Bourbon veteran fired by Garrard County snapped by another Kentucky distillery
Franklin County distillery Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., which is known for its straight-from-the-barrel thieving and tasting experience, announced it has hired bourbon industry veteran Lisa Roper Wicker as director of distilling.
“Lisa is someone we’ve known for a while, and are excited to bring her to Whiskey Thief to grow distilling, both in production quantity and quality, and be part of the team to develop the future of the brand,” Whiskey Thief owner Walter Zausch said in a statement.
“Her experience is not only with large distilleries, but craft handmade pot distillation, as well as even farming heirloom grain, which we farm in Franklin County. Lisa is a natural fit for Whiskey Thief. We are also excited for her to help us inform and grow our product strategy.”
Wicker has been working as a consultant after a brief stint at the troubled Garrard County Distillery.
She also has worked with Widow Jane, Alltech, Limestone Branch Distillery, Starlight Distillery and Preservation Distillery, as well as farm wineries in Indiana and Kentucky. She founded Saints & Monsters Consulting in 2017 and has worked with clients on product development and distillery startups, and blending American and Canadian whiskey, according to the news release.
“I’m impressed by the brand, distillery & tasting room, and the reputation Walter has built for Whiskey Thief in only five years as owner and CEO,” Wicker said. “Add in a team of great people, delicious whiskey thieved straight from the barrel, goats, and live music; it’s a privilege to join this authentically Kentucky team.”
Whiskey Thief offers visitors the chance to sample bourbon straight from the barrel via a “whiskey thief” device at the distillery in Franklin County. The tasting room in Louisville, which opened in 2024, also lets visitors fill their own bottles of Kentucky bourbon and rye whiskey at barrel strength.
