Nelson Bros is not the same as Belle Meade. Nelson Bros refers to the Nelson family who revived the Belle Meade Bourbon brand, while Belle Meade is the actual brand of bourbon that they produce.
To understand the distinction, let's delve into the history of the brand. Belle Meade Bourbon was originally produced by the Charles Nelson Distillery, which was founded by Charles Nelson, a German immigrant, in the late 19th century. The distillery gained popularity and became known for its high-quality spirits, including Belle Meade Bourbon.
However, like many distilleries, the Charles Nelson Distillery was forced to shut down during Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. This marked a challenging period for the distillery, as it was unable to legally produce bourbon.
Fast forward to the present day, the great-great-great-grandsons of Charles Nelson, Andy and Charlie Nelson, decided to revive the Belle Meade Bourbon brand and continue their family's legacy in the whiskey business. They founded Nelson's Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, Tennessee, and began rebottling Belle Meade Bourbon in 2013.
The Nelson brothers were passionate about preserving the heritage and quality associated with Belle Meade Bourbon. They tracked down old family recipes and worked with expert blenders to recreate the unique flavor profile that made the original bourbon so beloved. By doing so, they ensured that the revival of Belle Meade Bourbon stayed true to its roots.
It's worth noting that while the Nelson brothers revived the brand, they did not revive the actual Charles Nelson Distillery. Instead, they built a new distillery and focused on bottling and blending bourbons, rather than distilling them in-house. This approach allowed them to bring Belle Meade Bourbon back to the market more quickly and efficiently.
Today, Nelson's Green Brier Distillery continues to produce and distribute Belle Meade Bourbon, along with other spirits. They have gained recognition for their dedication to quality and craftsmanship, and Belle Meade Bourbon has become a respected brand in the whiskey industry.
Nelson Bros refers to the Nelson family who revived the Belle Meade Bourbon brand, while Belle Meade is the actual brand of bourbon that they produce. The Nelson brothers have successfully revived the Belle Meade Bourbon brand, staying true to its heritage and ensuring its place in the modern whiskey market.