KDA Statement on Jim Rutledge’s Retirement

July 1, 2015
Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, released the following statement on the retirement of Jim Rutledge, Master Distiller at Four Roses Distillery:
“Jim Rutledge has become synonymous with the highest standard of excellence in distilling and is one of the Commonwealth’s most treasured Bourbon ambassadors. He has spent his entire life working tirelessly to master the intricacies of our signature industry while crafting some of the most celebrated Bourbon in its history.

“Jim’s passion for Kentucky is legendary, as evidenced by his driving role behind the rebirth of Four Roses. In addition, he was a long-serving member of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors and spent many years guiding the growth of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival as its Chairman representing the KDA.

“His status as a Bourbon icon was cemented in 2001 as a member of the inaugural class of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, and he was recently inducted as an elite founder of The Order of the Writ – Spirit of Kentucky Bourbon Society.

“On behalf of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and all our members, we wish Jim the best in his retirement and thank him for his years of outstanding service. We also congratulate and welcome Brent Elliott to his role as Master Distiller, and we look forward to spending many mellow moments with him as the new face of Four Roses Bourbon.”