Episode 266. Joe Heron -Co-Founder-Copper & Kings American Brandy Company

Joe Herron is a South African-born beverage entrepreneur who founded three beverage companies: Nutrisoda – which was sold to PepsiAmericas in 2006; Crispin Cider – which was sold to MillerCoors in 2012 & now Copper & Kings. All three companies have their roots in Louisville, Kentucky, and he feels fortunate to finally be able to establish their first company based in Louisville.

His family has lived in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Minneapolis & now call Louisville home, where they reside in the Highlands neighborhood.

The Joe soundtrack features My Morning Jacket, Wilco, Houndmouth, Nick Cave, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Herbie Hancock, the Clash, the Jayhawks, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Wilson Pickett, The Cherry Faced Lurchers, and Bright Blue. And the Spotify Discover playlist. And the Spotify Copper & Kings Playlist of the day. Not to mention, Binge TV watching is a hobby – Game Of Thrones, Westworld, The Man In the High Tower, The Night Of, Stranger Things, The Wire, Mad Men, and Deadwood have had them up all night. Forest Gump makes us cry—every time. Monty Python makes us laugh—every time. The Coen brothers make us laugh & cry—every time.

Joe is married to his partner Lesley, and they have two children – Matthew  & Georgia-May, a “Terrierist” – Milo, & a Springer Spaniel – Parker. Both of them believe that they are human, and the kids think that the dogs are better treated than they are.

Joe Heron founded Copper & Kings American Brandy Co., an innovative distillery based in Louisville, Kentucky, that specializes in producing American brandy, absinthe, and gin. Originally from South Africa, Heron has made a significant impact on the American spirits industry by focusing on craft brandy, a segment that, at the time of Copper & Kings’ inception, was relatively underexplored compared to bourbon and whiskey.

Before venturing into the distillery business, Joe Heron was involved in the beverage industry with the creation of Crispin Cider, a brand that he later sold. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by a keen sense of innovation and a willingness to explore niches within the beverage market. In 2014, Heron and his wife Lesley founded Copper & Kings in the heart of Bourbon country, Louisville, Kentucky. This location was strategically chosen for its rich distilling history and the opportunity to distinguish and elevate brandy in a region synonymous with whiskey.

Copper & Kings is committed to producing high-quality, non-traditional, American-style brandy. The distillery uses traditional copper pot distillation to craft its spirits and ages them in American whiskey barrels and other casks, contributing to its distinctive character. Heron’s approach to brandy production emphasizes innovation, as seen in the distillery’s use of various barrel finishes, including beer and wine casks, to create unique flavor profiles.

Under Joe Heron’s leadership, Copper & Kings has embraced environmentally sustainable practices, such as using solar energy and recycled materials, reflecting a modern approach to distilling that respects tradition while looking toward the future. The distillery has also become a cultural hub in Louisville, hosting events and contributing to the city’s vibrant food and beverage scene.

Joe Heron’s vision for Copper & Kings and his broader contributions to the spirits industry demonstrate a deep appreciation for craft distillation and an entrepreneurial spirit that seeks to push boundaries and redefine categories. Through Copper & Kings, Heron has not only introduced a new chapter in American brandy but has also played a part in the growing appreciation for craft spirits across the United States.