Today’s distillers wear lot of hats. Whether you call them Master Distiller, Head Distiller, Head Blender, or Master of Maturation, they each play a key role in the outcome of the distilled spirits coming off the still. They make decisions every day about what what kind of mill to use, what kind of still to use, what kind of corn to use, and how long before the bourbon in the barrel finally makes it into a bottle and onto a liquor store shelf.
While attending this year’s 35th Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Kentucky, The Bourbon Capital of the World and Most Beautiful Small Town in America, we had an opportunity to talk to many of the movers and shakers in the spirits industry. We got to find out how long they’ve been coming to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, some of their most memorable moments, and some of their favorite techniques for making America’s Native Spirit – Bourbon.
Make sure to watch to the end to get these two personal questions answered.
- Do You Have One Bottle That You Will Never Open?
- If You Could Turn Back the Hands of Time; Who is the One Person, Dead or Alive, that You Would Like to Share a Pour With?
Now, let’s dive into Distiller Talk with some of America’s greatest whiskey makers.
Neeley Family Distillery Founder and Master Distiller Royce Neeley
Everyone wants to know. Is that gold tooth real? Learn more about Neeley Family Distillery.
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. Founder & CEO Walter Zausch
What would you trade for zip ties? Is there a new still on the way to Whiskey Thief? And anyone that mentions the late Al Young of Four Roses is ok with us. Learn more about Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
Jackson Purchase Distillery Master Distiller Craig Beam
With a name like Beam, its got to be good. Craig has been attending KBF since day one in 1991. Rumor has it they may start tours in late 2026. Learn more about Jackson Purchase Distillery.
The Bard Distillery Founders Tom & Kim Bard
Tell me more about the man in the XS T-shirt. Did you know that Tom Bard is also the President of the American Craft Spirits Association? Learn more about The Bard Distillery.
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Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. Co-Founder Sean Edwards
Sean jumped into the Kentucky Bourbon Festival for the first time three years ago. That’s amazing to go from never attending to having a booth an sharing your bourbon and your story. Learn more about Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co.
Dueling Grounds Distillery Founder Marc Dottore
Hello, Super Bowl. Marc nails the best description of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival calling it the Super Bowl for distillers and their fans. Learn more about Dueling Grounds Distillery.
When is the 2027 Kentucky Bourbon Festival?
Save the date and watch this site for upcoming news about dates and early ticket sales for the 36th Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The 2027 Kentucky Bourbon Festival will be taking place Wednesday – Sunday, Sept. 16-19, 2027. “Book ’em, Danno”.
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