Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame 2026 Inductees: Minnick, Gregory and More

The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® welcomed its 24th class of inductees in front of a record crowd of more than 300 industry leaders at The Marriott Louisville East. Gov. Andy Beshear gave welcome remarks, and bourbon author and educator Susan Reigler served as emcee. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) founded the Hall of Fame in 2001. It is the highest honor in Kentucky’s $10.6 billion bourbon industry.

2026 inductees

Shane Baker and Dr. E. Patrick Heist – Co-founders of Ferm Solutions and Wilderness Trail Distillery, honored for blending science and tradition in modern bourbon production.
The late W.L. Lyons Brown Sr. and the late George Garvin Brown II – Grandsons of the Brown-Forman founder who grew the company after Prohibition, making Early Times the world’s top-selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon and strengthening Jack Daniel’s.
Eric Gregory – KDA President since 2008, who led landmark law reforms and the growth of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.
Fred Minnick – Iraq War veteran, best-selling author and one of bourbon’s most influential storytellers.
John W. Schickel – Former state senator whose alcohol law reforms helped modernize the industry and expand craft distilling and tourism.

“I am proud to join the Kentucky Distillers’ Association in helping celebrate these remarkable honorees and their contributions to Kentucky Bourbon and our Commonwealth,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The Bourbon industry is essential to Kentucky as it supports good-paying jobs, our economy and our record-breaking tourism industry. These leaders are helping ensure that success continues for generations to come and we are grateful to them for all they do. Congratulations.”

“Kentucky Bourbon’s story has never been shaped by distillers alone. It has been built by innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, storytellers and leaders who each found a way to move this industry forward,” said Gigi DaDan, Chair of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors and General Manager of Angel’s Envy. “This year’s inductees embody that spirit. Their accomplishments span generations and disciplines, but they share a common thread: a willingness to challenge the standards, invest in the future and help cement Kentucky’s place as the home of Bourbon for the world. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact they have made on our industry.”