Jack Daniel’s Distillery made a little history this month with the announcement that they had named Lexie Phillips as their Assistant Distiller—the first woman to serve in that role for the famed brand.
This promotion arrives after Phillips spent seven years working as part of Jack Daniel’s quality control and distillery operations, as well as distillery lead operator. During that time, she was instrumental in the distillation and launch of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, a bottle that featured the company’s first new grain bill in over 100 years.
In collaboration with master distiller Chris Fletcher, Phillips will, according to the brand, now “support the overall quality and innovation of Jack Daniel’s from ‘grain to glass’ and serve as a brand ambassador.”
“I am honored to step into the role of Assistant Distiller and look forward to working alongside and learning from Chris and the best whiskey makers in the world,” said Phillips in a prepared statement. “Making Tennessee Whiskey has been my life’s passion, and I am grateful to be able to inspire a new generation of women to follow in my footsteps.”
Phillips is a lifelong Tennessee resident and is part of a long line of family members who were previously or are currently employed by Jack Daniel’s, including her husband Josh, who is a processor at the distillery.
“Lexie brings a deep knowledge of distillery history and a natural talent for whiskey-making to her new position,” added Fletcher. “She represents the future of our craft, and I am thrilled to now have her by my side as we work together to ensure the highest character and quality of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.”
Phillips steps into the role that Fletcher himself vacated about five months ago when he was promoted to Master Distiller following the departure of longtime Jack Daniel’s fixture Jeff Arnett.
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