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Whisk(e)y

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Lisa Wicker: Master Distiller New Garrard County Distilling Staghorn Names Lisa Wicker Master Distiller of New Garrard County Distilling Co. Former Widow Jane President and Master Distiller Takes Helm at Largest All-New Independent Distillery in Kentucky   ATLANTA (February 13, 2024) – Atlanta-based premium spirits company Staghorn has named award-winning craft whiskey maker Lisa Wicker as the first Master Distiller of its recently opened Garrard County Distilling Co. in Lancaster, Kentucky. The former Widow Jane Distillery leader will oversee whiskey making at the largest all-new independent distillery in the commonwealth, capable of producing 8.5 million proof gallons or 150,000 barrels of whiskey a year. The distillery began operations in January. Wicker brings more than 20 years of distilling and winemaking experience to Garrard County Distilling Co. In her new role as Master Distiller, she will manage all aspects of whiskey production, including grain selection, fermentation, distillation, blending, and aging for the company’s owned whiskey brands, including All Nations, as well as contract-distilled whiskey. Prior to joining Garrard County Distilling Co., Wicker was the President and Master Distiller of Widow Jane Distillery in Brooklyn, NY, where she worked for nearly six years. There, her highly regarded whiskeys earned such accolades as Whisky Magazine’s Best Small Batch Bourbon 2022, Best in Class at the 2019 Whiskies of the World Awards, and a Double Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. She was also nominated for the Icons of Whiskey Master Distiller/Blender of the Year. Under Wicker, Widow Jane was the largest heirloom corn crop whiskey in the U.S. for several years. Wicker’s other experience in the spirits industry includes lead distilling roles at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company, Samson & Surrey, Limestone Branch, and Starlight Distillery. For years, she served as a consulting distiller at George Washington’s Distillery, the revival…