Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman Master Distiller: How I Went From Underdog to Hall of Fame
Jul 1, 2025
Wes Henderson, a master distiller and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer, shares his inspiring journey from a mailroom job to creating a celebrated bourbon brand. He discusses the vital lessons learned at Brown Foreman and how networking shaped his career. Wes also dives into the art of bourbon-making, showcasing innovative techniques like secondary barrel finishes. He emphasizes the importance of engaging consumers authentically and shares humorous tales from his innovative endeavors, demonstrating how passion and market demand can harmonize in the spirits industry.
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Mailroom Lessons Build Foundations
- Wes Henderson started his career in the mailroom at Brown-Forman, learning the business from the ground up.
- Delivering mail to the executive floor gave him early access to key people, paving the way for his future success.
Carving His Own Legacy
- Wes struggled with being seen only as his father's son in the bourbon industry.
- Over time, earning respect for his own contributions allowed him to step out of his father's shadow.
Blending Whiskey in Hotel Room
- Wes and his team blended whiskeys in their hotel room right up to the moment before their first public tasting.
- This hands-on, last-minute tinkering finalized the unique recipe that launched their brand.
