LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 16, 2017) — Old Forester announced today Juan Merizalde Carrillo will be distillery manager for the Old Forester Distillery. The distillery and bourbon experience will open in late spring 2018 along Louisville’s historic “Whiskey Row” on Main Street.
Carrillo brings his knowledge and talent to the current Old Forester team, complementing the robust expertise of President Campbell Brown; Master Taster Jackie Zykan; and Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris.
Carrillo’s unique background in the art of whisky making began in the Brown-Forman research and development lab in 2007. Since then, Carrillo has assumed roles in quality, operations, and corporate engineering, as well as management positions at Jack Daniel Distillery. Carrillo has held various leadership positions within Brown-Forman Distillery Operations, giving him the well-rounded skills for this new role as the Old Forester distillery manager.
“Juan is the perfect recipe for what we need to manage the Old Forester Distillery,” said Old Forester President Campbell Brown. “His experience in a lab environment coupled with his production knowledge provide a strong base for a unique facility that will showcase the art and science of bourbon making under one roof.”
In this role, Carrillo will oversee the whisky making craft for the Old Forester family of brands. He will lead the operations team at the Old Forester Distillery showcasing the craftsmanship and authenticity of Old Forester while also ensuring the team plays an active role in what will be a highly engaging consumer and visitor experience.
“Juan’s balance of technical expertise, passion for crafting great bourbon, and success in leading high performing teams makes him the ideal leader for this truly authentic urban distillery on Whiskey Row,” said Senior Vice President, General Manager of Brown-Forman Brands, Leanne Cunningham.
Carrillo will ensure the Old Forester promise is as it has always been: to produce bourbon of the finest quality and utmost consistency.
Brown-Forman Project Manager Mike Beach will continue to oversee the distillery construction while Carrillo handles the whisky production details moving forward.
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