The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame will welcome its newest class of inductees into its elite ranks this fall, honoring influential leaders who have shaped the signature industry through innovation, leadership, advocacy, storytelling, and tourism.  

Created in 2001 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who have made a significant and transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness. It is the highest honor given by the signature industry. 

The Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award will be bestowed on Eric Gregory, President of the KDA since 2008, who has helped transform Kentucky Bourbon into an international economic, cultural and tourism powerhouse.  

Under Gregory’s leadership, KDA membership has grown from seven member distilleries to more than 75, while its Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour has become a global bucket-list phenomenon that attracts millions of visitors annually with a demographic rivaling Napa Valley. 

Bringing craft producers alongside legendary heritage brands, Gregory built and championed a culture at the KDA where collective success outweighs individual competition, strengthening joint marketing initiatives and creating a united front with policymakers.  

The results have been historic: more than 20 landmark legislative reforms passed under his watch – including the phase-out of Kentucky’s aging barrel tax, a milestone achievement sought for more than 75 years – positioning the KDA as a national model for effective industry advocacy. 

“Gregory’s presidency is defined by growth, modernization, and collaboration: legislative wins that removed long-standing constraints, a Kentucky Bourbon Trail expanded to global prominence, and an industry culture built on unity,” his nomination form said. “His impact will be felt for decades in the laws, institutions, and partnerships now in place — helping ensure the Bourbon Capital of the World remains in Kentucky.” 

Gigi DaDan, Chair of the KDA Board of Directors and General Manager of Louisville Distilling Co., said each inductee represents a defining contribution to the continued evolution, enduring strength, and global prominence of Kentucky Bourbon. 

“From legacy whiskey families and pioneering distillers to transformative policy leaders, educators, storytellers, and innovators who have advanced the industry across generations, these distinguished leaders represent the passion, vision, and dedication that continue to shape Kentucky Bourbon and elevate its impact around the world,” she said in a news release.  

“We look forward to celebrating this extraordinary class in September during Bourbon Heritage Month, alongside many of the industry’s most respected legends and luminaries, while continuing to showcase how Bourbon Builds Kentucky.” 

Here is the 24th class of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, in alphabetical order: 

• Shane Baker, 55, Danville, Ky and E. Patrick Heist, Ph.D., 53, Danville, Ky. Baker and Heist, co-founders of Ferm Solutions and Wilderness Trail Distillery, are widely recognized for blending science, innovation, and tradition to advance Kentucky Bourbon. Through expertise in engineering, microbiology, fermentation, and distillation, the duo helped modernize production practices while preserving craftsmanship. Their work with hundreds of distilleries worldwide and the success of Wilderness Trail have made them influential leaders shaping Bourbon’s future.
• The late W.L. Lyons Brown Sr. and late George Garvin Brown II, Louisville, Ky. The grandsons of Brown-Forman founder George Garvin Brown played transformative roles in building Brown-Forman into the largest Kentucky-based distilling company following Prohibition. Under their leadership, Early Times became the world’s top-selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon, while the company expanded globally and strengthened iconic brands like Jack Daniel’s. Their leadership, innovation, and industry service left an enduring mark on Kentucky Bourbon and American whiskey.
• Eric Gregory, 59, Midway, Ky. Under Gregory’s leadership, Kentucky Bourbon has experienced unprecedented growth, modernization, and global recognition. Since becoming President of the KDA in 2008, Gregory helped transform the industry through landmark legislative reforms, expansion of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour, and unifying distillers of all sizes under a shared vision. Today, Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s Bourbon, supports 24,000 jobs, generates more than $10.6 billion annually, and welcomes millions of Bourbon Trail™ visitors – achievements shaped significantly by Gregory’s passion, leadership and advocacy. 
• Fred Minnick, 47, Louisville, Ky. Since returning from military service in Iraq, Minnick has become one of Bourbon’s most influential modern storytellers and advocates. Through bestselling books, national media coverage, podcasts, live events, and philanthropy, Minnick helped elevate Bourbon into mainstream culture while preserving its history and craftsmanship. A respected author, journalist, and educator, he has shaped how consumers worldwide understand and appreciate Kentucky Bourbon and American whiskey.
• John W. Schickel, 72, Union, Ky. Schickel dedicated 50 years to public service, including a distinguished tenure as Kentucky State Senator and longtime chairman of the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee. Through landmark alcohol law reforms, Schickel helped modernize Kentucky’s regulatory landscape, strengthen the Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience, support craft distilling, and expand tourism opportunities statewide. His leadership played a vital role in Bourbon’s growth as a major economic and cultural driver for Kentucky.

How Candidates Are Selected

Each year, candidates for the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® are submitted by KDA member distilleries and the KDA Board of Directors through a comprehensive application and review process. 

A blue-ribbon committee – including all living recipients of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award – painstakingly reviews and selects no more than five nominees annually in three categories of distinction: Industry, Roll of Honor and Lifetime Achievement.  

Parker Beam award representatives serving this year include Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller of Wild Turkey; Bill Samuels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark; Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands; Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus at Brown-Forman Corp., and Ken Lewis, Founder of New Riff Distillery. 

Other members of the 2026 selection committee were Fred Noe, Lt. Governor of the Order of the Writ and 7th Generation Master Distiller Emeritus at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.; KDA Board Chair Gigi DaDan; and Andrea Wilson, Master of Maturation and Chief Operating Officer at Michter’s Distillery, who was appointed by KDA President Gregory.  

The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame induction ceremony 

This 24th Hall of Fame class will be inducted on Sept. 14 in an exclusive, private ceremony at the Marriott Louisville East in Louisville, Ky., and is proudly sponsored by Presenting Sponsor, Buzick Construction, Inc.; Bourbon Pursuit, the Official Podcast of Bourbon, Louisville Distilling Co. | Angel’s Envy Distillery, Independent Stave Company, and Vendome Copper & Brass Works Corp. 

Tune In: The 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Livestream Event, produced and sponsored by Bourbon Pursuit, the Official Podcast of Bourbon, will feature exclusive interviews with the 2026 Inductee Class, award presenters, and esteemed members of the Bourbon industry. Join Bourbon Pursuit livestream co-hosts Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil for exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes coverage, and conversations with some of Bourbon’s most influential voices throughout the event. 

Learn more about the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame at www.kybourbon.com. 

Read more: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Adds Four New Destinations

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association

Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging craft distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s signature spirit. Kentucky Bourbon is a $10.6 billion economic powerhouse generating 24,000 jobs with $2 billion in salaries and benefits and attracting nearly 3 million visits annually through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.