Kentucky Bourbon Barons: Legendary Distillers from the Golden Age of Whiskey Making

The Golden Age of Distilling in Kentucky occurred during the last of the 1800s and the early 1900s. Hundreds of distilleries produced a wide spectrum of whiskies — Bourbons, both sweet and sour mash, rye, and multi-grain whiskies. Whiskey was not only a delightful drink; it was also thought to have medicinal benefits.

During this time, certain men stepped forward to claim their place in Kentucky's glorious distilling history. They were already outstanding members of their communities, but when they became involved in distilling, their contributions were magnified.

In Kentucky Bourbon Barons: Legendary Distillers from the Golden Age of Whiskey Making, author Chester Zoeller introduces readers to some of these outstanding gentlemen from Kentucky's past. Many of their names have been forgotten now because the five or six large, successful plants they were associated with were closed during Prohibition. Their contributions to Kentucky's distilling history will live on, however, thanks to Mr. Zoeller's dedication to preserving their memory in the pages of this book.

About the Author

Chester "Chet" Zoeller was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1941. He was raised in the shadow of Churchill Downs and lived within a few short blocks of many of the largest distilleries of the day; the Yellowstone, Seagram's, Hill & Hill, and Stitzel-Weller distilleries were all within smelling distance.

Mr. Zoeller attended the University of Kentucky before earning his undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University and his law degree from the University of Louisville. He practiced law for a number of years in Louisville before purchasing and operating a telecommunications firm in Savannah, Georgia. After he returned to Louisville, in 1997 he established the McLain & Kyne Distillery Company with his son, Trey. They produced several brands of bourbon — Jefferson's, Jefferson's Reserve, and Jefferson's Rye.

Interested in the history of the whiskey business in Kentucky, Mr. Zoeller began researching the subject, which led to his writing Bourbon in Kentucky: A History of Distilleries in Kentucky, originally published in 2009. He has since updated and revised the book. His second book, Kentucky Bourbon Barons, introduces readers to the giants in the industry during the golden years of distilling.

Mr. Zoeller travels the country giving talks on the history of bourbon and Kentucky's distilleries.

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