Pioneering Consultant Dave Pickerell Has Died, Aged 62

By Richard Thomas

(Credit: WhistlePig)

Thursday, November 1st saw the passing of Dave Pickerell, a pivotal figure in modern American Whiskey and it’s craft sector in particular. Pickerell went from a leading role at one of Kentucky’s big distilleries to become one of American Whiskey’s most influential consultants, helping numerous companies to establish sourced brands and build distilleries.

Pickerell took his first step towards a career in whiskey-making at one of the least likely of places, earning a chemistry degree at the United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1978. Still serving in the U.S. Army, he added a Master’s in chemical engineering in 1988. After leaving the military, Pickerell embarked on a career as a distilling consultant. It was in that role that he attracted the attention of the Samuels clan, who hired him as the Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark in 1994.

After 14 years working the distillery’s valves in Loretto, Kentucky, Pickerell returned to consulting and founded Oak View Spirits. In that role, he pursued what had become his passion while making wheated bourbon at Maker’s Mark, namely rye whiskey, which he had come to believe was severely underrated and poised for a comeback. It was Pickerell who sourced the 10 year old, Alberta-made 100% rye whiskey that laid the foundations for WhistlePig; he also helped establish Hillrock Estate Distillery and J. Rieger & Sons, and was the original distiller at the Mount Vernon distillery restoration project. His most recent high profile project was helping the legendary rock band Metallica establish a whiskey brand, Blackened Whiskey, and distillery. Other clients that have appeared here at The Whiskey Reviewer included Corsair Artisan, FEW Spirits, Garrison Brothers, Nelson’s Greenbrier, Sons of Libery, Two James and Willett.

Master Distiller Dave Pickerell displaying his latest WhistlePig offering
(Credit: Kurt Mailand)

Dave Pickerell had also played the role of mentor to many in the spirits trade. In particular, his former deputy at Oak View Spirits, Nicole Austin, was hired as Master Distiller at George Dickel in March 2018. Beyond his technical expertise, Pickerell was known for his out-sized and outgoing personality, which served him well in helping his clients market their products.

Pickerell was in San Francisco when he died, where he was scheduled to appear at WhiskyFest and was working on Metallica’s distillery. After a busy day, he returned to his hotel room. He was 62 and is believed to have died of natural causes.