The Origin
Born in the fringeS
Von Payne wasn't built in a boardroom. It was built on the belief that the most interesting people in any room are the ones seeking their second self, a louder life, a version of themselves they save for the right moment.
"We didn't set out to make a whiskey. We set out to make an experience that took you out of your comfort zone. For the people who've been waiting for someone to tell them it's okay to be who they really are."
-The Founder, Von Payne Spirits
The Path Less Traveled
Von Payne was built for the ones who do things differently. Not because they have to, because they want to. The brand was born from a simple belief: that the most interesting people in the room are never the ones who ordered what everyone else is having. You know who you are. This one's for you.
EUROPEAN INFLUENCE
Great things have a way of being shaped by the world around them. Von Payne is no different. Time spent in Europe left its mark on everything. From the arch-like bottle shape and iconic gargoyle pour spout, both inspired by the Church of Notre Dame, to the bold natural black currant infusion that is deeply rooted in European tradition. Old world inspiration. New world attitude.
FLORIDA ROOTS
The original recipe, bottle and pour spout were all created right here in the Sunshine State. Von Payne is proudly bottled at The Point Distillery in Florida, because some of the best things in the world come from exactly where you least expect them.
THE GARGOYLE POUR SPOUT
A gargoyle is defined by its ability to channel liquid. Fitting then, that ours channels something worth drinking. The gargoyle pour spout isn't decoration. It's the signature of a brand that sweats every detail. Because Von Payne isn't just a whiskey. It's an experience.
THE CASTLE
In 2025 we acquired a castle in Louisville, KY, just off the Bourbon Trail. We'll leave it at that for now.
Follow along, this one's going to be worth the wait.
LEARN MOREWho Are we
Meet Our Team
CEO/FOUNDER
Steve Allen
Steve is a successful serial entrepreneur who enjoys the creative side of building new products and brands. After selling his technology company, he shifted focus to building Von Payne in what he considers a passion project. Dedicating his time to bringing an alternative and approachable whiskey to market inspired by his own family.
VP - Sales & Marketing
Shawn Harlan
With a distinguished career spanning decades in the spirits industry, Shawn brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Von Payne Spirits, with a strategic focus on driving national accounts and elevating brand awareness.
Marketing manager
Chase Vandermark
Marketing manager
Deserie Rios
Blending her background in digital marketing with her expertise in event curation, Desi thrives at bringing creative concepts to life for impactful and memorable in-person experiences.
Master Blender
Kelly Townsend
As the Master Blender at Von Payne Spirits, Kelly Townsend infuses every bottle with a passion for flavor. With over three decades of culinary mastery, including experience as a chef at a two-Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco and as an instructor at the California Culinary Academy, Kelly’s expertise shapes the exceptional profile of Von Payne Black. Her refined palate ensures the consistency and depth of the whiskey’s signature blend.
CONTROLLER
KAREN MILLER
Karen Miller is an experienced CFO with over 30 years in the industry.