The bourbon industry is mourning the loss of one of its titans. Even G. Kulsveen, Executive Director of Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, died this week.
The Kentucky Distiller’s Association noted, “Together with his beloved wife, Martha, Even grew Willett from a dormant distillery into an internationally respected name in premium whiskey — developing innovative small-batch blends, securing aged stocks, rebuilding distilling capabilities, and mentoring future generations.”
Willett Distillery said, “In resurrecting the family and distillery legacy, Even 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.”
Kulsveen was a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and received the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
“From revitalizing 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.”
About Willett Distillery
(From the distillery) Established in 1936, three short years after prohibition, the Willett family chose the original family hog farm, situated at the highest point in Nelson County, Kentucky, to begin construction on the Willett Distillery. By St Patrick’s Day 1937, the first barrel of whiskey was rolled into Warehouse A. Approaching 90 years, Willett continues to make fine Kentucky Bourbon and Kentucky Rye Whiskeys. It remains independent and, truly, family-owned and -operated. About The Bar at Willett Located at the site of the historic Willett Distillery and inspired by a storied family heritage, The Bar at Willett opened in 2019 and specializes in small plates, vintage pours and classically-inspired cocktails carefully executed by Executive Chef John Sleasman.
