Lisa Roper Wicker joins Whiskey Thief Distilling
Former Garrard County Distilling master distiller Lisa Roper Wicker has been appointed the director of distilling for Kentucky-based Whiskey Thief.
Lisa Roper Wicker, who has often used the phrase ‘itinerant distiller’ to describe her path through whiskey, will join Whiskey Thief Distilling Co based in Franklin County Kentucky.
Wicker will take on the role of director of distilling for Whiskey Thief, which hosted 54,000 visitors in 2024 and opened a second location, a tasting room in Louisville, last October.
Wicker joins Whiskey Thief after previously overseeing production at Brooklyn-based Widow Jane and consulting for a number of American whiskey distilleries in Kentucky and beyond. Whiskey Thief was purchased by Walter Zausch in 2021.
“Lisa is someone we’ve known for a while, and are excited to bring her to Whiskey Thief to grow distilling, both in production quantity and quality, and be part of the team to develop the future of the brand,” Zausch said.
“Her experience is not only with large distilleries, but craft handmade pot distillation, as well as even farming heirloom grain, which we farm in Franklin County. Lisa is a natural fit for Whiskey Thief. We are also excited for her to help us inform and grow our product strategy.”
While at Widow Jane, Wicker helped to build a lasting brand portfolio and develop a team of blenders that continue to lead the brand today. In February 2024, Wicker was named master distiller at Kentucky-based Garrard County Distilling, however, she left the role a few weeks later, with recent reports indicating that Garrard Country has since halted production and faces a US$2 million lawsuit from the contractor that built it.
The news of joining Whiskey Thief then, isn’t just another mile marker on Wicker’s journey as a whiskey maker, but a turning of the page on a chapter that has played out in unexpected ways.
Wicker shares her own feelings of enthusiasm upon joining Whiskey Thief following a period of consulting done through her own firm, Saints & Monsters.
“I’m impressed by the brand, distillery and tasting room, and the reputation Walter has built for Whiskey Thief in only five years as owner and CEO,” Wicker said. “Add in a team of great people, delicious whiskey thieved straight from the barrel, goats, and live music; it’s a privilege to join this authentically Kentucky team. I am excited to start.”
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