EXHIBIT 23(a)

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                                        
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Brown-Forman Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated May 27, 1997 on our
audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule
of Brown-Forman Corporation as of April 30, 1997, 1996, and 1995, and for the
years ended April 30, 1997, 1996, and 1995, which report is included in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed July 22, 1997.



/s/  COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Louisville, Kentucky
October 23, 1997