How Fallen Brothers Crafted Spirits supports families of fallen first responders

For firefighter Kenny Gales, whiskey isn’t just a drink—it’s a tribute to brotherhood, sacrifice and the families left behind.

A veteran firefighter with over a decade of service, Gales launched Fallen Brothers Crafted Spirits as a way to blend his personal passion for whiskey with his deep commitment to the first responder community. What started as a hobby of collecting whiskey evolved into something far more meaningful—a mission to support the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“This journey is about more than just creating and releasing exceptional spirits,” Gales said. “It’s about remembering exceptional spirits.”

Each bottle sold donates $9.11 to The BackStoppers, an organization that provides ongoing financial assistance to the families of police officers, firefighters, paramedics and EMTs who have lost their lives or suffered catastrophic injuries in the line of duty.

A personal mission

For Gales, who is also a husband and father of two, this cause hits close to home.

“If something were to happen to me in the line of duty, I know The BackStoppers would be there for my family,” he said. “That’s why partnering with them wasn’t just a choice—it was a responsibility.”

Founded on values of character, class and integrity, Fallen Brothers Crafted Spirits is about more than what’s in the bottle. It’s about what the bottle stands for: a commitment to the families of fallen heroes.

Juggling firefighting and whiskey

Running a craft spirits business while working full-time as a firefighter and being a present husband and dad hasn’t been easy. But Gales says the long hours and hard work are worth it.

“My family is my foundation. What I’m building will leave a lasting legacy for them.”

That legacy is already growing. Fallen Brothers has released three whiskeys so far, each crafted in honor of a first responder.

Their latest release, Rise and Shine straight bourbon whiskey, pays tribute to Fire Captain Tommy Shine, who is currently recovering after suffering serious injuries in the line of duty. Last month, Fallen Brothers invited raffle winners and supporters to participate in the barrel selection for this special release alongside Captain Shine’s family. The raffle is now closed, but a limited number of bottles will be available for purchase starting in April.

The whiskeys of Fallen Brothers

Fallen Brothers currently has two core releases available, each crafted with purpose and meaning:

Rescue Rye: A limited-edition, uncut and unfiltered cask-strength rye whiskey. Crafted as a “bourbon drinker’s rye,” Rescue Rye greets you with sweet notes of caramel, vanilla and brown sugar before delivering a bold, complex finish. Each bottle is a tribute to the determination and courage it takes to make a difference when it matters most. Price: $85
9/11 Commemorative Series 343 Release: An American straight bourbon whiskey, uncut and unfiltered, finished with toasted and charred American oak staves. Released annually on September 11, this limited-edition whiskey honors the 343 firefighters who gave their lives on 9/11. Each bottle comes in a handcrafted wooden box built by firefighters. Price: $148.96

What’s next for Fallen Brothers

Looking ahead, Gales envisions opening a distillery and tasting room, complete with a bar offering specialty cocktails and guided tours. He also plans to collaborate with police, fire, EMS, military and charitable organizations to expand the brand’s impact.

“At Fallen Brothers Crafted Spirits, we’re building more than a brand,” Gales said. “We’re building a community—one that honors sacrifice, celebrates brotherhood and supports the families who need us most.”

How The BackStoppers help

A portion of every Fallen Brothers bottle sold goes to The BackStoppers, which provides:

Elimination of surviving family’s debt
Medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
Tuition and educational costs from daycare through university
Reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses
Home insurance, real estate taxes and property taxes
Assistance with unforeseen extraordinary expenses

Do you enjoy the content here on Drink314? We’d love it if you’d please consider tossing a few bucks in our Tip Jar. Please find us on Venmo – @Drink314.