2026 KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS & LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT
LOUISVILLE, Ky.— The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® today welcomed its 24th class of inductees, celebrating their lasting contributions to Kentucky’s Bourbon industry and its worldwide legacy. A record number of more than 300 industry leaders, legends and luminaries gathered in Louisville to honor the newest members of the prestigious Hall of Fame.
Inductees include two pioneering scientists and distillers who helped shape modern Bourbon production, two Brown-Forman leaders who built Kentucky whiskey into a global powerhouse, a transformative industry advocate who helped usher in Bourbon’s modern era, a celebrated storyteller who brought Bourbon history to a worldwide audience, and a longtime legislator whose work helped modernize Kentucky’s alcohol laws and fuel the industry’s growth.
The exclusive annual event was held at The Marriott Louisville East before an audience of industry leaders and Bourbon enthusiasts, with a livestream extending the celebration to thousands of fans around the world. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear provided welcome remarks, and the ceremony was emceed by Susan Reigler, a renowned Bourbon authority, author, critic, judge and educator.
Founded in 2001 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® recognizes individuals who have made a transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness.
It is the highest honor given by the state’s $10.6 billion signature industry.
“I am proud to join the Kentucky Distillers’ Association in helping celebrate these remarkable honorees and their contributions to Kentucky Bourbon and our Commonwealth,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The Bourbon industry is essential to Kentucky as it supports good-paying jobs, our economy and our record-breaking tourism industry. These leaders are helping ensure that success continues for generations to come and we are grateful to them for all they do. Congratulations.”
“Kentucky Bourbon’s story has never been shaped by distillers alone. It has been built by innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, storytellers and leaders who each found a way to move this industry forward,” said Gigi DaDan, Chair of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors and General Manager of Angel’s Envy. “This year’s inductees embody that spirit.
“Their accomplishments span generations and disciplines, but they share a common thread: a willingness to challenge the standards, invest in the future and help cement Kentucky’s place as the home of Bourbon for the world. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact they have made on our industry.”
This year’s inductees are, in alphabetical order:
· Shane Baker, 55, Danville, Ky. and E. Patrick Heist, Ph.D., 53, Danville, Ky. Baker and Heist, co-founders of Ferm Solutions and Wilderness Trail Distillery, are widely recognized for blending science, innovation, and tradition to advance Kentucky Bourbon. Through expertise in engineering, microbiology, fermentation, and distillation, the duo helped modernize production practices while preserving craftsmanship. Their work with hundreds of distilleries worldwide and the success of Wilderness Trail have made them influential leaders shaping Bourbon’s future.
· The late W.L. Lyons Brown Sr. and late George Garvin Brown II, Louisville, Ky. The grandsons of Brown-Forman founder George Garvin Brown played transformative roles in building Brown-Forman into the largest Kentucky-based distilling company following Prohibition. Under their leadership, Early Times became the world’s top-selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon, while the company expanded globally and strengthened iconic brands like Jack Daniel’s. Their leadership, innovation, and industry service left an enduring mark on Kentucky Bourbon and American whiskey.
· Eric Gregory, 59, Midway, Ky. Under Gregory’s leadership, Kentucky Bourbon has experienced unprecedented growth, modernization, and global recognition. Since becoming President of the KDA in 2008, Gregory helped transform the industry through landmark legislative reforms, expansion of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, and unifying distillers of all sizes under a shared vision. Today, Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s Bourbon, supports 24,000 jobs, generates more than $10.6 billion annually, and welcomes millions of Bourbon Trail™ visitors – achievements shaped significantly by Gregory’s passion, leadership and advocacy.
· Fred Minnick, 47, Louisville, Ky. Since returning from military service in Iraq, Minnick has become one of Bourbon’s most influential modern storytellers and advocates. Through bestselling books, national media coverage, podcasts, live events, and philanthropy, Minnick helped elevate Bourbon into mainstream culture while preserving its history and craftsmanship. A respected author, journalist, and educator, he has shaped how consumers worldwide understand and appreciate Kentucky Bourbon and American whiskey.
· John W. Schickel, 72, Union, Ky. Schickel dedicated 50 years to public service, including a distinguished tenure as Kentucky State Senator and longtime chairman of the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee. Through landmark alcohol law reforms, Schickel helped modernize Kentucky’s regulatory landscape, strengthen the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience, support craft distilling, and expand tourism opportunities statewide. His leadership played a vital role in Bourbon’s growth as a major economic and cultural driver for Kentucky.
Note: Full biographies, submitted by the inductees, accompany this release in a separate file can be found here.
Inductees are selected each year by a blue-ribbon committee consisting of past recipients of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award, the Chair of the KDA Board of Directors, the Governor of the Order of the Writ – Spirit of Kentucky Bourbon Society, and an appointee by the KDA President.
Parker Beam recipients serving on the 2026 selection committee were Bill Samuels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark; Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands; Ken Lewis, founder of New Riff Distilling; and Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus at Brown-Forman Corp. and Treasurer of the KDA Board. Not present was Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller at Wild Turkey.
Other members of the 2026 selection committee were Gigi DaDan, General Manager of Angel’s Envy and D’USSE Cognac, and Chair of the KDA Board; Fred B. Noe III, James B. Beam 7th generation Master Distiller, who was appointed by Chris Morris, Governor of the Order of the Writ; and Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Chief Operating Officer and Master of Maturation, who was appointed by Eric Gregory, KDA President.
Each year, the group carefully reviews applications submitted by KDA member distilleries through a comprehensive and confidential process, with no more than five inductee honors awarded annually in three categories of distinction: Industry, Roll of Honor and Lifetime Achievement.
The 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® ceremony was presented by Buzick Construction, Inc.
The Hall of Fame Signature Toast was sponsored by The Kroger Company and Kroger Chris’ Picks.
The livestream of the induction ceremony was sponsored by the Bourbon Pursuit, the Official Podcast of Bourbon and co-hosted by Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil along with Chris Blandford, Adult Beverage Specialist for Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Southern Illinois Kroger stores. It can be viewed on the Bourbon Pursuit YouTube page @BourbonPursuit.
Additional sponsors include American Whiskey Scholar, Bluegrass Bitters™, Elmwood Inn Fine Teas, Independent Stave Company, Kern’s Kitchen Derby Pie®, Louisville Distilling Co. | Angel’s Envy Distillery, Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, Signarama Downtown, and Vendome Copper & Brass Works Inc.
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association commissioned glassblowing artist Brook Forrest White, Jr. of Flame Run in Louisville to craft unique and contemporary awards that incorporate Bourbon-inspired motifs such as amber colors, oak, copper and water.
JoEl E. Ford, owner of Kentucky Cut Stone, located in Lancaster, was commissioned to craft the natural-cut limestone award bases.
“The Bourbon industry is essential to Kentucky as it supports good-paying jobs, our economy and our record-breaking tourism industry. These leaders are helping ensure that success continues for generations to come and we are grateful to them for all they do. Congratulations.”
— Governor
Andy Beshear
