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Milam & Greene’s Marlene Holmes Named ‘Master Distiller of the Year’ By WOW Awards

Marlene Holmes' award comes just one year after Heather Greene, CEO of Milam & Greene, was named ‘Master Blender of the Year’ by the WOW Awards.
  • Beth Squires is the Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Wash and a graduate of the OurWhisky Foundation’s Atonia Programme. With over half a decade of industry experience, she is passionate about writing stories that highlight innovation, diversity, and sustainability across the global whisky landscape.
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Marlene Holmes has worked in the whiskey industry for 34 years. Credit: Milam & Greene Whiskey
Marlene Holmes, Master Distiller at Milam & Greene Whiskey, has been named ‘Master Distiller of the Year’ at the second annual Women of Whiskey (WOW) Awards. Holmes was presented with the award at a ceremony during the Bourbon Women SIPosium on Friday, August 16th. 
The WOW Awards recognizes women who have gone above and beyond in their craft, honoring their lasting marks on the whiskey and bourbon industry. 

Marlene Holmes & Milam & Greene 

Holmes, a Kentucky native, started her career with Jim Beam in 1990, working under legendary Master Distiller, Booker Noe. This learning experience left Marlene with exceptional whiskey-making skills, from distilling to cutting. In 2018, Marlene moved to Milam & Greene Whiskey in Texas. 

At Milam & Greene Whiskey, Marlene has perfected her craft and is able to produce high-quality whiskey from both small copper pot stills and large column stills. She has also experimented with bespoke mash bills, yeast strains, and maturation programs. Her leadership of partnerships in Kentucky has allowed Milam & Greene to expand, now, to 19 states across the US. 

“Marlene immediately became the most experienced whiskey maker in all of Texas,” says Marsha Milam, co-founder of Milam & Greene Whiskey. “And guess what?  She still is, inspiring a whole new generation of whiskey makers with her talent, grit, and skill. We are incredibly lucky to have generations of whiskey knowledge passed through Marlene and now to our whole team.”

Marlene Holmes added: “This award means a great deal to me, but after 34 years in the business, I might be more excited seeing how much it meant to all of us at Milam & Greene. We’re here to work together and make great whiskey, and this award is a testament to that dedication amongst all of us.”

Women In Whiskey 

Master Blender, Heather Greene (left) and Master Distiller, Marlene Holmes (right). Credit: Milam & Greene Whiskey

Marlene’s award comes just one year after Heather Greene, CEO of Milam & Greene, was named ‘Master Blender of the Year’ by the WOW Awards. Milam & Greene is, without a doubt, spearheading change in the industry, and recognition of women in whiskey. 

Beth Squires

Beth Squires is the Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Wash with over half a decade of industry experience. She possesses comprehensive knowledge of the global whisky landscape, spanning everything from heritage and production to complex market analysis. A graduate of the OurWhisky Foundation’s Atonia Programme, which champions women in whisky, Beth is a dedicated advocate for diversity and sustainability, focused on highlighting the innovation and storytelling that define the modern whisky industry.

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