New Bourbon Series Honors Blues Legend John Lee Hooker

Bourbon

November 18, 2025

John Lee Hooker Collection Strings of Legacy bourbon collection SQUARE

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. 

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,” Glenn Thomas, Founder of John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits and grandson of the blues icon, said in a news release. “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,” Codey Allen, Gibson Cultural Influence-North America said. “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 “Strings of Legacy: Kentucky Bourbon Collection” includes:

The collection includes:

  • Gibson ES-335: Age: 8.5 Years Proof: 123.6 
  • Gibson Les Paul Goldtop: Age: 8.5 Years Proof: 122 
  • Gibson SJ-200: Age: 8.5 Years Proof: 125.3 
  • Epiphone Zephyr: Age: 8.5 Years Proof: 122.8 

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 get your set.

Read more: Pre-order Fred Minnick’s New Book, ‘Bottom Shelf’

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.

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