Let me tell you about My Great-Grandmother, Lily May. She was born way back in 1877 on Johnson’s Fork in Boyd County, Kentucky. She and her husband, Jess, made a life together on a modest 4-acre patch of land. They had a simple three-room house, a canning cellar dug into the ground, a tobacco shed, and even a buried wooden icebox—a rarity for the area. They also ran a small moonshine still, crafting corn whiskey for themselves and as gifts for family in Illinois and West Virginia during the holidays.
Life threw them a curveball when Jess was seriously injured in a coal mine accident in his twenties. He spent the rest of his life unable to walk or work. With Jess sidelined, Lily stepped up. That moonshine became more than just a drink—it was currency. She traded it for essentials like sugar, fabric, rolling papers, dental care, and even guns and ammo.
In her later years, Lily was a tough, resourceful woman. She kept farming, hunting, canning, and even making her corn whiskey. She loved her TV shows—Gunsmoke, Gomer Pyle, and her absolute favorite, Ironside. Her house had a coal-burning stove in the living room that she kept going year-round. Summers were brutal because of it—you could hardly breathe in there! She had a stash of Vick’s VapoRub, which she called “Magic Croup Salve,” and she used it religiously. Her other go-to remedies were old-school Luden’s Menthol Throat Drops (which she admitted were awful back then) and her “clay-jug medicine.” That was her shine, and she used it to soothe her gums, which her dentures made sore. She had a whole routine—she’d pull the cork, take a swig (she called it a “snort”), and rub the shine on her gums. ”Looking back, we figure that her gums were really, really sore because she used a lot of that clay jug medicine!”
Now, as kids, we weren’t allowed near that jug. She’d warn us, “The devil lives in there,” and let me tell you, that was enough to keep us at a safe distance. Lily May passed away in 1968 at the remarkable age of 91.
Lily’s resourcefulness and grit left a legacy. My mom, Donna, worked in chemistry, and I followed in her footsteps. I ended up creating ALOCANE, the world’s top-selling burn medicine, and the leading treatment for radiation dermatitis. Inspired by Lily’s moonshine-making, I decided to make something special of my own: Bullitt’s Wines and Lily May Bourbon.
Changing The Bourbon World, LM Spirits and Lily May are always pushing the limits and changing how people look at and accept Bourbon. Lily May is the pinnacle of class, panache and setting bars. Part of our goal is to introduce everyone to Bourbon even those that may have been turned off by its harshness and burn in a past encounter with other Bourbons. LM Spirits wants the world to know about the Lily May Difference and Uniqueness. Global awareness of our Brand will give everyone the opportunity to try the new Bourbon sensation, Lily May. We will make our promotional splash by releasing 4 barrels of our Birthday Bottle in the Spring of 2026 that will literally be the most famous bottle of Bourbon in the history of Bourbon. One of these Birthday Bottles will be part of the Birthday Bash in The Lily May Bourbon Company in Bowling Green, KY and Watch Hill Proper in Norton Commons, KY. This bash will be protected by BRINKS Security because of the special nature of one of the Bottles. The bottles for these 4 barrels will be custom hand blown and one of them will house “The Lily May Stone” a $2 million dollar “Triple Excellence” Diamond that will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York. This bottle will make 2 stops, the first in Bowling Green and the second in Louisville and will be the talk of the world.
One of the bottles will even be auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York, with a reserve set at a jaw-dropping $1 million.
The Lily May Bourbon story isn’t just about bourbon; it’s about family, resilience, and making a lasting mark.
-Ron May, Founding Partner LM Spirits
Lily May Bourbon was born out of a vision to redefine the bourbon experience and create a spirit that resonates with both seasoned connoisseurs and first-time drinkers. Rooted in Bardstown, KY—the Bourbon Capital of the World—our journey began with a simple observation: many bourbon lovers appreciated the flavor but found the harsh burn, or “Kentucky Hug,” off-putting. We saw an opportunity to craft a bourbon that delivered rich complexity without the bite, opening the door to a smoother, more accessible bourbon experience.
Our proprietary finishing methods and innovative approach have allowed us to achieve what was once thought impossible—a bourbon that maintains all the robust, bursting flavors while offering a silky, velvety smoothness. This is a bourbon that bridges tradition and innovation, appealing to a broad audience, from seasoned enthusiasts to new drinkers looking to explore the world of whiskey.
At Lily May, every detail reflects our commitment to excellence. From our unique recipes to our gold-accented, premium packaging, we’ve designed a bourbon that exudes luxury and elegance. Our handcrafted bottles, adorned with real gold, and our custom closures set us apart, showcasing our dedication to quality and innovation at every level.
More than just a bourbon, Lily May represents an inclusive, elevated experience that celebrates the heritage of bourbon while inviting a new generation of drinkers to the table. Discover the world’s smoothest bourbon and join us in savoring a spirit like no other.
Raise a glass. Raise the bar.
Lily May Spirits.
