Master Taster Jackie Zykan created Hidden Barn Whiskey in 2022, in partnership with Royce Neeley of Neeley Family Distillery, and Nate Winegar. In 2024, Neeley purchased Hidden Barn from the partners, with Zykan remaining as Master Blender and Winegar as Brand Ambassador. The latest chapter in this story has Zykan stepping away from Hidden Barn but, the good news is Neeley Family Distillery will continue production of the brand.
Winegar will continue his role as Brand Ambassador and Neeley will continue production of Hidden Barn, with the same flavor profile that it’s known for, which has earned it Best in Class and several double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Zykan will stay involved with the Neeley Family Distillery by supplying some of its herbs used in its award-winning Absinthe.
“We have been thrilled to work with Jackie over the years and we look forward to continuing to work with her in a different capacity as she supplies some of our herbs for our Neeley’s Wormwood Absinthe Verte,” said Royce Neeley, Master Distiller, Neeley Family Distillery.
“We learned a lot from Jackie and have the utmost respect for her palate and blending abilities, and plan to continue to make Hidden Barn just as we have before. Our entire family thinks the world of Jackie, and the door is always open to future Hidden Barn collaborations. We’re excited about being able to work with her in this new capacity.”
“I’ve so appreciated having this opportunity to work with the Neeley family and Nate, and I’m grateful for their support as I start my new agriculture venture, and also focus on my other business, Oduoak, which is a line of whiskey-based fragrances I created in 2020,” said Zykan, master blender emeritus.
“I am honored to lean into my background of biology and chemistry to shed light on the importance of intentional and sustainable botanical sourcing. Diversifying my engagement with the natural world by growing aromatic flowers and herbs for both fragrance and spirits is an inherent next step in my journey. Being able to supply the herbs for Neeley’s Absinthe to deepen its roots as a Kentucky-made product is something I’m really excited about.”
Neeley’s Wormwood Absinthe Verte is another award-winning spirit created by Royce Neeley, and is considered one of the best absinthes in the world, having won a platinum award from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the only absinthe in the history of the competition to reach platinum status. The base of the spirit is the Neeley Family moonshine recipe, crafted using wild-crafted Appalachian yeast.
This yeast is also used to create all Neeley Family Distillery distillates, including its Hidden Barn Bourbon. There are no plans to make any changes to the Hidden Barn Bourbon after Zykan’s departure. In fact, the brand is growing stronger than ever, “We’re moving into our 20th state as far as distribution, with several more on the horizon,” said Neeley. Hidden Barn is also available for sale online and at the Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, Ky.
Hidden Barn’s name harkens back to the local communities who painted their barns black in solidarity with distillers during Prohibition. This sense of community is continued today through the passion for quality whiskey and camaraderie shared by its three founders, Jackie Zykan, Royce Neeley and Nate Winegar. Hidden Barn Bourbon is available online and in select states.
Zykan: I Started My Own Perfume Business During Covid – ODUOAK
During Covid lockdowns face to face events dried up. Old Forester was closed to tourism and in-person tastings were not possible. Like a hummingbird that can’t stop moving its wings Zykan’s mind kept racing. It was during lockdowns that Zykan created ODUOAK, pronounced O/DU/OAK.
Related Stories
– Master Taster Jackie Zykan’s Career with Old Forester Bookends with Fire; Leaves for Startup Hidden Barn Whiskey Jul 2022
– Startup Hidden Barn Whiskey Debuts its 1st Release from Master Blender Jackie Zykan and Neeley Family Distillery Jul 2022
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