BARDSTOWN, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBCo), the largest new bourbon distillery in America, announced today the hiring of John Hargrove, the former Master Distiller and Distillery Manager, at Sazerac and Barton Brands 1792 in Bardstown, Kentucky. Mr. Hargrove will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the distillery, interfacing with BBCo’s Collaborative Distilling Partners, and working closely with Steve Nally, BBCo’s Master Distiller, in advancing BBCo’s distillery innovation program and the development of BBCo’s brands.
“John Hargrove is a fast rising star in the whiskey industry, and we could not be prouder to have him join the exceptional team we’re building at The Bardstown Bourbon Company,” said David Mandell, President & CEO, The Bardstown Bourbon Company. “With the rapid expansion of The Bardstown Bourbon Company’s distillery operations, it’s critical we attract the most talented individuals to continue to produce the highest quality whiskey, bourbon, and rye for ourselves and our customers.”
Mr. Hargrove comes to BBCo with and extensive background in contract manufacturing, quality control, customer service, and whiskey distilling. John started with Sazerac as the Quality/Continuous Improvement Manager at the Barton 1792 Distillery and quickly rose through the ranks to Master Distiller. Prior to joining Sazerac, John obtained a wealth of experience working with Quaker Oats/PepsiCo in various roles where he had the opportunity to focus on innovation, process improvement, and project management.
“I’m excited to join a company like BBCo that is reshaping the whiskey industry,” said John Hargrove. “The Bardstown Bourbon Company is supplying some of the finest brands in the world, with its one-of-a-kind, custom whiskey production program, and I am eager to help advance their growth.”
John will lead a distilling team with more than 30 production employees. The team has an average of more than 15 years of whiskey making experience, working with world-class distilleries such as, including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Barton Brands, and Heaven Hill. John joins the company at a time of fast-paced growth. Due to the success of the BBCo Collaborative Distilling Program and massive demand for custom, authentic, Kentucky whiskey products, the company recently expanded the distillery to its current three million proof gallon capacity.
Mr. Hargrove replaces Tom Crume, who retires from BBCo as the Distillery Manager on September 1, 2017. John will start at BBCo on September 15, 2017.
JOHN HARGROVE BIOGRAPHY
Prior to joining the Bardstown Bourbon Company, John Hargrove was the Master Distiller for Sazerac, in Bardstown, KY.
Before joining Sazerac, John obtained a wealth of experience working with Quaker Oats/PepsiCo in various roles where he had the opportunity to focus on innovation, process improvement and project management.
With experience serving in United States Army Special Forces, John began to travel the world when he served in the US Army from 2004 to 2009. As a decorated Green Beret, John served with the 5th Special Forces Group in OCONUS and CONUS operations. His successful completion of training includes key areas of advanced special operations such as Combat Diver Qualification Course in Key West, Combat Dive Supervisor Course, Air Assault School, Airborne School, SERE school, Special Forces Qualification Course and at the JFK Special Warfare Training Language School, where he learned Arabic.
John is the recipient of numerous awards and certifications, including the U.S. Army Commendation Medal, Global Defense on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal. Since serving in the military, John has garnered a number of other awards and designations including a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, Lean Six Sigma Kaizen Certification, and ISO 22000 Food Safety Certification.
In 2014, John was recognized by Quaker Oats/Frito Lay/PepsiCo at the annual meeting in Dallas with a Resource Conservation Award as America Foods Supply Chain Sustainability Quaker Resource Person of the Year as well as a Research and Development Special Recognition award from Frito Lay. An Eagle Scout with the Bronze and Gold Palms, John is also a recipient of MO House and Senate Proclamations for scouting in addition to other awards.
ABOUT THE BARDSTOWN BOURBON COMPANY
The Bardstown Bourbon Company is a celebration of the art of making whiskey. No secrets, mythical stories, or fabricated legends, The Bardstown Bourbon Company celebrates the craft of making great whiskey and the Bardstown community that brings bourbon to the world.
BBCo is also developing a destination experience with a unique Napa Valley style estate featuring a state-of-the-art whiskey distillery, transparent educational experience, integrated visitors center, event space, vintage spirits and whiskey library, bar, and restaurant. The company also plans to develop a boutique hotel on the property. The Company anticipates announcing an opening date for its visitors’ center in the near future.
The company was founded in 2014 by Peter Loftin, David Mandell, Daniel Linde, and Garnett Black.
To learn more about The Bardstown Bourbon Company visit:
www.facebook.com/bardstownbourboncompany
