Lofted Spirits has announced that Nick Smith has stepped into the role of master distiller, overseeing production at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Green River Whiskey and Lofted Custom Spirits. Smith succeeds Bourbon Hall of Famer Steve Nally, who steps into the role of master distiller emeritus at the Louisville, Kentucky-based company.
Smith joined Bardstown Bourbon Company in 2016 and has helped build the operation from the ground up. The company today ranks as one of the largest suppliers of American whiskey.
A Bardstown native and University of Kentucky graduate, Smith began his distilling career at Jim Beam, working through multiple production roles before joining Bardstown Bourbon Company.
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During his tenure, he developed Bardstown’s signature High Wheat bourbon, pioneered small-batch experiments and drove distilling innovation for Lofted Custom Spirits clients. That work included expanding beyond American whiskey to distill a range of spirits, including rum.
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Smith takes the reins from Nally, with whom he has worked closely for the past decade.
“Nick’s background, including his tutelage under Steve, makes him perfectly suited for his new role as master distiller. Nick played a crucial role in taking Lofted Spirits to the largest distiller of contract spirits in Kentucky,” said Mark Erwin, CEO of Lofted Spirits.
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READ THE STORY“He brings equal parts operational precision and creative experimentation to this role, and we’re excited to see where Nick takes us as we continue to think differently about what’s possible in this space,” Erwin added.
In his new role, Nally will continue to serve as an ambassador of Lofted Spirits and Kentucky bourbon across the US alongside his wife Donna, who is also a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member.
“Nick and I have worked closely together for the past decade, and I have no doubt he can take on this role and expand upon the work we did together while continuing our hallmarks of transparency, trust, and partnership,” said Nally, master distiller emeritus.
Nally has spent more than 50 years in the distilled spirits industry. He previously held a long tenure at Maker’s Mark, where he rose to master distiller before leaving to help launch Wyoming Whiskey.
When Nally returned to Kentucky, he joined Bardstown Bourbon Company as employee number one.
The leadership change coincides with another milestone. The distillery has now filled its one millionth barrel since beginning distillation in September 2016.
