Chris Morris, Craig Beam headline Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductees

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Kentucky Distillers' Association welcomed Tuesday its new Hall of Fame inductees and celebrated the recipient of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award, the industry's highest honor.

The list of new inductees are as follows:

Chris Morris, a three-time Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers' Association Board of Directors received the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award and has been inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame for his noteworthy career in the Kentucky's spirits industry dating back to 1976. Morris played a crucial role in the making of the Brown Forman name and established popular brands like Woodford Reserve Double Oak and Master's Collection.
Craig Beams, a seventh- generation distiller who learned the art and science of creating whiskey from his grandfather, Earl, and father, Parker. Both men were also Bourbon Hall of Fame inductees. Beam has continued his legacy as a Master Distiller at Jackson Purchase Distillery in Western Kentucky.
The late Mary Dowling, a bourbon entrepreneur born in 1859 to Irish immigrants. She was the first women to run a major distillery in 1903. In her hometown of Lawrenceburg, Ky, she built churches and a free hospital right before her death in 1930. Dowling also fought for immigrant, black and women's rights.
Master Distiller Larry Ebersold, who made a long-time career at Seagram's and has left a lasting mark on the modern bourbon and rye whiskey industry. He has molded facilities for 31 different distilleries including New Riff, Rabbit Hole, and Bardstown Bourbon.
Retired Senate Majority leader Damon Thayer, who was responsible for paving the way for the Bourbon industry on paper. The Georgetown native has organized more than 20 pieces of legislation that modernized Kentucky's signature industry.

These inductees and award winners are invited to a ceremony and luncheon where they will be honored on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the Legacy at Log Still in Nelson County.

"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, " aid Eric Gregory, the president of the KDA, said in a news release. "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."

Every year, candidates for the hall of fame are submitted by KDA distilleries and the KDA board of directors through an inclusive application process.

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