Let us raise a glass to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Class of 2025!
FRANKFORT, Ky., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® celebrates a distinguished class of inductees, including a legislative champion, a trailblazing female entrepreneur, a craft distilling pioneer, a seventh-generation distiller, and a 50-year industry veteran. This year’s Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award honors Chris Morris, Brown-Forman Master Distiller Emeritus, for his transformative contributions to Kentucky’s signature spirits industry since 1976.
Honoring Bourbon’s Trailblazers
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) announced the 23rd class of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, recognizing individuals who have shaped the industry’s global stature. The inductees will be celebrated at an exclusive ceremony in September during Bourbon Heritage Month®.
“Even though they come from a variety of backgrounds, these distinguished leaders all have one thing in common: an unrivaled passion for Kentucky Bourbon that has shaped our timeless craft into the global economic and tourism powerhouse it is today,” said KDA President Eric Gregory. “We look forward to celebrating them and their achievements in September — Bourbon Heritage Month® — along with hundreds of Bourbon’s most iconic legends and luminaries, all showcasing how Bourbon Builds Kentucky.”
Meet the 2025 Inductees
The 2025 class, listed alphabetically, represents diverse contributions to Kentucky Bourbon:
- Craig Beam, 66, Bardstown, Ky.: A seventh-generation distiller, Beam continues his family’s legacy at Jackson Purchase Distillery, crafting award-winning whiskeys under the mentorship of his grandfather, Earl, and father, Parker, both Hall of Fame inductees.
- Mary Dowling (deceased), Lawrenceburg, Ky.: A pioneering female entrepreneur, Dowling ran a major distillery in 1903, defied Prohibition by moving production to Mexico, and championed social causes, leaving a lasting legacy.
- Larry Ebersold, 75, Louisville, Ky.: A key figure in the craft distillery boom, Ebersold’s expertise shaped 31 distilleries, including New Riff and Rabbit Hole, through innovative production designs.
- Chris Morris, 67, Louisville, Ky.: A 50-year veteran, Morris elevated Brown-Forman’s portfolio with brands like Woodford Reserve Double Oak and Master’s Collection. A respected historian and mentor, he’s a three-time KDA Board Chairman.
- Damon Thayer, 57, Georgetown, Ky.: Retired Senate Majority Leader Thayer modernized Bourbon laws through over 20 legislative measures, fueling the industry’s economic and tourism growth.
Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award
Chris Morris receives the prestigious Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award for his visionary leadership, innovative brands, and mentorship, solidifying his global influence on Kentucky Bourbon.
Ceremony and Livestream Details
The invitation-only induction ceremony and luncheon will take place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at The Legacy at Log Still in Nelson County, Ky. Sponsors include Buzick Construction, Brindiamo Group, Bardstown Tourism, Independent Stave Company, Log Still Distillery, and Vendome Copper & Brass Works Corp.
Join the 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Livestream Event, produced by RunSwitch PR and sponsored by Kroger Wine & Spirits. Hosted by Chris Blandford, Adult Beverage Specialist for Kroger, the livestream will feature exclusive interviews with inductees and industry leaders. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com.
About the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame
Created by the KDA in 2001, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame honors individuals who have transformed the industry. Nominees are submitted by KDA member distilleries and the KDA Board, with a selection committee of past Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award recipients choosing up to five inductees annually.
About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association
Founded in 1880, the KDA is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™, representing historic and emerging distilleries. Kentucky Bourbon drives a $9 billion economic engine, supports 23,500 jobs, and attracts over 2 million visitors annually via the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com for more.
Enjoy Bourbon responsibly.
Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, subscribe to our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Recent Bourbon Lens Coverage
- Heaven Hill Brands Repeats As Most Awarded Distillery At SFWSC
- Oban Launches ‘Being This Likeable Isn’t Easy’ Campaign
- Estate Whiskey Alliance® Recognizes First Estate Whiskey Certified™ Products
- Motlow State and Nearest Green Distillery Partner for New Distilled Spirits Program
- Northern Row Brewery Launching New Northern Liberties Bourbon
- Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Single Malt is the New Whiskey from Hawk’s Rock Distillery
