Sazerac master distiller Truman Cox dies

Truman Cox, master distiller of Sazerac’s A. Smith Bowman Distillery, has died suddenly at the age of 44 following a short illness.

Truman Cox, master distiller of Sazerac’s A. Smith Bowman Distilleryhas passed away

The announcement was made on Sunday by Sazerac after Cox passed away on Saturday night, 7 February.

Cox, who was born and raised in Northern Indiana, joined Sazerac in 2004 as lead chemist at Buffalo Trace Distillery. He later realised his dream to become master distiller at A. Bowman Smith Distillery in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

In October 2011, Cox became master distiller of A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg, Virginia, succeeding long time master distiller Joe Dangler.

During his time as master distiller Cox oversaw the successful opening of A. Smith Bowman’s visitor centre, which enabled visitors to taste some of the Bourbons on the Bowman portfolio and learn about the distillery’s history.

“Truman’s passion for our industry was evident to everyone who knew him and he left a notable and positive mark on our company in the time he was with us,” said a spokesperson for Sazerac. “Truman will be sadly missed by his many friends at Sazerac and in the industry.  Please keep Truman, his wife Susan, and daughter Emmy in your thoughts and prayers.”

Funeral arrangements are yet to be determined.