The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) this week announced the new members who will be inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. The organization said the designation honors “influential leaders who have shaped the signature industry through innovation, leadership, advocacy, storytelling, and tourism.”
Honorees in the Class of 2026 will be recognized at a private ceremony in September. KDA President Eric Gregory will receive the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award. The KDA created the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2001.
"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.”
2026 Class of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame
- 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.
Note: Full biographies, submitted by the inductees, accompany this release in a separate file can be found here.
Source: Kentucky Distillers’ Association
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, , the Official Podcast of Bourbon, Independent Stave Company, Kroger Wine & Spirits, Louisville Distilling Co. | Angel’s Envy Distillery, 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.
Source: Kentucky Distillers’ Association
