The Tennessee Distillers Guild was formed in 2014 to responsibly promote and advocate for the distilling industry in Tennessee through the collective voice of its members. Its 32 members include a wide range of distilleries from young startups pushing the boundaries of what spirits could be to some of the oldest distilleries in the United States dating back to the 1800s.
The Association has announced its members have elected Old Dominick Distillery Master Distiller Alex Castle as its new President. Castle will lead the charge in continuing to move the Guild and its initiatives forward.
Castle and Old Dominick Distillery located in Memphis, Tennessee joined the Guild in late 2015 and have since been an integral part of its success and evolution.
“Watching this group grow and evolve has been unbelievable,” said Castle. “My predecessor, Kris Tatum of Old Forge Distillery, did a phenomenal job leading the Guild and fighting to improve our industry in Tennessee. I’m excited for this opportunity and hope during my time as President, I can help maintain the momentum and continue to grow the Guild and the Trail, both in numbers and awareness.”
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Castle has already made her mark for women in the Tennessee whiskey industry as the state’s first female head distiller in 2015. Now, she is making history again as the first female president to lead the Tennessee Distillers Guild since its founding.
“I can’t imagine being in any other industry,” she said. “I hope that my roles within Old Dominick and the Guild can serve as inspiration to other women. Just because an industry was male-dominated for years doesn’t mean it can’t be welcoming to women, and even promote those women to leadership roles.”
Castle is a Burlington, Kentucky native with a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky. She resides in Memphis with her husband and their dog, Whiskey.
“Alex and Old Dominick Distillery epitomize the Tennessee distilling industry, representing a heritage brand that has been revived for today,” said Tennessee Distillers Guild executive director, Sara Beth Urban. “Alex’s energy and leadership will be a great asset for our Guild, and I’m excited to work with her to increase interest in Tennessee spirits.”
Other Tennessee Distillers Guild board appointments include the following members.
[table “” not found /]In 2018 the Guild created the Tennessee Whiskey Trail consisting of approximately 30 distilleries across the state. Along the Trail, visitors can get a taste of the history, tradition and novelty of Tennessee whiskey, as well as experience the rich landscapes, must-see landmarks, and genuine Southern hospitality that embody the great state of Tennessee. From the rolling hills of Appalachia to the lively jazz-filled streets of Memphis, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is a journey through time, a rich experiential adventure through Tennessee’s picturesque countryside and lively cities, and a memorable experience for whiskey connoisseurs, adventurous travelers, and history buffs alike.
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Learn more about the Tennessee Distillers Guild.
Learn more about the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.
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