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Master Distiller Retiring from Kentucky Distillery

1792 Bourbon, via Facebook

Master distiller Ken Pierce is retiring from the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown after a career spanning more than 30 years in the industry. 

At the Kentucky distillery, Pierce was involved in all aspects of bourbon production, from evaluating grain to selecting mature whiskey. He was instrumental in developing 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and in recent line extensions.

The whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state.

The distillery said Wednesday that Pierce had stints as chief chemist and director of distillation before becoming master distiller. It says his retirement is effective May 13.

The Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands, which is owned by the Sazerac Company.

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
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