out more.
The reaction to John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits so far seems unanimously positive. Do you think this not only speaks to the quality of the product but also the enduring musical and cultural legacy of John Lee Hooker?
“The reaction has been incredible, and it’s humbling to see. I think it’s a testament to both things. We’ve worked tirelessly to create a bourbon that is truly exceptional in its own right. It's got to stand on its own two feet. But the fact that people are connecting with it so deeply, beyond just the taste, tells me that my grandfather’s legacy is as powerful and relevant as ever. He wasn’t just a musician; he was a cultural force, and his music continues to speak to people on a profound level. This project is a way to keep that conversation going, and it’s amazing to see how many people want to be a part of it.”
How do you think your products embody the soul of his music?
“My grandfather’s music was all about raw, honest emotion. It was simple in its structure, but incredibly deep in its feeling. He had a way of hitting just one or two notes on his guitar and conveying a whole story. Our products are meant to do the same. We focus on quality and authenticity, not on being overly complicated or flashy. Just like his music, our bourbon has a kind of rugged elegance. It’s something you can appreciate on a surface level, but the more you sit with it, the more you discover the layers of complexity and soul.”
Can you tell us about “Strings of Legacy” and how the idea came about?
“The ‘Strings of Legacy’ collaboration is something I’m really proud of. The idea was born from wanting to do more than just sell a great bourbon. My grandfather’s guitars—the Gibson ES-335, SJ-200, Les Paul Goldtop, and Epiphone Zephyr—were more than just instruments; they were an extension of his soul. I wanted to create a tribute that was as meaningful as the music he created with them. This collaboration was so special to us that we wanted to make sure a portion of the proceeds would go to the John Lee Hooker Foundation. Their mission is to empower young voices through music, education, and the enduring rhythm of the blues, and we’ll be using the money to buy instruments for kids in our music programs. This is about honoring his legacy by giving back and helping to inspire the next generation of artists. It’s a way to ensure his generosity and artistic passion live on, creating a new kind of legacy, one string at a time.”
What can people expect from each of the four bourbons, in terms of tasting notes?
“Each of the four bourbons is unique, just like the guitars they represent. The first one is a bold, high-proof bourbon that’s got some spice and an amazing richness. The second one is a little more mellow and easy-going, with notes of vanilla and caramel. The third is a classic, traditional bourbon, balanced and smooth with a hint of dried fruit. The fourth is a very special, complex bourbon that’s been aged longer, with deep oak and a long finish. They all have their own personality, but they share a common thread of quality and authenticity.”
How did you decide which guitar to match with each bourbon?
“The matching was an intuitive process. It came down to the character of each guitar and how that connected to the character of the bourbon. For example, the one with the bold, spicy notes felt right for a guitar my grandfather used for his most famous, high-energy boogie tracks. The smoother, more mellow bourbon was a perfect match for a guitar he used for his quieter, more soulful blues songs. It was about capturing the essence of each instrument and creating a sensory experience that honored both the music and the spirit.”
What’s the ultimate John Lee Hooker track to choose as a soundtrack to drinking bourbon?
“The obvious choice, and for good reason, is ‘One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.’ It’s the ultimate anthem. It’s not just about a drink, it’s about life, hardship, and finding a little comfort. It tells a story, and that’s what we’re all about. It’s the perfect song to put on, pour yourself a glass, and just take a moment to reflect. But if I had to pick one that’s a bit less known but always been a personal favorite, I'd say ‘Bad Like Jesse James.’ It’s got that classic Hooker beat and a swagger to it. It’s the kind of track that makes you sit up and pay attention, and it feels like a great soundtrack for a solid, no-nonsense glass of bourbon.”
The John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits “Strings of Legacy” Collection will be available for a limited time only. To be among the first to receive access and purchasing information, visit the official John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits website and join the waitlist.
