Limited Edition Bourbon Series Honors the Blues Icon with Four Expressions Inspired by the Iconic Gibson Guitars That Shaped His Sound
NASHVILLE, TN — Today, the family-owned John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits proudly announced the launch of “Strings of Legacy: Kentucky Bourbon Collection.” Launched by the estate of legendary “King of the Boogie” John Lee Hooker, this limited edition series features four distinct 8 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 preferredfor his sound, from the Gibson ES-335, Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, and Gibson SJ-200, to the Epiphone Zephyr, covering theentire 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 – reinvented yet again, and energized as ever, and touring and recording up until his passing in 2001.
Distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, the John Lee Hooker “Strings of Legacy: Kentucky Bourbon Collection” includes:
Gibson ES-335:
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.”
Gibson Les Paul Goldtop:
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.”
Gibson SJ-200:
Thomas describes the Gibson SJ-200 series: “This single barrel release is 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 has 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.”
Epiphone Zephyr:
“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 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 site at www.jlhlegacyspirits.com to join the waitlist.
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About John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits:
Founded by John Lee Hooker’s grandson, Glenn Thomas, John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits is a family-owned bourbon brand dedicated to bottling the enduring legacy of the blues icon. The brand’s mission is to honor its heritage and build community through exceptional bourbon and blues music and storytelling.
About Gibson:
Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by all Gibson brands. Explore more at Gibson.com, Gibson App, and on Gibson TV, follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and visit us at theGibson Garage Nashville and the Gibson Garage London.
Media Contact for John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits:
Quineen Shelton
404-953-8992
Quineen@johnleehookerlegacyspirits.com
Media contact for Gibson:
PRIME PR GROUP, INC.
Libby Coffey
+1 626-676-4993
