The Jackson Purchase Distillery Team

Craig is the product of seven generations of the Beam Family, a bourbon dynasty with a wealth of distilling knowledge. The Kentucky bourbon industry is the life Craig knows and the language he speaks. It’s his inheritance, but one that he’s earned not given. Working from the ground up in distillery operations at Heaven Hill for 35 years, he swept floors and worked in the rick-houses on long, hot and humid Kentucky days. Before automated systems were commonly available, Craig ran the stills by hand and learned how to make the head and the heart cuts the hard way; by taste and smell.

Craig Beam -Master Distiller

Terry Ballard - Assistant Master Distiller

Terry’s reputation and respect in the bourbon industry is outstanding. With the drive and desire to learn the industry, Terry immersed himself in mastering the craft of distilling bourbon and rye. Ballard previously helped Willett Distillery revive their products to become some of the most sought after bourbon and ryes on the market today. Working his way through the gambit of operational processes, Terry learned the intricate and subtle nuances separating a good bourbon from a great bourbon. He knows what it takes to make great bourbon and he knows how to achieve it.

You hire the best team possible. Jackson Purchase Distillery

When you want the best whiskey possible,

Meet the Team

  • Craig Beam

    MASTER DISTILLER

    • 7th generation Kentucky bourbon distiller.

    • Master Distiller at Heaven Hill Distillery for 35years.

    • Recognized as one of the most knowledgeable distillers in the industry.

  • Terry Ballard

    ASSISTANT MASTER DISTILLER & DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING

    • Head Distiller at Willett Distillery for over 10 years.

    • Extensive hands-on experience in manufacturing and operations.

    • Recognized as one of the most creative distillers in Kentucky.

  • Robbie Kelty

    Assistant Distiller

    • US Army veteran

    • Degree in mechanical and architectural design with over 16 years of experience

    • Assistant distiller at Willett Distillery

    • Shift leader in a manufacturing facility

  • Van Carlisle

    CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

    • Retired CEO of Fire King International. During his 35 year tenure, Fire King grew from the smallest to the leading firm in its industry.

    • Managing Partner of Carlisle Family LLC, an investment and commercial real estate development company.

    • Extensive experience in marketing, growth management, start-up and acquisition.

  • Lloyd Jones

    CEO & PRESIDENT

    • Native Fultonian, born and raised in Fulton County, KY

    • Eagle Scout , Troop 43, 1964

    • Forty years in business development and manufacturing

    • Extensive International Business

    • BBA University of Kentucky

    • MA Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, University of Kentucky

    • University of Kentucky Rugby Hall of Fame Member

    • Peace Corps Volunteer 1973-75 Colombia Small Business Assistance Program

  • David Salmon

    COO

    • 35-year veteran of the Kentucky bourbon industry.

    • Executive management positions at Maker’s Mark, Heaven Hill, Wm. Grants and Son’s and Corby Distiller’s.

    • Extensive experience in product development, distilling, branding and operations.

    • Experience in global sales and marketing.

  • Jim Gladden

    Director

    • Owner of Genesis Land Company

    • Studied Business at Indiana University

    • Successful career in manufacturing serving the automotive component industry

    • Jim now spends time with his passions, family and horses, which includes Racing, Breeding and Pinhooking horses for the past 15 years

Request A Quote

Looking for a distiller to partner with to fulfill your new make bourbon needs? Look no further than Jackson Purchase Distillery. Since we don’t have a brand of our own, our only focus is to make you succeed. Contact us today to discuss your project.