Dee Robinson: Stirring Up Good Trouble in Chicago
Dee Robinson, a name that’s quickly becoming synonymous with good trouble in Chicago, has taken the American whiskey scene by storm with her latest venture, Good Trouble bourbon. But how did this former airport restaurateur and entrepreneur find her way into the craft distilling world? Let’s take a closer look at the woman behind the bourbon and the story she’s telling through each bottle.
A Legacy of Good Trouble
Robinson’s journey into the world of bourbon began long before she ever dreamed of distilling her own spirit. Raised in Cleveland with her twin brother, sister Pearl, and hardworking mother, Helen Hill, Robinson’s childhood was filled with lessons in perseverance, hard work, and the importance of giving back. It was her mother who instilled in her the idea that the only trouble worth getting into was good trouble—a mantra that would shape Robinson’s approach to both business and life.
A Recipe for Success
After a successful career in banking and marketing, Robinson found herself yearning for something more—a way to combine her passion for hospitality with her desire to make a difference in the world. It was a chance encounter with a bottle of good bourbon that sparked her interest in craft distilling and set her on the path to creating Good Trouble. But this bourbon isn’t just about the drink—it’s about sparking conversations, forging connections, and driving positive social change.
A Bourbon with a Purpose
From the label design featuring Lady Liberty astride a raging bull to the carefully crafted mash bill (70 percent corn, 21 percent rye, 9 percent malted barley), every aspect of Good Trouble bourbon is designed to tell a story. A story of resilience, of unity, and of the power of good trouble to bring people together. And at the heart of it all is Robinson’s unwavering commitment to giving back—to using her bourbon as a force for good in the world.
In a city known for its iconic food and drink scene, Dee Robinson is carving out a space all her own with Good Trouble bourbon. So the next time you’re browsing the whiskey aisle or sipping a cocktail at your favorite bar, take a moment to raise a glass to Dee Robinson and the legacy of good trouble she’s stirring up in Chicago and beyond. Cheers to bourbon with a purpose, and to the power of a spirited conversation.
