The distilled spirits world has lost a bourbon legend with the passing of Even G. Kulsveen, Executive Director of Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Kulsveen along with his wife Martha Willett Kulsveen are responsible for the rebirth of the Willett Distillery. Even was born July 12, 1946, in Hamar, Norway and passed away in Lexington, Kentucky, on September 23, 2025, at the age of 79. Martha was born June 18, 1947, and preceded Even’s passing by just a few months on May 6, 2025.
The Willett Distillery was founded by Aloysius Lambert “Thompson” Willett (Martha’s father) shortly after the repeal of Prohibition in spring of 1936. The distillery was built on the family’s 130-acre farm on the highest point in Nelson County where they filled their first barrel of whiskey on March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day, 1937.
Welcome to America – Reviving a Family Legacy
Stay Informed: Sign up here for the Distillery Trail free email newsletter and be the first to get all the latest news, trends, job listings and events in your inbox.
Born in Hamar, Norway, Even grew up along the banks of Lake Mjøsa. He emigrated alone to the United States at the age of 14, beginning a journey that would take him sailing as a merchant marine, honing his culinary skills as a chef, making homemade bloody mary mix behind the bar, and working as a fine decanter craftsman. These experiences nurtured his appreciation for artistry, craftsmanship, and worldliness—qualities that would later define his approach to bourbon.
On December 16, 1972, Even married Martha Willett at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in Bardstown. Their marriage represented both a union of love, heritage, and vision. After the Willett Distillery closed in the late 1970s amid industry decline, Even and Martha saw an opportunity to revive it. In 1984, they purchased the property and founded Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd. Together, they leveraged existing bourbon stocks, embraced creative packaging, and opened export markets, sustaining the family business during a period when American whiskey struggled amid growing diversification in beverage alcohol.
During the distillery dormant years, Even sold premium aged products overseas. Single barrels were sold via independent contract bottling as well as specially co-mingled small batch selections. Even developed the heightened palate discretion of a Master Blender – a gift that has shaped the current boutique small batch collection.
Even’s perseverance during bourbon’s slow years paid off as bourbon’s fortunes rebounded throughout the 1980s and 90s. In resurrecting the family and distillery legacy, he returned distilling to the family property in 2012 and changed the name back to Willett Distillery. In reviving the family legacy Even and Martha were joined by their daughter, Britt, President and Chief Whiskey Officer, and son, Drew, Master Distiller and Chief Operations Officer. The family’s business philosophy balanced respect for tradition with an openness to innovation, ensuring that Willett’s whiskeys resonated with both connoisseurs and new generations of bourbon drinkers.
Shortly after extensive renovations were completed on January 21, 2012, the now infamous Willett copper pot still was put to use for the first time. In honor of Thompson Willett’s Birthday, on January 27th the family rolled the first new barrels of bourbon into Warehouse A. This would have been Thompson’s 103rd birthday. Three years later in 2015 they release Willett Family Estate Rye Whiskey, the first whiskey available that was distilled on the iconic copper pot still. A year later on March 17, 2016, the first bourbon to be distilled on the copper pot still was released, the Willett Family Estate Bourbon Whiskey.
Willett Pot Still Reserve
The iconic Willett Pot Still bottle is an exact replica of the patented Willett pot still built by Vendome Copper and Brass Works. Like the family business that crafts it, this small batch whiskey has evolved overtime, carrying forward traditional flavors and adding the mark of the fifth generation.
Mash Bill: 65% Corn | 20% Wheat | 15% Barley
Barrel Entry Proof: 115°
Bottle Proof: 94° (47% ABV)
— Honor of a Lifetime —
Even G. Kulsveen Inducted into the
Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame
At Willett Distillery, it’s our job to make memorable whiskey. It’s your job to savor slowly and make lasting memories.
The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame was created in 2001 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival to recognize the distillers and the many behind the scenes people that have contributed to the success of America’s Native Spirit and today’s bourbon renaissance.
On September 19, 2019, Even Kulsveen was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame with the prestigious Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award.
At the ceremony, Rick Robinson, then Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association’s Board of Directors said, “Kulsveen is an exemplary figure whose progressive strategy in the global market allowed him to position his family’s company as an influential brand at home and abroad.
“Even has demonstrated disciplined leadership, strategic decision-making and bold forward-thinking. He has built a family legacy that will last for generations to come, and we thank him for his significant contributions to Kentucky’s booming Bourbon industry.”
In praising her father Britt Kulsveen said, “Our father has lived several lifetimes with all of the career paths he has taken – from tending bar to having a glass factory that produced decanters and envisioning the kingdom we have built together as a family today.
“We have always said that he is lifetime’s ahead of his time with all of the innovative, genius creations he has imagined and brought to fruition. This award is a long time coming.”
Beyond business, Even was admired for his humility, warmth, and generosity. In later years, he could often be found at The Bar at Willett, sharing stories through his singular dry Norwegian humor with the many visitors to Bourbon Country over cheesecake.
“From revitalizing Willett Distillery to inspiring countless distillers, his leadership shaped not only a brand but an entire industry,” said Eric Gregory, President, Kentucky Distillers Association. “The Kentucky Bourbon community has lost a guiding light, and we are grateful for the profound mark he leaves behind.”
“Even was a true steward of Kentucky bourbon, combining vision, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for family tradition,” commented Max Shapira, Executive Chairmen, Heaven Hill Brands. “His work at Willett helped revitalize the industry and inspired all of us who shared his passion for this craft. He leaves behind not only remarkable whiskeys, but a legacy of integrity, perseverance, and family that will endure for generations.”
Even G. Kulsveen was laid to rest at St. Joseph Cathedral in Bardstown, Kentucky. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and the Willett Distillery family.
Even and the family supported charitable causes close to their hearts, including veterans’ affairs, cancer research, and more. In honor of his contributions to the bourbon industry and the Bardstown, Nelson County community. Donations can be made in Mr. Even’s honor to the Medicinal Whiskey Charity and the American Cancer Society.
Now, after nearly 90 years, the Willett Distillery remains independent and truly family owned and operated. Descendants of the Willett family can be found every day working throughout the picturesque 130-acre property.
Related Stories
– Willett Distillery Investing $93 Million at 2nd Location to Expand Production Capacity & Barrel Storage Dec 2022
– Watch as a Willett Distillery 10-Year-Old Single Barrel Sells for $225,000 at Bourbon Crusaders’ Fund Raiser in 130 Seconds Nov 2022
– The Prestigious Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Welcomes Six New Inductees to the Class of 2019 Sep 2019
Learn more about Willett Distillery.
View all Bardstown / Nelson County Distilleries.
View all Kentucky Distilleries.
View all U.S. Distilleries.
Please help to support Distillery Trail. Sign up for our Newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
