Paul Wesley: ‘We Didn’t Create A Bourbon Because We Wanted A Celebrity Brand’

Paul Wesley is best known for his role as brooding vampire Stefan Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries, which ran for eight seasons until the finale in 2017. But nowadays, acting isn’t the only thing on Wesley’s CV: he’s also the owner of a bourbon brand alongside fellow Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder. After sharing hundreds of bourbons together while filming the show, the duo decided to launch their own premium brand; Brother’s Bond arrived on the US market in 2021 followed by a UK launch in February this year. 

The brand has been a big success – so much so that this summer, Wesley and Somerhalder are joining forces with Greek hotel Santa Marina Mykonos on a special bourbon partnership complete with cocktails and tastings. C&TH headed to the island for the launch, and caught up with Wesley himself.

Paul Wesley On Bourbon, Dream Roles & Learning From Bryan Cranston

How’s life going for you at the moment?

Life is busy, but in a good way. Between the film industry, family, and continuing to grow Brother’s Bond, there’s always something happening. I’ve learned to appreciate the balance between pursuing new challenges and taking time to myself or loved ones.

When did your love for bourbon start?

My appreciation for bourbon developed over time. It wasn’t something I immediately understood. Like many people, I started discovering the craftsmanship, the history, and the complexity behind it. What really drew me in was how bourbon tends to bring people together. Some of my best conversations I have had happened over a glass of bourbon.

Why did you decide to launch Brother’s Bond? 

Ian and I spent years working together on set and drank bourbon on screen but some of our closest conversations happened off camera. We’d sit together after long days and bond over bourbon. 

How is Brother’s Bond different from other brands on the market?

It starts with authenticity. We didn’t create a bourbon because we wanted a celebrity brand. We created a bourbon because we genuinely love bourbon and wanted to build something meaningful. Every expression is thoughtfully crafted, and we’re deeply involved in the blending process. We also care about the future of the industry, which is why supporting regenerative agriculture is such an important part of what we do.

How would you describe the drink to someone not familiar with bourbon?

I’d tell them to forget any preconceived ideas. Great bourbon isn’t harsh or intimidating. It can be incredibly approachable, with notes of caramel, vanilla, baking spice, and oak. It’s a spirit with a lot of character, but when it’s well made, it’s remarkably balanced and enjoyable.

What elements of running a drinks company most resonate with you?

The creative side. Building a brand, developing packaging, shaping the visual identity, and telling stories around the product are things I genuinely enjoy. It’s surprisingly similar to filmmaking in some ways, you’re creating something that people connect with emotionally.

You’re involved with the blending itself – how did you learn this skill?

A lot of listening, tasting, and learning from people who have spent their lives making whiskey. Over the years I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for how different mash bills, barrels, and aging conditions contribute to flavor. The more you learn, the more you realize there’s always more to discover.

What’s been the most challenging part of running Brother’s Bond?

Like any business, growth brings challenges. You’re constantly making decisions, solving problems, and adapting to change. The biggest challenge is maintaining the quality and authenticity of what you’ve built while continuing to scale. We’ve always tried to stay true to the original vision. 

In your opinion, what’s the best way to drink a bourbon?

However you want it, frankly. Neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail, there’s no wrong answer. Personally, I usually start by tasting it neat but after that it’s all about the occasion and who you’re sharing it with.

Santa Marina Mykonos

Why did Santa Marina Mykonos feel like the right place for a Brother’s Bond partnership?

Santa Marina represents everything we love about bringing people together, great food, beautiful surroundings, meaningful conversations, and memorable experiences. Brother’s Bond was built on connection, and there are few places in the world that create those kinds of moments better than Mykonos. It’s a destination where people slow down, enjoy life, and spend time with the people they care about.

What’s your favourite drink on the menu?

I’m probably going to pick In Fig We Trust. First, because it’s a great name. Second, because it manages to be both refreshing and interesting at the same time. The fig and bourbon work surprisingly well together, and the hint of sea salt makes it feel like it belongs in Mykonos. It’s the drink I’d order if I planned on staying for more than one.

What’s your dream acting role?

The projects that excite me most are the ones that challenge me or allow me to explore something completely different from what I’ve done before. I always try to find something different to what I have done before.

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

Probably dark comedies. Humor is usually rooted in drama.

Which co-star have you learnt the most from?

Bryan Cranston played my father in a mini-series and he was a class act and still is. Sam Shepard also played my father in a film I did and he was also incredibly humble and approachable.

How can we all live a little bit better?

Be present and less on your phone. We spend so much time thinking about what’s next that we forget to appreciate what’s happening right now. The best moments in life are usually the simplest ones.

How do you live a balanced life?

I’m not sure anyone ever fully masters balance. For me I find a lot of peace being in nature. When I am on my phone I am never really present.

The Brother’s Bond x Santa Marina Mykonos partnership runs until 18 October. Shop Brother’s Bond at brothersbondbourbon.com.