Who was Cleo Lythgoe?
The legendary story behind Bourbon’s boldest brand.
Gertrude “Cleo” Lythgoe was a born badass and Prohibition was her time to shine.
While people across the country were peddling watered-down, colored-up liquor – moonshine that made you go blind – Lythgoe set up a wholesale liquor business in the Bahamas and imported premium whiskey from Scotland and Ireland.
She bought fast boats and hired tough men, often carrying a pistol or two, and daringly sailed her whiskey up to Rum Row, where it was purchased and bootlegged into New York and New Jersey. Prohibition didn’t stop the rich from drinking fine whiskey, and they paid people like Lythgoe to ensure they were well supplied.
A couple of arrests seriously boosted her image and she found herself hounded constantly by her own version of the Paparazzi. Ultimately known as “The Bahama Queen” or “The Queen of the Bootleggers,” flags flew at half-mast in the Bahamas when she died in 1974.
Our craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Lythgoe Bourbon, salutes Ms. Lythgoe and all whiskey women who unapologetically break the rules to drink good whiskey!
Have you Heard the Expression “the Real McCoy”?
During Prohibition, Captain Billy McCoy was renowned for his honesty, selling whiskey exactly as advertised—no watered-down “stretched” liquor. His genuine product earned the nickname “The Real McCoy,” an expression that lives on as a synonym for authenticity.
Cleo Lythgoe trusted Captain McCoy for many of her Rum Row runs, and the two became close friends—perhaps more. McCoy laterdescribed Cleo as a woman of extraordinary competence, resilience, and mystery. She was, as he put it, “no twittery jane,” but a determined and fearless force in the world of whiskey.
At Lythgoe Bourbon, we embrace the same authenticity and uncompromising quality that defined Cleo and McCoy. Our craft Bourbon is the real deal—bold, authentic, and unforgettable.
So, at Lythgoe® Bourbon,we asked ourselves…what if?
What if there was a craft Bourbon brand that didn’t follow the old rules? What if it proudly sourced and blended the best whiskey without pretense? Instead of hillsides or creeks, what if the brand celebrated a woman—a fearless leader like Cleo Lythgoe? What if this craft Bourbon told a story that resonated with the millions of Bourbon enthusiasts who love great whiskey?
That’s Why We Launched Lythgoe® Bourbon
Lythgoe Bourbon was created to celebrate whiskey groundbreakers who happen to be women. Designed to be enjoyed with friends, family, or even solo, our limited-edition expressions honor Cleo Lythgoe’s bold legacy while appealing to today’s adventurous craft Bourbon enthusiasts. Expect an exceptional, high-quality whiskey Billy McCoy would be proud of.
Whether you’re savoring life’s simple moments or celebrating big ones, Lythgoe Bourbon delivers exceptional flavor and unapologetic authenticity, every time.
No Bootlegging Here
Lythgoe Bourbon is fully committed to responsible marketing, compliance, and adherence to all local, state, and federal alcohol regulations. Our products are intended for adults of legal drinking age, and we do not market, advertise, or sell to individuals under 21 or prohibited demographics. We advocate for responsible consumption—please enjoy in moderation and never drink and drive. Lythgoe Bourbon complies with all licensing and permitting requirements set forth by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and other regulatory bodies, and we ensure that our advertising does not encourage excessive drinking, imply health benefits, or offer misleading promotions.
Due to state regulations, we are unable to ship to Utah, South Dakota, and Michigan at this time, and all deliveries require age verification upon receipt. Additionally, we do not offer free alcohol, giveaways, or unapproved discounts. For more information about our compliance and licensing, please contact us directly.