The Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the nonprofit trade organization that looks to promote and protect the Bluegrass State’s bourbon industry, recently announced the advancement of three distillers to their Heritage level membership, and another to Proof level.
Joining the ranks of such globally recognized brands as Wild Turkey and Beam Suntory, distillers of Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, as Heritage members are Rabbit Hole Distillery, Wilderness Trail Distillery, and Willett Distillery. And New Riff Distillery has advanced to a Proof membership, the second-highest level for members of the KDA.
“This year we are recognizing the growth of four KDA members, a tremendous accomplishment that is rightfully celebrated,” KDA President Eric Gregory said, in a prepared statement. “In addition to their individual achievements, all four companies actively work for the greater good of the industry and will now expand that leadership role. We raise a glass to toast their success and advancement within the KDA ranks and our iconic industry.”
To qualify as a Heritage member in the KDA, the distilleries need to have no fewer than 25,000 barrels of spirits aging in Kentucky, and for the Proof level that inventory needs to be between 10,000 and 25,000 barrels. Impressive numbers, but just a drop in the bucket as, according to the KDA, there are nearly 10 million barrels of spirits currently aging throughout Kentucky.
The three Heritage member distilleries also elevates the leaders of the companies to the board of the KDA. And the arrival of Willett, a female-led distillery now under the direction of Britt Kulsveen, and Rabbit Hole Distillery, founded by Iranian-born Kaveh Zamanian, adds some welcome diversity to that body.
“It is a privilege to be recognized as a Heritage member of the KDA and an honor to join the ranks of such an esteemed group of Kentucky distillers,” added Zamanian. “It has been an exciting, meteoric rise and the ride of our life.”
The KDA now boasts 14 Heritage members, including Bardstown Bourbon Company and Brown-Forman, the company responsible for Jack Daniel’s and Woodland Reserve. New Riff Distillery is now only the second current Proof member, alongside Town Branch Distillery.
The award for advancement—a commemorative barrel head—was presented to these four distilleries at the 140th KDA Meeting of Members, held online this year due to the ongoing pandemic.
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