Hidden Barn Whiskey, a name that’s earned its stripes among bourbon lovers, is entering a new chapter. Jackie Zykan, the master blender who helped craft the brand’s award-winning flavor, is stepping away to focus on her own ventures. The announcement, made alongside Royce Neeley of Neeley Family Distillery, signals a shift for the Kentucky-based bourbon brand, but fans can rest easy—Hidden Barn’s signature taste isn’t going anywhere.
The Birth of Hidden Barn
Back in 2022, Jackie Zykan teamed up with Royce Neeley and Nate Winegar to launch Hidden Barn Bourbon. The trio set out to create something special, blending Zykan’s expertise in whiskey blending with Neeley’s family distilling roots and Winegar’s knack for storytelling. The result was a bourbon that quickly gained traction, racking up awards for its bold yet balanced flavor profile. Hidden Barn became a go-to for those who appreciate a well-crafted pour, whether sipped neat or mixed into a classic cocktail.
In 2024, Neeley took full ownership of Hidden Barn, buying out his partners. Zykan stayed on as master blender, ensuring the bourbon’s quality remained top-notch, while Winegar continued as brand ambassador, spreading the word about Hidden Barn’s unique character. The brand’s success wasn’t just talk—it expanded distribution to 20 states, with more on the way, and became a staple at Neeley Family Distillery’s Sparta, Kentucky, location and online.
Zykan’s Next Chapter
Zykan’s departure from Hidden Barn doesn’t mean she’s leaving the spirits world behind. Instead, she’s doubling down on her passion for sustainable agriculture and her side hustle, Oduoak, a line of whiskey-inspired fragrances she launched in 2020. Her new focus is a venture rooted in growing aromatic herbs and flowers, a nod to her background in biology and chemistry. “It’s about intentional and sustainable botanical sourcing,” Zykan said, emphasizing her goal to deepen the connection between nature and the spirits industry.
Even as she steps away from Hidden Barn’s day-to-day, Zykan isn’t cutting ties completely. She’ll continue to supply herbs for Neeley Family Distillery’s Wormwood Absinthe Verte, an award-winning spirit made with the same wild-crafted Appalachian yeast that gives Hidden Barn its distinctive edge. This collaboration keeps Zykan’s influence alive in Sparta, ensuring her expertise continues to shape the distillery’s offerings.
Neeley Family Distillery Stays the Course
Royce Neeley, whose family has been distilling for generations, is committed to keeping Hidden Barn’s legacy intact. “We learned a lot from Jackie and have the utmost respect for her palate and blending abilities,” Neeley said. He emphasized that the bourbon’s recipe and flavor profile will remain unchanged, a promise that’s sure to reassure fans. The distillery’s moonshine-based approach, using that same Appalachian yeast, has been a cornerstone of their spirits, from Hidden Barn Bourbon to their absinthe.
Neeley Family Distillery isn’t just holding steady—it’s growing. With Hidden Barn now available in 20 states and more expansion planned, the brand is reaching more shelves and glasses than ever. The distillery’s Sparta location remains a hub for bourbon enthusiasts, offering tastings and bottles for purchase, while online sales make it easy for fans across the country to get their hands on a bottle.
A Nod to Collaboration
Neeley’s comments reflect a deep respect for Zykan’s contributions. “The door is always open to future Hidden Barn collaborations,” he said, hinting at the possibility of special projects down the road. For now, the focus is on maintaining the quality that earned Hidden Barn its accolades while exploring new ways to showcase Kentucky’s distilling heritage. Zykan’s herb contributions to Neeley’s absinthe are a prime example, adding a layer of authenticity to a spirit that’s already a standout.
What’s Next for Hidden Barn?
For bourbon drinkers, Hidden Barn remains a reliable choice. Its flavor, born from Zykan’s blending expertise and Neeley’s traditional methods, has carved out a loyal following. The distillery’s commitment to consistency means that whether you’re cracking open a bottle in Kentucky or ordering one online, you’re getting the same award-winning bourbon that put Hidden Barn on the map.
As Zykan pivots to her agricultural and fragrance ventures, and Neeley steers the distillery forward, Hidden Barn is poised to keep its place in the bourbon world. With Nate Winegar still championing the brand as ambassador, the story of Hidden Barn is far from over. It’s a tale of craftsmanship, collaboration, and a shared love for Kentucky’s spirit-making tradition—one that’s sure to keep bourbon fans raising their glasses for years to come.
