Chris Morris Named KDA Lifetime Honorary Board Member

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) Board of Directors has named Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus at Brown-Forman, a “Lifetime Honorary Board Member.” He is only the eighth person to receive the title.

Morris, 68, marked 50 years in the Bourbon and spirits industry this year. He recently stepped down from the KDA Board after 20 years.

“Chris has dedicated his career to advancing Kentucky Bourbon through innovation, integrity, and collaboration,” said KDA President Eric Gregory. “His contributions to the KDA have been extraordinary and transformative, for which we owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude.”

“Chris has been a steady, trusted leader and a respected voice on our board for two decades,” Gregory said. “His calm demeanor, thoughtful perspective and collaborative approach have made him someone people turn to for guidance.”

“His leadership has made a lasting difference for the KDA and Kentucky Bourbon, and this honor is a fitting recognition of that legacy.”

Morris said, “It has been an honor to represent Brown-Forman on the Kentucky Distillers’ Association’s Board these many years. During that time the association has expanded its membership, strengthened the Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience and led the modernization of many of the Commonwealth’s spirits regulations. This has been accomplished by the member companies working together for the good of all.”

A new scholarship

KDA Board Chair Gigi DaDan announced the “KDA Chris Morris Distillation Excellence” scholarship. It will go each year to a student in the Distillation, Wine and Brewing program at the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Preference goes to students pursuing spirits research or showing interest in the history of Bourbon, a nod to Morris’s standing as one of Bourbon’s chief historians.

“The KDA has long understood that the future of Kentucky’s distilling industry depends on investing in the next generation,” said Gigi DaDan, Chair of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors and VP of Angel’s Envy and D’USSÉ.

“Chris has dedicated his career to sharing his knowledge, championing innovation and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. This scholarship is a fitting tribute to his legacy and a way to ensure his passion for Kentucky’s distilling heritage continues to inspire future generations.”

The honor was presented earlier this month at a special KDA Board meeting at Brown-Forman’s Louisville headquarters. Fellow Lifetime Honorees Bill Samuels, Jr., of Maker’s Mark and John Rhea of Four Roses presented Morris with a gold-framed copy of the Board’s unanimous resolution.

Marshall Farrer, Chairman of the Brown-Forman Board of Directors, said: “Chris’s impact on the distilling industry is immeasurable. Over his five decades of dedication, he has set the standard for craftsmanship, stewardship, and visionary leadership. His commitment to protecting and expanding Kentucky Bourbon’s global presence while lifting up the next generation of distillers reflects the very best of our industry. We are deeply grateful for his 20 years of transformative leadership on the KDA Board and join in celebrating this well-deserved honor.”

Two decades of KDA leadership

Morris joined the KDA’s Marketing Committee in 1991, which later oversaw the creation of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. He became Brown-Forman’s KDA Director in April 2007. He is the only person this century to serve three terms as KDA Chairman. His terms saw Craft members join the KDA, sweeping tourism reforms and the landmark phaseout of Kentucky’s barrel tax.

His other honors include the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame (2017), the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award (2025), the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame and Keeper of the Quaich. He joins Lifetime honorees John Rhea, Jimmy Russell, Bill Samuels Jr., T. William Samuels Sr., Dr. Frank Kraus, Charles King McClure and James Bigstaff O’Rear.

Elizabeth McCall, Morris’ protégé and successor as Master Distiller at Brown-Forman, closed the ceremony with a toast. “Your legacy is found not only in the whiskey you’ve created, but in the people you’ve inspired,” McCall said.