The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame welcomed its 23rd class in 2025, celebrating a group of individuals whose dedication and innovation have shaped the bourbon industry into the global icon it is today. This year’s inductees, announced by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA), include a seventh-generation distiller, a pioneering female entrepreneur, a craft distilling innovator, a legislative champion, and a veteran master distiller who also earned the prestigious Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award. Their stories, rooted in tradition yet forward-thinking, highlight the grit, passion, and ingenuity that define Kentucky’s signature spirit.
The induction ceremony, set for September 16, 2025, at The Legacy at Log Still in Nelson County, Kentucky, will be an exclusive, invitation-only event. This annual gathering, held during Bourbon Heritage Month, brings together industry legends, luminaries, and enthusiasts to honor those who have elevated bourbon’s legacy. The event, sponsored by Buzick Construction, Brindiamo Group, Bardstown Tourism, Independent Stave Company, Log Still Distillery, and Vendome Copper & Brass Works, will also feature a livestream produced by RunSwitch PR and hosted by Chris Blandford, an adult beverage specialist for Kroger Wine & Spirits. The livestream promises exclusive interviews with the inductees and key figures in the bourbon world, offering fans a front-row seat to this celebration of excellence.
The 2025 class represents a diverse range of contributions, from crafting world-class whiskeys to modernizing laws that have fueled bourbon’s economic and cultural rise. Each inductee has left a lasting mark on the industry, and their stories resonate with the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.
Craig Beam, a 66-year-old Bardstown native, carries forward a family legacy that spans seven generations. Raised under the guidance of his grandfather, Earl Beam, and father, Parker Beam—both legendary figures and Hall of Fame inductees—Craig learned the craft of whiskey-making at Heaven Hill Distillery. Now in his fourth decade in the industry, he serves as Master Distiller at Jackson Purchase Distillery in Western Kentucky, one of the state’s fastest-growing contract distillers. His award-winning expertise continues to uphold the Beam family’s storied tradition while pushing the boundaries of modern bourbon production. Craig’s work reflects a deep respect for the past and a commitment to quality that keeps Kentucky bourbon at the forefront of the industry.
Mary Dowling, honored posthumously, stands as a testament to resilience and trailblazing spirit. Born in 1859 to Irish immigrants in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Dowling faced anti-Irish prejudice and gender barriers but rose to become the first woman to lead a major distillery in 1903. Her bold leadership didn’t stop there—during Prohibition, she audaciously relocated her operations to Mexico to keep her business alive. Beyond her business acumen, Dowling was a pillar of her community, championing the rights of immigrants, Black Americans, and women. She built churches, supported social causes, and even opened a free hospital in Lawrenceburg before her passing in 1930. Her story is one of courage and vision, proving that bourbon’s history is as much about breaking barriers as it is about crafting fine whiskey.
Larry Ebersold, a 75-year-old Louisville resident, has been a driving force behind the craft distilling boom that has transformed the bourbon landscape. With a career that spans corporate leadership at Seagram’s and entrepreneurial consulting, Ebersold’s expertise has shaped the design and construction of 31 distilleries, including notable names like New Riff, Rabbit Hole, and Bardstown Bourbon. Working closely with architects and engineers, he has created innovative production spaces that blend tradition with cutting-edge technology. His contributions have helped small distilleries thrive, making craft bourbon a vibrant part of Kentucky’s whiskey culture.
Chris Morris, a 67-year-old Louisville native, is the recipient of the 2025 Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award, the bourbon industry’s highest honor. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Morris has been a cornerstone of Brown-Forman’s success, particularly through his work with Woodford Reserve. He crafted iconic expressions like Woodford Reserve Double Oak and the Master’s Collection, earning global acclaim for his artistry and commitment to quality. Beyond his distilling prowess, Morris is a respected historian of bourbon, a three-time chairman of the KDA Board of Directors, and a mentor to the next generation, including his successor, Elizabeth McCall. His leadership and integrity have solidified his place as one of bourbon’s most influential figures, making his Lifetime Achievement Award a fitting tribute to a remarkable career.
Damon Thayer, a 57-year-old from Georgetown, Kentucky, has been a tireless advocate for bourbon in the state legislature. As the retired Senate Majority Leader, Thayer spearheaded over 20 pieces of legislation that modernized Kentucky’s distilling industry. His efforts helped transform bourbon into an economic and tourism powerhouse, ushering in what many call the industry’s “golden age.” From loosening outdated regulations to promoting bourbon tourism, Thayer’s work has ensured that Kentucky remains the heart of the whiskey world, benefiting distilleries, local communities, and bourbon fans alike.
The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, established by the KDA in 2001, recognizes individuals who have made transformative contributions to the industry’s growth, stature, and global awareness. Each year, KDA member distilleries and the KDA Board of Directors nominate candidates through a rigorous application process. A special committee, composed of past Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, carefully selects up to five inductees annually. This year’s class joins a prestigious roster of bourbon legends, including recent honorees like former Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and third-generation distiller Julian P. Van Winkle.
The 2025 inductees embody the spirit of Kentucky bourbon—rooted in tradition, driven by innovation, and fueled by an unwavering passion for the craft. Their contributions have not only shaped the industry but also strengthened Kentucky’s economy and cultural identity. From Beam’s family legacy to Dowling’s pioneering spirit, Ebersold’s craft distilling revolution, Morris’s masterful creations, and Thayer’s legislative victories, this class represents the diverse threads that weave together bourbon’s rich tapestry.
For bourbon enthusiasts, the Hall of Fame induction is more than a ceremony—it’s a celebration of the people who make Kentucky’s signature spirit a global phenomenon. The September event will offer a chance to reflect on the industry’s past while looking forward to its future. Fans can tune into the livestream to hear firsthand from the inductees and other bourbon icons, gaining insight into the stories behind the bottles they cherish.
To learn more about the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and its 2025 inductees, visit www.kybourbon.com. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or new to the world of whiskey, this year’s class offers a compelling look at the heart and soul of Kentucky’s most famous export.
