New documentary tells the tale of Bourbon
Famed Bourbon distillers are telling the story of Kentucky’s most treasured export in a new documentary.
Parker Beam is is one of many Bourbon barons lined up to take part in the documentaryThe recorded oral histories – called Kentucky Bourbon Tales – are currently being collected in a joint effort between the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and the University of Kentucky.
“With 200 years of tradition and so many colourful characters and stories, it’s amazing that our industry has never captured the true collaborative spirit and camaraderie of Kentucky Bourbon from the experts themselves,” said Kentucky Distillers’ Association president Eric Gregory.
Renowned Bourbon experts, father and son Parker and Craig Beam, master distillers at Heaven Hill, have already been interviewed for the documentary.
Other Bourbon-makers featured in Tales include Brown-Forman, Diageo North America, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Wild Turkey.
Doug Boyd director of Kentucky University’s Louie B. Nunn Centre for Oral History, said the interviews will document “the stories of these pioneers who have really elevated the Bourbon industry to a global standard.”
In particular, Tales looks back at the creation of premium small batch and single barrel products that “changed perceptions of Kentucky whiskey” and the marketing initiatives which turned the products into recognisable brands.
Bill Samuels, former president and CEO of Maker’s Mark, said: “The word Kentucky Bourbon to most people in the world is one word, not two words. And when you get the that point, you’ve got a franchise.”
According to the association, Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s Bourbon, with production increasing more than 120% since 1999.
The announcement of the oral history collection comes a few days after the death of Lincoln Henderson, the influential master distiller at Brown-Forman who held his post for nearly 40 years.
The interviews will soon be available to view at www.kentuckyoralhistory.org.
