In the world of spirits and wines, where tradition often clashes with fresh ideas, one guy is stepping up to bridge the gap. Jesse Bongiovi, the brains behind the hit rosé brand Hampton Water, has just rolled out Lily Pond Group, a new outfit aimed at spotting and growing the kinds of drink brands that grab hold of modern tastes while keeping things real. This isn't just another business play—it's about teaming up with folks who have stories to tell and products that deliver, starting with three standout partners that could change how guys like us think about grabbing a bottle after a long day.
Image credit: Lily Pond Group
Picture this: Bongiovi, who's no stranger to turning heads in the booze game, drew from his own wins with Hampton Water to kick off Lily Pond Group back in 2025. That rosé, cooked up with his dad, rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, wasn't supposed to be just another celebrity label. They hooked up with a top French winemaker named Gérard Bertrand and launched in 2018, focusing on a crisp, easy-drinking rosé that screams summer vibes without the stuffiness. It caught fire fast—racking up 90-point scores from Wine Spectator for four straight years, 91s from Wine Enthusiast and Decanter, and even snagging back-to-back nods as an Impact Hot Prospect brand. Sales-wise, it's been crushing it, hitting the No. 3 spot for rosés over 15 bucks in the U.S. and posting over 28% growth so far in 2025. And they're not stopping there; this year, they added a bubbly version to the lineup, pulling in a massive social following of more than 625,000 fans across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X. It's all about that direct connection—ditching the old-school wine snobbery for something fun and shareable that builds real loyalty and keeps volumes climbing double digits every year.
Bongiovi sees Hampton Water as the blueprint for what Lily Pond Group can do for others. "With the growth of Hampton Water serving as our inspiration for creating LPG, it was a natural first step to bring the brand on in an official capacity. Now, we're excited to bring these learnings to all of our partners as we continue to expand. Five Springs Infused Bourbon and Mezcal Mezul embody the exact kind of brands we're passionate about championing. Each is built on a clear vision, strong storytelling, and a commitment to quality, and we look forward to working closely with their founders to build on the momentum and growth they have created." he explains. Now, as the founder and creative director of this incubator, he's bringing that same energy to help other brands scale up. The group's got a solid crew calling the shots: Michael Misiorski as CEO, Dom Alcocer handling operations as COO, Jeff Cairney leading sales, and Ariel Hamlin steering the marketing ship. These pros have years under their belts in wine, spirits, and lifestyle ventures, offering hands-on guidance in everything from getting bottles on shelves to building buzz and running the day-to-day grind. It's not about quick flips; it's about picking partners with solid foundations—strong founders, top-notch quality, real authenticity, and signs they're poised for big things like early sales pops and a buzzing online presence.
First up in this lineup is Five Springs Infused Bourbon, a fresh take on America's favorite whiskey that's got family ties written all over it. Lisa Sawyer Derman, a Kentucky-born vet of the spirits world, started this in 2025 after spotting a hole in the market: bourbon that's true to its heritage but tweaked for folks who might not be die-hard sippers yet. She teams up with her daughter Kayla, who's all about the marketing side, blending Lisa's decades of know-how with Kayla's new-school flair. The result? Three killer infusions that start with aged bourbon from premium barrels, cut with pure Bardstown spring water, and layered with natural stuff like fruits and botanicals. You've got Vanilla Maple for that warm, cozy hit; Honey Sage, which brings a subtle herbal twist; and Blood Orange, packing a zesty punch without overwhelming the bourbon base. It's designed to be welcoming—smooth enough for cocktails at a backyard grill-out or straight up after knocking out a tough project. Lisa puts it simply: "From the beginning, we've been driven by a simple idea: bourbon can honor its roots and still evolve for the next generation Working alongside my daughter Kayla has made that vision even more meaningful. She brings curiosity and creativity that complement my experience, and together we're shaping a brand that feels both rooted and fresh. Partnering with Lily Pond Group feels especially meaningful because we've seen Jesse and Jon Bon Jovi build Hampton Water together as a family-led business, and we're thrilled to be part of a team that celebrates heart, authenticity, and connection." And with Lily Pond Group in their corner, they're eyeing wider distribution, already shipping online and popping up in more states, all while keeping that approachable vibe that invites everyone to the table.
Then there's Mezcal Mezul, a brand that's dialing back the intensity of traditional mezcal to make it more of an everyday go-to. Put together by four buddies—Jeff Cairney (who's also on the Lily Pond sales team), José Santiago, Jordi Sastre, and Carlos Naupari—this one's all about blending old Mexican craftsmanship with a lighter touch. They use 100% agave, mixing Espadín from Oaxaca with Blue Weber from Zacatecas, and give it a gentle toast for a balanced flavor that's not too smoky or overpowering. No additives here—just pure, versatile stuff that's great mixed in a margarita variation or sipped neat during a quiet evening unwind. What sets it apart is the commitment to giving back: every year, they donate to ocean and beach cleanup efforts through groups like Global Coralition and ByeByePlastic, tying into that bigger picture of sustainability that resonates when you're thinking about the world you're leaving behind. José Santiago sums up the excitement: "Working with LPG marks an exciting new chapter for Mezcal Mezul. Their collaborative approach and deep understanding of building brands that connect with culture align perfectly with our mission to bring mezcal to new audiences while staying rooted, in authenticity and sustainability." Like the others, it's available online and expanding state by state, with a clean profile that makes exploring new spirits feel effortless.
At its core, Lily Pond Group is chasing brands that aren't just about the pour—they're about the life around it. Bongiovi and his team are on the hunt for more partners who embody that mix of heart, creativity, and smart business sense. Think entrepreneurs with a clear path, products that stand out for their quality, and stories that stick because they're real. In a market flooded with options, this approach could be the edge that turns good ideas into household names, much like Hampton Water did by shaking up the wine scene with digital savvy and family-driven passion.
For guys who've seen trends come and go, this signals a shift toward drinks that fit real lifestyles—ones built on quality time with family, appreciating craftsmanship, and supporting causes that matter. As Bongiovi puts it, it's about creating momentum that lasts, not chasing fads. With these first partnerships locked in, Lily Pond Group's setting the bar high, proving that the next big thing in spirits might just come from nurturing what's already got potential.
If you're curious to dive deeper, check out Lily Pond Group at www.LilyPondGroup.com. For Hampton Water, head to www.hamptonwaterwine.com or follow them on socials like @HamptonWater on Instagram, TikTok, and X. Five Springs Infused Bourbon is at www.fivespringsbourbon.com and @fivespringsbourbon. Mezcal Mezul's got you at https://mezcalmezul.com/ and @MezcalMezul. And remember, always sip smart and responsibly.
