On April 2, 2025, a new player stepped into the bourbon world, and it’s not just another bottle on the shelf. Good Trouble Bourbon, launched in Chicago, brings together top-notch craftsmanship and a mission to shake things up for the better. This small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon, created by entrepreneur Dee M. Robinson, isn’t just about great taste—it’s about starting conversations, building connections, and pushing for positive change. With a slew of awards already under its belt and a story that’s turning heads, Good Trouble Bourbon is making waves in the spirits industry and beyond.
A Bourbon Born from Passion and Purpose
Dee M. Robinson isn’t new to the food and beverage game. Her love for bourbon kicked off almost ten years ago when she attended a tasting event that opened her eyes to the spirit’s depth and complexity. From there, she dove in headfirst—collecting bottles, taking classes, and touring distilleries to learn everything she could about the craft. But for Robinson, it wasn’t enough to just enjoy bourbon. She wanted to create something that stood for more. That’s where Good Trouble Bourbon comes in.
Robinson teamed up with Jacob Call, an 8th-generation master distiller, to bring her vision to life. Together, they crafted a bourbon that’s smooth yet bold, with a flavor that lingers and invites you to take another sip. But what really sets Good Trouble apart is its heart. “This isn’t just a drink,” Robinson said at the launch. “It’s about sparking dialogue and inspiring people to take small steps that lead to big impact.” Every bottle sold supports the Shine Your Light Foundation, a non-profit focused on promoting inclusivity, equity, and tolerance through community projects. For Robinson, it’s all about using bourbon as a way to bring people together and get them talking about things that matter.
A Label That Tells a Story
The bottle itself is a conversation starter. The label features a striking image of Lady Liberty—not the traditional version, but a diverse, global take on the icon. She’s holding a torch and riding a charging bull, a symbol of strength, unity, and standing up for what’s right. It’s a bold design that reflects the bourbon’s mission: to challenge the norm and encourage what Robinson calls “good trouble”—the kind of disruption that leads to progress. That idea comes from civil rights legend John Lewis, whose legacy of fighting for justice inspired Robinson to give her bourbon this name and purpose.
Image credit: Good Trouble Bourbon
Awards Piling Up in Its First Year
Good Trouble Bourbon didn’t waste any time making a name for itself. Right out of the gate, it started racking up awards that prove it’s not just talk—it’s a seriously good drink. In its debut year, it snagged a Platinum Medal at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards, a huge honor in the spirits world. It didn’t stop there. The bourbon also brought home 11 Gold Medals, including one for “Best Story” at the International Spirits Competition Distillers Challenge—a nod to its unique mission—and a second-place finish for “Best Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey” at the International Whiskey Competition.
The accolades kept coming with a Double Gold Award from the International Spirits Competition, showing that Good Trouble could hold its own against the best. In 2024, it earned Silver Medals at two heavy-hitting events: the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, known as one of the toughest in the industry, and the New York World Spirits Competition. Then, in early 2025, it added two more Gold Medals from the Los Angeles Invitational Spirits Challenge to its growing collection. For a brand that’s just getting started, that’s an impressive haul—and a sign that Robinson and Call nailed the recipe.
What Makes Good Trouble Bourbon Special?
So, what’s the secret behind this award-winning bourbon? It starts with the craftsmanship. Made in small batches, Good Trouble is a Kentucky straight bourbon, which means it’s distilled and aged in the state known as the heart of bourbon country. Jacob Call’s expertise shines through in the smooth, robust flavor that’s become a hallmark of the brand. It’s the kind of bourbon that’s easy to sip neat but versatile enough to mix into your favorite cocktail.
But it’s more than just the taste. Good Trouble Bourbon is built on the idea that a drink can do more than just sit in your glass—it can start something. Whether it’s a chat with friends about making a difference or a moment of reflection on how to shake things up in your own life, this bourbon aims to get people thinking. And with part of every sale going to the Shine Your Light Foundation, every purchase helps support efforts to make communities more inclusive and fair.
Where You Can Find It
As of its launch on April 2, 2025, Good Trouble Bourbon is already available in 40 states through online orders. If you’re in Illinois, you can also pick it up at select retailers. The brand’s website, www.GoodTroubleBourbon.com, has all the details on where to buy it and how to get involved with its mission. With key distributors on board, Robinson’s dream of spreading “good trouble” across the country is well underway.
A New Kind of Bourbon for a New Kind of Drinker
Good Trouble Bourbon isn’t just for bourbon lovers—it’s for anyone who believes in doing things with purpose. Dee M. Robinson set out to make a spirit that tastes amazing and stands for something bigger, and she’s delivered on both fronts. From its roots in her personal journey to its standout performance in competitions, this bourbon is proving that quality and impact can go hand in hand.
As it hits the market in 2025, Good Trouble Bourbon is poised to become a favorite for those who want more from their drink than just a buzz. It’s a reminder that even something as simple as a sip of bourbon can be a step toward change. So next time you’re looking for a bottle to share with friends or enjoy on your own, consider reaching for Good Trouble. It’s not just a drink—it’s a movement.
