Daniel Davis
Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame to welcome 8 new members
The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame is set to induct eight new members in September. They will join previous honorees such as Kentucky Bourbon producers, enthusiasts, and historians. Each of the new inductees has made significant contributions to the Kentucky Bourbon industry.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr
The first inductee is Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. He was born in 1853 in Columbia, Kentucky and was a prominent member of the bourbon distilling industry. Taylor worked as a distiller, chemist, innovator and advocate for reviving the bourbon industry in the late 19th century. Taylor was the first to introduce the concept of aging bourbon in charred oak casks, which is still the standard for bourbon to this day.
Dr. Don Livermore
Dr. Don Livermore has been an integral member of the bourbon industry for over 20 years. He currently serves as the master blender at the alcoholic beverage company, Beam Suntory. As a pioneer in the field, Livermore is credited with revolutionizing whiskey-making through modernizing the way whiskey is blended and aged. He is the recipient of the prestigious Master of Whisky award from Whisky Magazine, UK.
David Pickerell
David Pickerell is being inducted for his career in the whiskey business. He was the master distiller at Maker’s Mark Distillery for 13 years. During his tenure, he was instrumental in developing many of the company’s whiskey recipes, launching new products, and overseeing the distillation and aging of over three million barrels of whiskey.
Ali Harris
Ali Harris joins the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame for her contributions to the industry in the modern day. As co-founder of the Kentucky-based artisan distillery Limestone Branch, she has helped the whiskey industry evolve through innovative aging techniques, creating unique mash bills, and creating products in small batch sizes.
Tom Bulleit
Tom Bulleit is being inducted for his family’s 150-year involvement in the whiskey industry. As a sixth-generation distiller, Bulleit has strived to create whiskey that honors traditional methods, while also being at the forefront of modern-day whiskey production.
Jimmy and Eddie Russell
Jimmy and Eddie Russell are a dynamic father-son duo that is being inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. The two have been working side-by-side as master distillers at the Wild Turkey Distillery since 1954 and 1981, respectively. Together, they have collaborated on crafting some of Wild Turkey’s best whiskies including the Russell’s Reserve 10-Year and Single Barrel and the 2018 World Whiskey of the Year.
Chris Morris
Chris Morris, the master distiller at Woodford Reserve, is also being inducted into the Hall of Fame. In addition to helping Woodford expand its line of specialty whiskeys, Morris has conducted extensive research on whiskey production techniques and developed innovative ways to make whiskey.
Fred Noe
Fred Noe, the master distiller at Jim Beam is the final inductee. He has been with Jim Beam for over thirty years, where he has been instrumental in developing whiskeys, such as the award-winning Jim Beam Bonded. He is a third-generation distiller from the world-famous Noe family, and is the only seventh-generation Beam master distiller.
The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame is proud to welcome these eight exceptional individuals to the roster of bourbon-making pioneers and innovators. Their induction in September is sure to be a special occasion that celebrates their contributions to the Kentucky Bourbon industry
Oubon Hall of Fame for her work as a whiskey ambassador and educator. She is the first black woman to hold the title of master taster and master blender in the whiskey industry. Harris has been involved in numerous aspects of the whiskey world, from consulting and blending to education and marketing. She has been recognized as a leader and innovator in the industry, making her a well-deserved inductee into the Hall of Fame.
Overall, the new members of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame represent the rich history and diverse talents that make the bourbon industry so special. Their contributions have helped shape and elevate the industry to what it is today, and their induction into the Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor.
Ourbon Hall of Fame for her work in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the industry as the founder of the diversity and bourbon charity event, “Cognac”. Harris also works as a maker’s marketer for the influential company Patrón and has been a leader in bringing marginalized communities into the whiskey world.
Overall, the 8 new inductees bring a diverse set of talents and experiences to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and their contributions will be celebrated and honored for years to come. It is truly a testament to the rich history and importance of the bourbon industry in Kentucky.