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 bourbon landscape 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
Minor Case Beam, though perhaps less instantly recognizable than some of his famous relatives, was a pivotal figure in the history of American whiskey. While the “Beam” family name is synonymous with bourbon, and especially with the legendary Jim Beam brand, Minor Case Beam carved out his own storied path in the world of spirits, one marked by authenticity, innovation, and an enduring respect for tradition.
4
Wattie Boone
Preservation Distillery
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.
5
Jane Bowie
Potter Jane
When Jane Bowie walked into Maker’s Mark as a recent Transylvania University graduate, she likely didn’t foresee becoming one of bourbon’s most respected innovators. A Monticello, Kentucky native, Jane began her professional journey by first teaching English in Japan before fate intervened: her mother pointed out a job ad from Maker’s Mark, and Jane very reluctantly applied.
6
Cliff Buzick
Rickhouse Builder
Buzick Construction steadily expanded beyond simple warehouses. Cliff’s company became known for reliable, quality work in Bardstown, building industrial and commercial projects alongside bourbon-related facilities. Buzick Construction Company’s philosophy: ”quality work on time,” reflected Cliff’s unwavering approach to meeting clients’ needs with integrity and punctuality.
7
J.W. Dant,
Limestone Branch
Joseph Washington Dant (1820-1902) was born in May 1820 into a farm family. 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.
8
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.
9
Dixie Hibbs
Author/Historian
In 1982, Dixie was the first woman elected to the Bardstown City Council, and was the first woman Mayor in 2003. She retired in 2007 from public service.. She has been honored to serve as President of the Nelson County Historical Society for more than 20 years. In 2004, Dixie was honored as the first woman inductee into the Bourbon Hall of Fame.
10
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.
11
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.
12
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.