Good Trouble Bourbon: A Spirit of Change, Celebration, and Summer

When it comes to bourbon, few bottles carry as much story, purpose, and power as Good Trouble Bourbon. Founded by entrepreneur, author, and advocate Dee M. Robinson, this Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey has quickly become a symbol of both craft excellence and cultural empowerment. As the summer heat lingers and grills fire up across backyards, there is no better time to pour a glass, raise a toast, and get into a little “good trouble.”

A Trailblazing Founder

Dee M. Robinson is not your typical spirits founder. She is a successful business leader with a career that spans entrepreneurship, corporate boardrooms, philanthropy, and advocacy. Robinson has built her name on breaking barriers and championing inclusivity. Her company, Robinson Hill, has managed top national brands in airports across the country, including Ben & Jerry’s, Hudson News, and Frontera Grill. She is also the bestselling author of Courage by Design and a tireless advocate for equity through organizations such as PGA WORKS, PGA REACH, and the Shine Your Light Foundation.

When Robinson turned her attention to bourbon, she was not simply chasing another business venture. She was creating a movement in a bottle. Inspired nearly a decade ago at a bourbon tasting, she immersed herself in the heritage and craft of whiskey. In 2018, she partnered with 8th generation master distiller Jacob Call and began shaping the vision that would become Good Trouble Bourbon. The result is a small-batch spirit that is as smooth and robust as the story behind it.

More Than a Bourbon

From its inception, Good Trouble was meant to be bigger than what is poured into the glass. The name honors Congressman John Lewis and his call to “get into good trouble, necessary trouble.” Robinson built the brand to celebrate rebels, trailblazers, and changemakers, and to spark conversations about justice, equity, and inclusion. A portion of proceeds supports the Shine Your Light Foundation, which amplifies efforts that promote tolerance, opportunity, and empowerment.

Even the bottle design carries meaning. The bold label features a diverse representation of Lady Liberty holding her torch while standing atop a charging bull, a symbol of resilience, unity, and the courage to speak up for justice.

Award-Winning Recognition

The achievements of Good Trouble Bourbon are as impressive as its mission. In its first year, the bourbon earned a Platinum Medal and 11 Gold Medals at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards. It has also been recognized at international competitions in New York, San Francisco, and beyond. Most recently, it claimed gold medals at both the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the 2025 Los Angeles Invitational Spirit Challenge, solidifying its place among the finest bourbons in the world.

Critics consistently praise its rich flavor profile and smooth finish, making it a standout choice for seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

A Summer Spirit for Good Times

Bourbon is a drink rooted in heritage, but Good Trouble is also about fun, flavor, and community. As summer winds down, backyard gatherings and barbecues offer the perfect chance to open a bottle. Whether served neat or mixed into cocktails, Good Trouble Bourbon is a crowd favorite that pairs as beautifully with smoky ribs as it does with grilled vegetables and fresh summer salads.

To make the moment even more memorable, Dee Robinson’s team has shared recipes that showcase the bourbon’s versatility. These cocktails are designed to cool you down and bring people together, turning any summer gathering into a celebration.

Ready to toast the season with something bold and meaningful? Here’s a recipe featuring Good Trouble Bourbon that will make your next barbecue unforgettable.