“When The Taylor’s asked me if I knew anyone they could hire to help oversee the distillery construction, and possibly be their distiller, Caleb was the first person who came to mind. I had just met Caleb at a Distilling class, and it was easy to see he was very bright, very interested, and motivated to get into the Distilling industry. Not to mention very likable, and had a great attitude. He is always thinking, questioning, inventing and improving, and that mindset translates to special results, and making some of the best spirit I have tasted.”

“Caleb Kilburn is on his way to be one of the great master distillers in Kentucky. His understanding and reverence of the distilling history of Kentucky and his technical skill ensures Kentucky traditions and innovations will be carried on into a new generation. “

“With his degree in the chemistry field nearly under his belt, Caleb had already determined he was destined for a distilling career.  He continued to build upon that chemistry knowledge as he understood there was a “craft” side to the trade he was getting into.  Soon after I met him, I was impressed with how intent he was to learn about the history of distilling operations from those that had years of experience.  Caleb is a good listener and never wasted an opportunity to learn from those having distilling experience. 

Caleb was instrumental in establishing the Kentucky Peerless Distillery operation and determining the manner of distilling to meet the expected outcome of their Rye Whiskey, which has been released and their to-be released bourbon.  Corky and Carson Taylor recognized soon after they hired Caleb, that he had the potential to lead this process and named him Head Distiller.  They saw in Caleb his great work ethics and a burning desire to prove to himself he could master the art and science of distilling and they wisely gave him the latitude to run with it.

Many with years of experience in the industry have taken note of Caleb and the Kentucky Distilling Rye Whiskey.  Even though he has been the recipient of much praise from those people, now travels the country, even internationally and gets interviewed for all manner of media, he has kept grounded in his Salt Lick Kentucky roots.  It’s not often I see someone that has dedicated their life to a craft they way Caleb has taken to distilling. He is deserving of the title of “Master Distiller” and will serve as a great example to others that may follow him into the industry.”

“I met Caleb on the first day of the Epicenter six-day class. Before the class even started, he was already asking questions about the equipment and how it worked. On the still there was a mistake in how it was piped. About the second day of class Caleb found the mistake and asked why it was piped the way it was. I could tell by the intensity of his desire to learn the distilling industry and his good intellect that he would make a great distiller someday soon.”

“Caleb is without question a total team player and his dedication and commitment to producing a quality product is unmatched. I am honored to announce Caleb Kilburn our master distiller.”