Long considered a “boys’ club” beverage, bourbon is experiencing a renaissance—and this time, women are leading the charge. Today, nearly 40% of whiskey drinkers in the U.S. are women, proving that palates are evolving and traditions are being beautifully reimagined. At the forefront of this flavorful revolution is Arthur Wheeler Spirits, a Black-owned, husband-and-wife-led brand founded by Kimberly and Floyd Wheeler, who are crafting more than just bourbon—they’re creating legacy, culture, and community in every bottle.
Arthur Wheeler Spirits is rewriting the bourbon story by embracing inclusion and challenging outdated norms. For too long, the spirit’s legacy has left women and communities of color on the sidelines. But this brand invites everyone to the table—and often builds that table from the ground up. “We include all of our supporters in the ideation process,” the Wheelers explain, “and it drives what we engage in as a brand outside our space.” That spirit of collaboration is at the heart of everything they do, turning customers into co-creators and fans into family.
As women now make up a significant portion of whiskey drinkers, bourbon is shedding its exclusive image in favor of one that celebrates expression, creativity, and connection. Kimberly and Floyd are embracing that shift, curating flavors, events, and visuals that highlight beauty and brilliance over outdated stereotypes.
“Bourbon is no longer something you’re introduced to by someone else,” they say. “It’s something you claim for yourself.”
And many are claiming Arthur Wheeler Spirits as their own—making it the centerpiece of celebrations, thoughtful gifts, and home bar staples.
The couple’s inspiration is deeply rooted in heritage. Arthur Wheeler Spirits was born from a desire to honor their family legacy and build something bold together. “As a husband-and-wife team, we bring both masculine and feminine energy to the brand: strength and softness, structure and soul,” they say. This synergy informs every aspect of the company, from the leadership style to the liquid in each bottle.
And when it comes to flavor, Arthur Wheeler Spirits delivers. With summer in full swing, their cocktail recommendations are as vibrant as the communities they celebrate. Think: a Bourbon Berry Smash bursting with fresh berries, mint, lemon, and signature bourbon; a Maryland Five Star cocktail with peach, vanilla, and ginger for a golden hour glow; and a Spiced Bourbon Chai Iced Latte with their 1932 Bourbon, chai tea, milk, and cinnamon for a brunch with flair. These recipes don’t just quench thirst—they set a mood.
Pair those cocktails with elevated brunch dishes like spiced chicken and waffles, sweet potato hash, or coconut shrimp and grits, and you’ve got yourself a standout experience.
“The right bourbon pairing doesn’t overpower—it enhances,” they say. “We want people to taste the possibilities and feel inspired to create new traditions.”
At Arthur Wheeler Spirits, storytelling, craftsmanship, and innovation flow together in every pour. Their 1932 Bourbon Whiskey, the official whiskey partner of the Washington Commanders, is steeped in cultural rhythm and historical pride. But once that bottle is opened, the story becomes yours. Whether toasting to wins, building traditions, or making memories, their spirits are crafted for moments that matter.
Beyond the bottle, the brand’s impact extends through events like PRocon and immersive global travel experiences that amplify Black and Brown joy. These gatherings are more than marketing—they’re cultural celebrations. “Bourbon is a bridge, not just a beverage,” the Wheelers emphasize. By creating intentional, luxurious spaces, they are not only reflecting their values but also shifting the narrative around who gets to enjoy the finer things in life.
And as more women take the lead in the spirits industry, Kimberly and Floyd have a message for those ready to disrupt and define the space: “You belong here. This industry needs your vision, your palate, your leadership. Be unapologetically bold, stay rooted in your why, and surround yourself with people who believe in your brilliance.”
Arthur Wheeler Spirits is more than a brand—it’s a movement. A celebration of inclusion, legacy, and unapologetic self-expression. The bourbon world may have started as a boys’ club, but thanks to leaders like Kimberly and Floyd Wheeler, the future is inclusive, intentional, and led by flavor-forward visionaries with purpose in every pour.
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