A new bourbon is entering the spirits industry and is making waves not just for its rich, layered taste, but for the powerful story behind it. Edmond’s Honor, a Black-owned ultra-premium bourbon, is honoring a forgotten pioneer—Edmond Albius, the prodigy Malagasy botanist who revolutionized vanilla cultivation in the 1800s. While his discovery forever changed the world’s relationship with vanilla, his legacy remained overlooked—until now.
Crafted with distinction and purpose, Edmond’s Honor is aged in Madagascar vanilla extract-soaked cognac casks, a nod to Albius’ game-changing contribution to the vanilla industry. The result is a bourbon that delivers a sensory experience like no other—infused with warm nutmeg, citrus zest, toasted oak, brown butter, and Madagascar vanilla.
This first-of-its-kind bourbon is the brainchild of Pronghorn, an independent company committed to enhancing diversity within the spirits industry. According to its website, Pronghorn has invested in 57 spirit brands, with a mission to diversify the industry by supporting executives and entrepreneurs in a sustainable and scalable manner by 2032.
“Edmond Albius isn’t a household name, but he should be. His discovery shaped an entire industry, yet his story remains largely untold,” said Pronghorn President Ron Cole. “With Edmond’s Honor, we’re reclaiming his legacy and uplifting a new generation of visionaries through every pour.”
Under the leadership of master distiller Tracie Franklin, one of the leading Black figures in whiskey, Edmond’s Honor is not just about reclaiming Albius’ story—it’s about creating opportunities for the next generation of underrepresented pioneers in art, culinary arts, and mixology.
“When we set out to create Edmond’s Honor, we wanted to represent Edmond Albius’ legacy through distinctive taste and embrace the essence of real Madagascar vanilla, an ingredient that he made possible,” said Franklin, Edmond Honor’s Liquid Curator. “Every sip is a testament to Edmond’s discovery and the artistry shaping the future of bourbon.”
The industry has already taken notice—Edmond’s Honor recently earned a Platinum Las Vegas Global Spirit Award, further cementing its place among top-tier spirits.
Edmond’s Honor goes beyond the bottle. A portion of the bourbon’s proceeds will go toward charitable initiatives supporting Black creatives, entrepreneurs, and artisans in the food and beverage industry.
Currently, Edmond’s Honor is available in 750ml bottles at select retailers in Georgia, New Jersey, and Florida, with plans to expand throughout 2024. It is also available for nationwide shipping at www.edmondshonor.com.
