The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame has inducted five new members at a ceremony held at the Legacy at Log Still Distillery, presented in conjunction with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. More than 250 guests were in attendance at the ceremony.
The purpose of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame is to recognise individuals and organisations that have made a significant and transformational impact on bourbon’s stature, growth, and awareness.
Commenting on the ceremony this year, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) Eric Gregory said, “Each year we gather with our most respected legends and champions to applaud the collective progress that the industry has made, largely thanks to the stars who have helped transform bourbon into an economic engine and global tourism beacon for our state.
“Because of their leadership and dedication, Kentucky bourbon continues to elevate communities across the Commonwealth and create places for visitors from across the globe to experience a taste of America’s only native spirit. We are incredibly grateful for this year’s inductees and thankful for their impact in helping bourbon build Kentucky.”
In alphabetical order, the 2024 inductees are:
- Elmer Lucille Allen, the first black chemist at Brown-Forman and founder of the Chickasaw Little League
- Dee Ford, chair of the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail committee
- Ken Lewis, founder of New Riff Distilling
- Peter T Loftin, inducted posthumously, founder of the Bardstown Bourbon Company
- RM Corky Taylor, brought back the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co
Candidates are nominated each year by the KDA and its member distilleries. A blue-ribbon committee including all living recipients of the elite Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award meticulously reviews and selects applicants in three categories: Industry, Roll of Honor, and Lifetime Achievement.
