Strategic partnership follows 30% wholesale growth and a disciplined return to focused dis
July 16, 2026 (Louisville, KY) — Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. today announced a strategic investment from Neace Ventures, a Louisville-based investment firm known for backing category-defining consumer brands. The partnership marks the next step in Copper & Kings’ growth story under Bourdon Spirits Company, providing capital, expertise, and market relationships to accelerate the brand’s momentum across its priority markets.
The investment comes on the heels of a defining first half of 2026 for Copper & Kings. Under new leadership, the company made the deliberate decision earlier this year to concentrate its distribution from 42 states to six, a move designed to deepen retailer relationships, sharpen brand focus, and build the foundation that supports long-term growth rather than short-term shelf presence. Wholesale sales are up 30 percent in the first half of the year. Indiana, the company’s newest priority market, launched in late June.
“John and his team see what we see,” said Rob Bourdon, Founder and CEO of Bourdon Spirits Company. “We’re building something that lasts. Since acquiring Copper & Kings last year, we’ve relaunched the core portfolio, restructured around consumer-friendly price points, tightened our distribution, grown wholesale 30 percent, and started showing up in the community in a real way. This investment lets us go faster without compromising how we do it.”
Neace Ventures brings deep relationships across retail, restaurant, hospitality, and on-premises accounts, along with hands-on experience scaling premium brands. The partnership is structured to support Copper & Kings’ distributor network, elevate brand presence in high-priority markets, and open doors that accelerate the brand’s expansion strategy.
“Great brands don’t grow by being everywhere. They grow by mattering somewhere,” said John Neace, Founder of Neace Ventures. “Copper & Kings has one of the most authentic stories in American spirits — a Louisville brand reclaiming brandy as America’s original spirit, doing it with craft, and doing it with real conviction. That’s the kind of brand we invest in, and Rob is the kind of founder we bet on.”
Copper & Kings continues to set itself apart by aging American brandy in Kentucky bourbon barrels and pushing the category forward through innovation and creativity. Their focus remains on crafting premium spirits that honor tradition while appealing to today’s evolving consumer.
With strong wholesale momentum, clear strategic direction, and an expanding presence in key regional markets, Copper & Kings is writing its next chapter, defined by innovation and sustainable growth.
About Bourdon Spirits Company
Bourdon Spirits is a family-owned spirits company focused on growing brands that stand out with purpose and originality. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, the company is rooted in its customers and a long-term vision for American spirits.
About Copper & Kings
Copper & Kings is a trailblazing American brandy company based in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for its unconventional approach — bourbon barrel–aged brandy and brandy barrel–finished bourbon — Copper & Kings celebrates making spirits the American way. Now part of Bourdon Spirits Company, the brand continues to lead the modern revival of American brandy with a bold, flavorful portfolio and a distinctly American voice.
About Neace Ventures
Neace Ventures is a private investment company with a mission to acquire and manage heritage and growth assets in the F&B and CPG markets. With deep local roots in Louisville, KY, our approach combines patient capital with strategic management, ensuring that each investment not only thrives but also contributes to the region’s long-term prosperity.
Learn more at http://www.copperandkings.com
