The Kentucky Distillers’ Association – KDA has announced that Michter’s Distillery has advanced to the “Heritage” member level, the highest rank in the trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.
First New Heritage Member Since 1982
Michter’s is the first new “Heritage” member in 33 years since Heaven Hill Brands joined the KDA. To qualify as a Heritage member, distilleries must have at least 25,000 barrels of Kentucky distilled spirits aging in warehouses, according to KDA President Eric Gregory.
“Michter’s has established firm roots in our beloved Commonwealth and has been making tremendous investments in our legendary industry,” said Pauline Rooney, Chair of the KDA’s Board of Directors and Vice President of Distilling, Maturation and Engineering for Diageo.
Michter’s Distillery President Joseph Magliocco
“As a Heritage member, Michter’s will have an expanded leadership role in the management of our Association and the future of our timeless craft. This is a historic moment that should be celebrated, as we are all proud of their accomplishments, growth and success.
Stay Informed: Sign up here for our Distillery Trail free email newsletter and be the first to get all the latest news, trends, job listings and events in your inbox.
7 Kentucky Distillers’ Association Heritage Members
- Beam Suntory (Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark)
- Brown-Forman
- Diageo North America
- Four Roses
- Heaven Hill Brands
- Wild Turkey
- Michter’s Distillery
Michter’s joined the KDA as a “Proof” level member in December, 2013. “Proof” is the second-highest tier in the group, following an organizational structure based on production and aging barrels.
Michter’s Distiller Willie Pratt
“All of us at Michter’s are thankful and deeply honored to join the ranks of the KDA Heritage members,” Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco said. “The six existing Heritage members represent the pinnacle of distilling excellence in our industry.
“Alongside KDA President Eric Gregory and the KDA’s staff, they have done truly remarkable work to shepherd our industry and expand the market for Kentucky Bourbon, a signature Kentucky product, both at home and abroad in a reasoned and responsible manner. Our team at Michter’s will strive to live up to the standards of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.”
In the 1990s, Magliocco and his consultant and mentor, the late Richard “Dick” Newman, teamed to resurrect the historic – but abandoned – Michter’s brand, which previously had called Pennsylvania its home.
In 2011, they announced the decision to build their own distillery in Kentucky, the birthplace of Bourbon, to ensure access to the best whiskey talent and resources available. All Michter’s whiskey offered by their group has been distilled in Kentucky.
Today, Michter’s has two locations in Kentucky – a 67,000-square-foot distillery and bottling facility on 5.6 acres in the Shively neighborhood of Louisville and the iconic Fort Nelson Building, currently undergoing a massive restoration along downtown’s famed Whiskey Row.
In October 2014, Michter’s installed a custom 32-inch copper column still and 250-gallon pot copper pot still doubler in its Shively distillery, which will significantly increase production to satisfy the growing international demand for Michter’s small batch and single barrel Bourbons, single barrel ryes and American whiskeys.
