Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. has appointed spirits industry veteran Lisa Roper Wicker as Director of Distilling.
CEO and Owner Walter Zausch announced the hire, stating, “Lisa is someone we’ve known for a while, and are excited to bring her to Whiskey Thief to grow distilling, both in production quantity and quality, and be part of the team to develop the future of the brand.” The announcement comes amid rapid growth for the Kentucky distillery, which expanded from 8,000 visitors in 2021 to over 54,000 in 2024 and launched a second location in Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood in October 2024.
Unique Barrel-Thieving Experience Sets Distillery Apart
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., located on a 127-acre working farm in Franklin County, Kentucky, offers what it claims is the state’s first straight-from-the-barrel tasting and thieving experience. All whiskey is uncut and unfiltered, with a focus on single-barrel bourbons and whiskeys made from grain grown onsite. The distillery promotes a hands-on experience where visitors can fill their own bottles at barrel strength.
Wicker Brings Broad Experience Across Craft and Large-Scale Operations
Lisa Roper Wicker’s background spans over two decades in beverage alcohol production. She began her career at farm wineries in Indiana and Kentucky before transitioning into distilling with Limestone Branch, Starlight Distillery, and Preservation Distillery. In 2017, she founded Saints & Monsters Consulting, working on product development and startups, as well as American and Canadian whiskey blending.
Leadership Roles Include Samson & Surrey, Widow Jane, and Alltech
Wicker’s consulting led to her role as Director of Distilling for the entire Samson & Surrey portfolio. She later became President and Head Distiller at Widow Jane. Other leadership positions have included CEO of Alltech Beverage Group, with oversight of two breweries and two distilleries in Ireland and Kentucky. She also served as Consulting Distiller for George Washington’s Distillery at Mount Vernon and was recognized as an “Icon of Whiskey.”
Industry Recognition and Community Engagement
In addition to her production roles, Wicker is active in the spirits community. She is a regular keynote speaker and panelist at industry events, a judge for competitions including the World Whisky Awards, and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Whisky Magazine. She was named a Kentucky Colonel in 2024 and currently resides in Bardstown.
Wicker Looks Ahead to New Role
Reflecting on her new position, Wicker commented, “I’m impressed by the brand, distillery & tasting room, and the reputation Walter has built for Whiskey Thief in only five years as owner and CEO. Add in a team of great people, delicious whiskey thieved straight from the barrel, goats, and live music; it’s a privilege to join this authentically Kentucky team. I am excited to start.”
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