CO-OWNER

Sam Rock grew up in Woodford County, Kentucky, attended Washington & Lee University, in Virginia, and the University of Kentucky College of Law. Sam is a practicing lawyer and also sells and builds houses and other investment property, as well as being one of the founders of Bluegrass Distillers. Sam’s initial fascination with the bourbon industry and history grew out of his childhood in Woodford County in which there were no operating distilleries, only distillery ruins. He believes a bourbon is about the hard work and dedication of the team that makes the bourbon. 

CO-OWNER

Ben Franzini was born and raised in Morehead, KY and attended the University of Kentucky to study Engineering. He is a Systems Engineer and entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in the aerospace, software, and hospitality industries. Ben loves that Bourbon must, by law, be authentic and that it is an agrarian product that beautifully showcases our proud Kentucky provenance. Ben is an Executive Bourbon Steward and enjoys spending time with his wife and four sons.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION

Maggie graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2018 with degrees in Marketing and Management. Maggie joined Bluegrass as an intern in 2017 and has been with us ever since. When she's not working, Maggie enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with her lab. Maggie doesn't have a "favorite way" of drinking bourbon. To her, it depends on the environment, who you are drinking with, and the time of year.

SENIOR DISTILLER

Kee Pyles is a Lexington, Kentucky native who discovered a love of distilling back in 2012. Since beginning his career, he has taken pride in producing bourbon the “craft way” and pushing boundaries with products like our Pickleback Bourbon. Kee is currently pursuing a degree in Natural Sciences with a concentration in Biology. His favorite bourbon is Bluegrass Distillers Single Barrel Blue Corn.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Minerva joined the Bluegrass Distillers team in March of 2020, initially assisting with our hand sanitizer operation. Since then, Minerva has become the heart of the team, helping in all areas of the business. If you are in need of a local food recommendation, look no further. Minerva knows all of the hidden gems of Lexington cuisine. In her free time, you can find Minerva dancing and spending time with her family. 

HOSPITALITY MANAGER

Shane Miller joined Bluegrass Distillers in 2022 as the Hospitality Manager. Originally from Louisville, KY Shane attended the University of Kentucky majoring in Communication and Sociology. Finding his passion for bourbon, fast horses, and all things Kentucky… Lexington quickly became his new home. Whether on the golf course, or a bar listening to live music with friends, Shane enjoys his bourbon rye and on the rocks. Cheers Y’all! 

BOURBON STEWARD

Steve Morgan is a native Lexington, Kentuckian who loves  swimming, fishing, Bluegrass Music; and appreciates Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey and Craft Beer. He is retired from an executive career of 40 years within the Alcoholic Beverage Industry.  He is a former beekeeper and home brewer. Steve is a Certified Bourbon Steward who’s goal is to provide our guests with their best ever Bourbon experience.

DISTILLER / BOURBON STEWARD

Graduated from the University of Kentucky in May 2021 with his bachelor's degree in Agriculture economics with a distillation brewing and wine studies certificate. When Graham isn’t at work he enjoys watching sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings, fishing, and going on the lake or on vacation.

DISTILLER / BOURBON STEWARD

Justin has been a member of the Bluegrass Distillers team since 2018. Currently, Justin is pursing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kentucky. His love of whiskey is obvious to everyone he meets, and he takes pride in the high quality craft bourbon he has helped create over the years. His drink of choice is Bluegrass Distillers Single Barrel Blue Corn Bourbon neat. Justin is also passionate about the Dallas Cowboys and exploring the great outdoors.

BRAND AMBASSADOR / SOCIALITE

Tipsy started at Bluegrass in June 2019 as a Mouser. In her spare time (she has plenty of it) you can find her sleeping on the t-shirts, lounging on the bar, and sassing her co-workers for more attention.