KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2026 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASS

20-Member Cohort Advancing Bourbon’s Next Era

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced the incoming class of its 2026 Leadership Academy, an immersive program designed to provide a comprehensive view of the global distilling landscape and the pivotal role KDA plays in shaping Kentucky’s Bourbon industry.

Launched in 2022, KDA’s Leadership Academy spans 10 sessions held January through November, giving participants from distilling and industry affiliated member companies hands-on exposure to every facet of the Bourbon industry. Session topics include Bourbon tourism, the KDA’s legislative priorities, technical safety standards, and more.

“As we welcome the fifth class of KDA’s Leadership Academy, I’m reminded once again of the talent that’s inspiring and fueling Kentucky’s signature industry,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “The diverse perspectives and unity of our membership are essential to our success, and I look forward to working with this exceptional group in 2026.”

The KDA congratulates the 20 individuals selected for the Leadership Academy Class of 2026:

• Corbin Arrasmith, Pensive Distilling Co., Newport
• Nolan Boswell, Green River Distilling Co., Owensboro
• Jasmine Clark, Lux Row Distillers, Bardstown
• Grant Cobb, Stedman Machine Company, Aurora, Indiana
• Emma Cochran, Blue & Co., Louisville
• Ally Edgington, Heaven Hill Brands, Louisville
• Nicky Edwards, Angel’s Envy, Louisville
• Katherine Foley, James E. Pepper Distilling Co., Lexington
• Dave Bob Gaspar, Town Branch Distillery, Lexington
• Michelle Harrison, Castle & Key Distillery, Frankfort
• Shawn Hughes, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bardstown
• Cole Irvin, Brown-Forman Corporation, Louisville
• Dustin Letourneau, Campari America, Lawrenceburg
• Sophia Markley, Dark Arts Whiskey House, Lexington
• Jessie Martin, Larrikin Bourbon Co., Lawrenceburg
• Hannah Melillo, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., Frankfort
• Haley Moloney, Augusta Distillery, Augusta
• Marshall Rogers, Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Crestwood
• Brent White, Jeptha Creed Distillery, Shelbyville
• Maggie Young, Bluegrass Distillers, Midway

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Media Contact: Katie Bartholomai at [email protected].   

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. Kentucky Bourbon is a $9 billion economic engine generating more than 23,500 jobs and attracting over 2 million visits annually through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com. 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.