Medium & Craft Distillery Founders

The Bourbon Capital Region

(NOTE: FOUNDERS ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

1

Stephen Beam,

Limestone Branch 

Stephen Beam stands as a living testament to the enduring legacy of American whiskey. Born into the iconic Beam family, whose influence has shaped the landscape of bourbon for over two centuries, Stephen inherited not only a famous name but also a profound passion for the art of distillation.

2

Guy Beam,

Limestone Branch 

Guy rose to the position of Master Distiller in at least 3 American distilleries, in a state where that title is reserved only for those with both a profound understanding of whiskey making and who display an unwavering dedication to quality. But during Prohibition, he made the difficult decision to leave his home country and relocate to Canada, where alcohol production remained legal.

3

Minor Case Beam,

Limestone Branch

THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON

4

Wattie Boone,

Preservation

Walter "Wattie" Boone was an early Kentucky frontiersman and distiller who operated a distillery in the area of Knob Creek in LaRue County, Kentucky. Historians have agreed that Boone was one of the first, if not the very first, settlers documented to have been producing bourbon whiskey in Kentucky; the only other distiller able to possibly rival this claim being Evan Williams.

6

J.W. Dant,

Limestone Branch

Joseph Washington Dant (1820-1902) was born in May 1820 in Loretto, Marion County, into a farm family. He received some elementary education, and his first occupation was as a blacksmith. Joseph decided whiskey held more promise at sixteen than beating hot iron and making horseshoes. Dant would marry his wife, Ann Catherine Ballard, on February 12th, 1849. Together, J. W. and Ann Catherine would have ten children, several of whom were sons who would also play a considerable role in distilling. In 1836,

5

Cliff Buzick

THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON

9

Brent Goodin,

Boundary Oak

The Boundary Oak marks the edge of the Goodin family’s expansive farm, whose story weaves together family tradition, American heritage, and the quiet ambition of its founder. Brent Goodin, owner and Master Distiller, was inspired to name his distillery after that very tree.

8

Dixie Hibbs

THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON

7

Dixon Dedman,

Kentucky Owl

Dixon Dedman is a man who honors tradition while shaping its future—one creative blend at a time. His journey charts a remarkable arc—from growing up working at the Beaumont Inn, to resurrecting a family bourbon brand, to pioneering new styles in the industry. His story is one of devotion: to ancestors, to craft, and most importantly, to his children.

10

Marci Palatella,

Preservation Distillery

Born in Los Angeles, Marci attended Sonoma State University in California’s wine country, where she majored in wine marketing and psychology. A chance referral to Julian Van Winkle turned into a lifetime friendship and bottling/distribution partnership. Marci initially relied on Van Winkle for sourcing and bottling contacts, and he needed her for distributing the then-declining Van Winkle brand. It turned into a win-win partnership.

11

John Rhea,

Kentucky Owl 

John Rhea, a seasoned veteran in the bourbon industry, began his journey over four decades ago, laying the foundation for a distinguished career that has shaped Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. Born and raised in Bullitt County, Kentucky, Rhea pursued an engineering degree and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.