Molly Wellman Succeeds Jackie Zykan At Hidden Barn
Noted mixologist Molly Wellmann has been hired on as Master Taster at the Hidden Barn Whiskey. In her new role, Wellmann will be helping with the batching and single barrel selections of Hidden Barn Whiskey, as she builds on the tasting profile and batching style developed by Master Blender Emeritus Jackie Zykan.
“Jackie got us into a great place with the creation of a style and profile that myself, Bekah Neeley and the Team at Neeley Family Distillery will continue to replicate and build upon,” said Royce Neeley, president and master distiller, Neeley Family Distillery. “The addition of Molly provides a valuable outside tasting perspective, as well as on-premise consumption knowledge, and cocktail crafting expertise from one of the most respected mixologists in the industry. As Hidden Barn moves into its 20th state for distribution, Molly’s knowledge in these areas will be invaluable to help us build brand sales.”
Neeley notes visitors can expect to see Wellmann interacting at the Neeley Family Distillery in Northern Kentucky, signing bottles, tasting with fans, and maybe even jumping behind the bar. She’ll also be visiting some markets with the Neeley team as they expand, sharing her expertise and bourbon history storytelling.
“I’m excited to join the team at Hidden Barn, having known Royce and Bekah Neeley and Jackie Zykan for years,” said Wellmann, master taster, Hidden Barn Bourbon. “One of the things that drew me to working with the Neeley team is Royce’s ‘old school’ distillation techniques, using pot still distillation with his family’s mash recipe they’ve used for generations. Like Royce, I’ve immersed myself in the history of old whiskey, as I’ve used that knowledge in crafting cocktails and curating historically accurate cocktail menus. It seems like the perfect pairing for us to share our love of historic distillation to help Hidden Barn Bourbon expand even further.”
Like Wellman, Zykan was hired into the whiskey business from the bartending trade, although she had a BS in Biology behind that. Working in the bar trade in Louisville led to her being hired as a spokesperson by Brown-Forman, and from there she became Master Taster for Old Forester. So, for the Neeley’s to look to a well-known, Cincinnati-based mixology figure like Wellman is actually quite normal in the industry; many whiskey companies have looked in that direction for their blenders, tasters and distillers.
Zykan left Hidden Barn in June, announcing that she would focus on her fragrance venture and a new agriculture business.
