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Five honoured by Bourbon Hall of Fame
By Annie HayesThe Kentucky Distillers’ Association has recognised five Bourbon luminaries for their service to the industry by inducting them into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.
The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame recognises individuals and organisations that have made an impact on the industryCreated by the KDA in conjunction with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in 2001, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame recognises individuals and organisations that have made an impact on the industry.
This year Barry Becton, senior director of State Government Affairs, Diageo North America; Joy Perrine, author and bartender at Equus Restaurant and Jack’s Lounge in Louisville; John Rhea, former chief operating officer, Four Roses Distillery; and William M. Street, former president, Brown-Forman Corp, were all recognised for their achievements.
The final inductee, Jimmy Russell, master distiller at Wild Turkey, also became the first ever recipient of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement award.
The award is named after Parker Beam, former Heaven Hill master distiller and Master Distiller Emeritus, who suffers from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
“This year’s distinguished class has a shared theme – they served behind-the-scenes to promote, protect and elevate our timeless craft,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. “But make no mistake – they are the backbone of our growth and success.
“Today we rightfully shine the spotlight on them in gratitude and congratulations. Their remarkable achievements have propelled Kentucky Bourbon into a golden age that continues to provide new jobs, investment and global recognition for our beloved Commonwealth.”
Russell is in his 62nd year making whiskey at Wild Turkey, and was elected a charter member of the Hall of Fame in 2001 and a Lifetime Honorary Member of the KDA Board in 2014.
“It is truly an honour and a privilege to receive this award because not only is Parker a true Kentucky legend, but one of my closest friends,” he said.
“We grew up over Bourbon together, and I’ve lost count on the number of evenings we’ve swapped stories over a glass of my whiskey or his whiskey. All I can tell you is there have been a lot of laughs.
“Parker is a champion of our industry and a real fighter, and I admire him greatly. I wish him, the entire Beam family and the KDA my deepest thanks for this recognition.”
The induction ceremony was held on the grounds of My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown, and saw Gregory present each inductee with an engraved miniature copper still before a crowd of 150 Bourbon barons and dignitaries.
Russell also received a hand-crafted plaque in the shape of Kentucky made from barrel staves.
Each inductee’s name also was added to a Hall of Fame display at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History in Bardstown.
“It’s with great honour that we welcome these outstanding individuals to our hallowed ranks,” Gregory said. “Their names are forever etched into the history of our timeless craft, alongside legendary icons whose roots run deep in Bourbon lore.”
“Jimmy and I have known each other for over 50 years I have nothing but respect and admiration for Jimmy and his family,” Beam said.
“I am proud to have him be the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award that the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame named for me last year, particularly since we both have literally spent our lifetimes working in this industry.”