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Celebrating the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
The Kentucky Distiller’s Association recently announced the prestigious inductees to the Kentucky bourbon Hall of Fame for the class of 2024. This year’s honorees include groundbreaking figures like Brown-Forman’s first Black chemist and visionary distillery founders who have significantly impacted the bourbon industry. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail wouldn’t be the global phenomenon it is today without these distinguished individuals.
Bourbon Industry Excellence
- Elmer Lucille Allen, a trailblazing chemist at Brown-Forman
- Dee Ford, Chairperson and hospitality expert
- Ken Lewis, the entrepreneurial mind behind New Riff Distilling
- Peter T. Loftin, founder of Bardstown Bourbon Company
- R.M. Corky Taylor, leader of Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
Honoring Bourbon Pioneers
Brown-Forman’s first Black chemist, Elmer Lucille Allen, has made substantial contributions to the bourbon industry. At 93, this Louisville native is also an art and community activist, continuously uplifting African Americans.
A notable figure in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Dee Ford, has transformed bourbon tourism through her work with Angel’s Envy. Since 2014, Ford has tirelessly promoted bourbon culture on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
The Innovators and Their Legacy
Ken Lewis turned a passion for bourbon into an entrepreneurial success story. He founded The Party Source megastore and later the craft whiskey brand, New Riff Distilling. His advocacy for Sunday bourbon sales and innovative retail practices have left a lasting mark on the bourbon industry.
Peter T. Loftin, the visionary behind Bardstown Bourbon Company, elevated bourbon tourism by creating an immersive Napa Valley-style experience. Even after his passing, his influence on bourbon production and tourism remains.
Family Legacy and Community Impact
R.M. Corky Taylor lived his dream of reviving his family’s Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company. His dedication to family history and quality production has earned his brand critical acclaim, making it a significant player in the bourbon industry.
Exclusive Opportunities
For bourbon lovers, joining the Whiskey Raiders Bottle of the Month Club offers a unique opportunity. Curated by experts, members receive hard-to-find bottles and enjoy live virtual tastings, further enhancing their appreciation of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
| Inductee | Role | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Elmer Lucille Allen | Chemist | Pioneering Black chemist in bourbon industry |
| Dee Ford | Chairperson | Elevated bourbon tourism on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail |
| Ken Lewis | Founder | Founded New Riff Distilling and advocated for innovative retail practices |
| Peter T. Loftin | Founder | Transformed bourbon tourism with Bardstown Bourbon Company |
| R.M. Corky Taylor | CEO | Revived family distilling legacy with Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company |
The inductees of the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame have each played a pivotal role in enhancing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the broader bourbon industry. Through innovation, advocacy, and dedication, they have helped solidify Kentucky’s reputation as the undisputed home of bourbon.
