Dan Callaway A Visionary Leader for Lofted Spirits
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 13, 2025) — Lofted Spirits has announced the promotion of Dan Callaway to Master Blender, recognizing his pivotal role in the company’s whiskey innovation. Previously the Vice President of Product Development at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Callaway now takes on a broader leadership position, shaping the flavor and strategy for Lofted Spirits’ growing portfolio, including Green River Whiskey and Lofted Custom Spirits.
Expanding Influence Across Whiskey Brands
Callaway will continue overseeing blending for Bardstown Bourbon’s acclaimed Kentucky Straight Whiskies while extending his expertise to the wider Lofted Spirits family. His promotion reflects his impact on blending artistry, creative exploration, and category-defining collaborations.
“Dan approaches whiskey with a rare blend of creativity and precision – he’s a true visionary and one of the most forward-thinking blenders in American whiskey today,” said Mark Erwin, CEO of Lofted Spirits. “As Master Blender, he’ll continue shaping the future of our innovative brands and pushing the boundaries of what American whiskey can be.”
A Unique Background Fuels Innovation
With a background as a classically trained musician and certified sommelier, Callaway brings a “mad scientist” approach to whiskey blending. He performed with the Louisiana Philharmonic and toured with the Hollywood Concert Orchestra before transitioning into hospitality. This unique journey fuels his artistry, helping Bardstown Bourbon redefine modern whiskey with award-winning collaborative finishes and experimental blends.
Award-Winning Achievements
During his tenure at Bardstown Bourbon, Callaway introduced multi-mashbill experiments and collaborations with global producers like Amrut Whisky, Foursquare Rum, Amaro Nonino, and Château de Laubade. His work earned accolades such as:
- Icons of Whisky Global Brand Innovator of the Year (2025)
- Highest-rated American Whiskey by Whisky Advocate (2024)
- IWSC’s Worldwide Whisky Producer of the Year (2023)
Callaway also developed standout blends for Lofted Custom Spirits clients, offering end-to-end customization for contract distilling, aging, and bottling.
A Strategic Move for Growth
This promotion aligns with Lofted Spirits’ strategic evolution, emphasizing leadership in transforming the whiskey category while building a scalable platform for growth and industry disruption. Callaway also serves as Vice Chairman of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and a judge in the International Wine and Spirits Competition, solidifying his role as a category innovator.
About Lofted Spirits
From bespoke bourbon production to boundary-pushing brands, Lofted Spirits blends tradition with transformation. As the number one producer of Kentucky contract whiskey, Lofted Spirits pioneered custom contract distillation while growing brands like Bardstown Bourbon and Green River Whiskey. Since joining the Pritzker Private Capital family in 2022, Lofted Spirits continues to lead the global whiskey industry with innovation and exceptional experiences. Visit LoftedSpirits.com for more.
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