Willett Distillery’s Even G Kulsveen dies
Even G Kulsveen, the executive director of Willett Distillery in Kentucky, has died aged 79.
With his wife Martha, Kulsveen helped to grow Willett from a dormant distillery into an internationally respected name in American whiskey.
The Kulsveen family and Willett Distillery commented: “It is with profound and loving sadness that the Kulsveen and Willett Distillery family announce the passing of Mr Even Kulsveen.
“Mr Even was a loving husband, father and grandfather, alongside his late wife, Ms Martha. He established a legacy in American whiskey after resurrecting the Willett Distillery and became a pioneer in the renaissance of American whiskey, helping sustain and then grow the category throughout the 1980s and 90s.
“In resurrecting the family and distillery legacy, he returned distilling to the family property in 2012, alongside his daughter, Britt, president and chief whiskey officer of Willett Distillery; and his son, Drew, master distiller and chief production officer.
“At this time, please respect the privacy of the family. Additional details will be made public, as necessary.”
Kulsveen was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2019, and recognised with a Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA).
KDA president Eric Gregory said: “From revitalising Willett Distillery to inspiring countless distillers, his leadership shaped not only a brand but an entire industry.
“The Kentucky Bourbon community has lost a guiding light, and we are grateful for the profound mark he leaves behind.”
Kulsveen’s wife, Martha, passed away in May this year.
The distillery is left in the hands of their son, Drew Kulsveen, and daughter, Britt Chavanne.
Earlier this year, Willett Distillery entered a strategic partnership with Binder’s Stash to “expand the boundaries” of aged American whiskey.
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