Ky. Hall of Fame Names New Members

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 steady 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.

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.
• 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.
• Eric Gregory, 59, Midway, Ky., president, Kentucky Distillers Association.
• 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.
• 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.