The prestigious Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame will honor seven individuals for their service to the Commonwealth’s signature bourbon industry at a ceremony Friday during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and festival officials announced.

“This is a diverse class that pays tribute to the pioneers of our industry as well as individuals who often work behind the scenes to promote and protect our craft…For their many contributions, we say thanks – and congratulations.”

said KDA President Eric Gregory
This year’s inductees are:

• David M. Beam, Jim Beam Brands Company
• John Henry “Jack” Beam, Brown-Forman
• Tom Bulleit, Bulleit Distilling Co.
• Charles K. Cowdery, Made and Bottled in Kentucky
• Frank M. Dailey, Kentucky Distillers’ Association
• Mary Jane Dickerson, Kentucky Bourbon Festival
• Edward S. Monohan III, Schenley Distillers, Inc.

The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame was created in 2001 by the KDA and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival to recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness.

It is the highest honor given by Kentucky’s legendary bourbon industry.

Candidates may be nominated each year by the KDA’s member distilleries and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Nominees are then sent to the KDA Board of Directors for selection.

The induction ceremony will be held Friday, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the historic Wickland mansion in Bardstown during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival’s VIP/Press Reception.

Each inductee will be presented with an engraved miniature still, and their names will be added to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame display at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History in Bardstown.