John Lee Hooker's Strings of Legacy Collection
Blake Riber
November 19, 2025
John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits believes a life’s work can be tasted as well as heard. Founder Glenn Thomas’ grandfather, John Lee Hooker, poured his soul into his music, and his iconic Gibson guitars were essential to his unmistakable sound: raw, hypnotic, and timeless.
Carrying that spirit forward, the John Lee Hooker brand honors his enduring influence through craftsmanship meant to resonate across generations. In that same spirit, Hooker is proud to partner with Gibson for the Strings of Legacy Kentucky Bourbon Collection, a limited-edition series of four distinct 8-year-old, cask-strength single barrels distilled at Bardstown Bourbon Company.
Each bourbon is inspired by one of the legendary guitars that defined his sound — the Gibson ES-335, Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, Gibson SJ-200, and Epiphone Zephyr — with each expression echoing a different thread of his musical legacy. This is history you can taste, a tribute to his artistry, and a soulful story that continues to resonate with fans around the world.
Order the full Strings of Legacy Collection and get Free Shipping, or get 25% off John Lee Hooker's "1948" or "Boom Boom" when you buy any Strings of Legacy Single Barrel.
"This single barrel release hits close to home for me, a tribute to Granddad’s magnificent Gibson SJ-200. This was the guitar I remembered most clearly from growing up, the one he’d often play in the house. Its deep, resonant voice filled our home with the blues, just for me. It wasn’t about the stage then; it was about family, about giving his gift. This bourbon is a celebration of those private moments, the warmth of his music and the enduring love that remains in his songs and now, this spirit."
Nougat and citrus lead the nose, with a natural, earthy oakiness and a kiss of cane sugar, espresso, continuing through.
The palate is soft and custardy, underlain with strands of red fruit—almost bubblegum-leaning—balanced by a bit of molasses and spice in tandem.
At the highest proof, it carries some of the softest flavors, making it a sneaky pour with a sneaky symphony of layers, burnt citrus, cookie dough, and chocolate unfolding the longer you sit with it.
"This single barrel takes us back to our roots, paying tribute to the Epiphone Zephyr, a guitar that likely echoed through the earliest days of Granddad’s incredible journey. It’s a reminder of the bedrock upon which his legendary sound was constructed. Imagining him with this archtop, playing those early rhythms, it’s so intimate. This bourbon pays homage to those first days, the raw talent and the blood, sweat and tears that launched it all. It’s a feel of where the magic started, a part of my family’s history."
Nougat and cream begin on the nose, joined by raspberry-filled donuts and sweet, sugary oak.
The palate follows suit but amps up the candied fruits and bright citrus.
A touch of sweet mint carries into the finish, lingering long on the palate, with fudge-round cookie richness adding a good spread of flavors.
"I think the Les Paul Goldtop was always just a different energy for Granddad. It was an edgier, louder sound and this single barrel captures that same fierce vibe. It recalls those periods when he’d really cut loose onstage, that raw intensity that was just so riveting. This bourbon packs that same punch, a salute to his knack for repeatedly stunning and shocking an audience. It’s a taste of the legend, the man I knew and loved."
The nose is playfully fruity with a touch of nuttiness, ripe red fruits, a bit of peach, and a hint of melon.
The palate is creamy and sweet-forward at first, masking its 122 proof. A second sip pulls back more coating caramels and lets the oak show itself. A third sip digs deeper, bringing out some nicely complementing baking spices.
The finish trails effortlessly, tingly but welcome, with plenty of caramel and spiced oak lingering long after the sip.
"For me, the Gibson ES-335 is a pretty interesting chapter of Granddad’s story. It reflected his openness to trying out new sonics but always maintaining that visceral blues vibe. This single barrel evokes that same spirit, a winning combination of pipe and pipe wrench. He knew how to make that guitar sing, bend notes so deep you’d feel it in your spine. This bourbon pays homage to his evolution, his artistry and the music that still births in me."
Snickerdoodle cookie leads on the nose, joined by juicy berry notes and plump brown sugar.
The palate is layered with fruit - big, rounded berry tones that move into lovely, elegant vanilla.
Age isn’t the focus here, but if you’re looking for a dense, fruity whiskey with darker undertones, this is it.