Michter’s Master Distiller Willie Pratt Steps Down, Releases New Aged Bourbon
Pam Heilmann Named New Master Distiller As 10 And 20 Year Old Bourbons Head For Market
(Credit: Kurt Maitland)
Michter’s Distillery has announced promotions of senior production staff as it carries through on its succession plan. Pamela Heilmann will assume the position of Michter’s Master Distiller, previously held by Willie Pratt, who will be transitioning to a flexible schedule as Michter’s Master Distiller Emeritus. Michter’s Vice President Andrea Wilson will add the position of Master of Maturation to her duties, and Distillery Manager Dan McKee will move up to the Distiller position formerly held by Heilmann.
“For some time we have been preparing for this transition,” stated Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco. “At Michter’s, the quality of our whiskey is so, so important to us. I am excited that we have phenomenally talented people like Pam Heilmann, Andrea Wilson, and Dan McKee assuming greater leadership positions and carrying on the remarkable work done by Willie Pratt.”
Having run Booker Noe Distillery (adjacent to the better known Beam facility in Clermont), at that time the world’s largest bourbon distillery, before joining Michter’s, Heilmann has distilled some of America’s highest end bourbons and ryes. Andrea Wilson has enjoyed an illustrious career in the North American Whiskey industry which has included her becoming the first woman to ever serve as Chair of the Kentucky Distillers Association. Prior to joining Michter’s as its Distillery Manager, Dan McKee worked closely with Heilmann at Booker Noe Distillery, where he was Distillery Supervisor.
Stated Pamela Heilmann, “This fulfills my dream of becoming a Master Distiller. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in this wonderful industry with some legendary whiskey people. I feel honored to have the opportunity to continue to uphold the incredibly high standards set by the Michter’s team. I am delighted to assume the ‘Dr. No’ position as the gatekeeper ensuring Michter’s quality.”
An excited Andrea Wilson stated, “I am thrilled to have the responsibility of Michter’s Master of Maturation. So much of the great work that’s been done to achieve the quality of Michter’s bourbon and rye has been about all the critical steps that are taken with the distillate after it leaves the still.”
Master Distiller Emeritus Willie Pratt will be honored with the naming of the “Pratt Whiskey Lab” at Michter’s Distillery in Shively, Ky. Said Magliocco, “Willie is an American whiskey treasure. He knows so much about whiskey, and he has contributed greatly to building our Kentucky distillery and establishing Michter’s as the brand it is today.“
In addition to these promotions, this October Michter’s is also announcing the second and final 2016 release of its Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon as well as the first and only 2016 release of its Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon. In the United States the suggested retail price per 750ml bottle is $120 for Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon and $600 for Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon.
