June 12, 2025 • 29 mins
This week on Kentucky Focus, Scott Fitzgerald explores two very different stories—both driven by urgency, legacy, and the quiet power of showing up. One is about stepping forward when time is tight.
The other? About what it means to leave something behind that lasts far beyond you. From heartbeats to heritage, we’re tapping into the things that truly matter—especially when no one’s watching.
The other? About what it means to leave something behind that lasts far beyond you. From heartbeats to heritage, we’re tapping into the things that truly matter—especially when no one’s watching.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
And welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald coming out.
What is summer travel, plans, a shelf life, and a
once in a generation legacy all have in common, We'll
find out, and sometimes life is all about timing tradition
and stepping up what it matters most, whether it's helping
someone you'll never meet or honoring names you'll never forget.
We'll take you inside two powerful moments happening right here
(00:22):
in the bluegrass day. Stick around because we're about to
tell you might just change how you see your summer
and the great state of Kentucky. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This
is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and it's citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kN N.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
When a parent sees their child smile, they see hope, Eleen,
hope that his son, Rejeep would have an easier life
than he is. You see, Rejeb, just like his father,
was born with a cleft but as a fisherman in
a small village in Indonesia, the cost of surgery was
out of reach. Their lives were transformed thanks to Smile Train,
(01:14):
which sponsors free, life changing cleft surgeries and other essential treatments.
Rejeb's surgery marked Smile Trains two million, and incredibly, a
Lemes was the two million and first. Now their smiles
are a symbol of hope for children with clefts. All
over the world. Five hundred and forty babies are born
(01:35):
with a cleft each day, but through Smile Train, millions
of lives have been changed. To learn more and support
the global cleft community, visit SmileTrain dot org, slash learn
Smile Train changing the world one smile at a time.
Speaker 4 (01:51):
And the twenty five years since my injury, I have
not seen a gnecologist. There's not one accessible obgin in
my community.
Speaker 5 (01:59):
I found lumps in my breast. I went to a
doctor's office I was told was accessible, but when I
got there, I couldn't get through the front door.
Speaker 4 (02:08):
Every day, women like me go to the doctor for
annual checkups for conditions like breast cancer. Early detection saved
my life, but women with disabilities, like my friends Tammy
and Anne, face a cruel reality lack of accessible medical
facilities and equipment.
Speaker 5 (02:27):
We are women first, daughters and veteran second, but women
with disabilities last.
Speaker 4 (02:33):
I'm Hannah's Storm Television sports anchor and I support PVA.
I don't know where I'd be today without access to testing.
Our women veterans deserve better. Help PVA fight for access
at PVA dot org.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Well, summer
kicks into fools, swing the att hurricane season gets underwey yeah,
hard to please. It's already time. The American Red Cross
is sounding the alarm amidst the news. Natural disasters don't
just impact property, they also disrupt vital blood donations when
every second counts. Today, we're joined by Derek Honeycut from
(03:14):
the American Red Cross to talk about the urgent need
for blood donors this June and how you can be
part of the solution. Derek, thanks for taking time to
join us, My friend.
Speaker 6 (03:23):
Oh, it's a pleasure to be here. I love talking
about summer.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
I know you do, buddy, and giving blood, that's for sure.
Red Cross one of my favorite organizations always can I
love getting a chance to catch up with him, so Derek,
let's start with the big picture. Why is summer such
a critical time for blood donations and how do events
like hurricanes or severe weather disrupt the blood supply.
Speaker 6 (03:44):
You know, with the children meeting out of school and
that's when people take their vacations. So during that time,
we're just so busy that teams forget the important things
like donations and how how much of an effect it
can handle on other people's lives. You know, just with
one donation you can affect three people. During that time,
we just get busy, and Darren, June and July is
(04:05):
one of our busiest times because vacations and being away
from work and little journeys that we take during the weekend.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Derek Hunnycut is joining us with the American Red Cross
in summertime is a critical time for blood donations and
we're here to talk about it and how you can
help as well. And Derek, in previous conversations with the
Red crossing the previous campaigns, you mentioned that blood has
a shelf life and for those unfamiliar, how long does
donated blood last and why is that an important part
(04:34):
of the urgency?
Speaker 6 (04:35):
Well, Blood donations typically store for about forty two days,
and so we want to make sure that we're constantly
revamping our supply because we never know when that incident
like hurricanes or storms may affect and hit our blood
supply because all it takes is you know, it's amazing
how even with today's technology, all it takes is one
(04:56):
good storm and Mother Nature can really show us how much,
you know, how much of an effect it can have,
even on blood donations and our supply. But on averager
blood lasts about forty two days.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
Oh my goodness, I didn't know it was that short
a time. So yeah, you do need urgent donors, that's
for sure. And we are in the month of June, Derrick,
and it's not just hurricane season, it's also this month
World Blood Donor Day and World Sickle Cell Day. What
do those days mean to the Red Cross in the
communities you serve?
Speaker 6 (05:28):
June nineteenth, this World Sickle Cell Day, we started that
initiative and we want to help people that disease, how
it affects those chronic conditions that they need that life
saving blood. And people will be surprised how many units
someone may need in a year that has sickle cell
and they really need that in order to survive. So
(05:49):
that is a very horrible disease and we want to
make sure that we have our the patients that have that,
we want to make sure they have that life saving donation.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
And again we're with Derek hunting Cutt. He's with one
of my favorite organizations, the American Red Cross, because not
only do they facilitate giving blood, but they also comfort
folks in times of need, during disasters, etc. They do
such good work and it's always a pleasure to speak
with them. Derek, you're offering some great incentives this month.
Can you walk us through what donors can expect if
they give blood in June?
Speaker 6 (06:18):
Oh? Absolutely, And from June first to June thirtieth, we're
giving all donations a fifteen dollars Amazon gift card, so
they get go on there and be able to spend
and get by exactly what they're looking for for that
little gift for someone or even for themselves for doing
something so noble as donating. We're also this month you
get a chance to win a two seven thousand dollars
(06:40):
gift card. You know, these incentives were to help people
that do the right thing. Also, we want to also
reward those that have been doing the right thing for
so long by helping others.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Derek hine Cut joining us with the American Red Cross
in June a very important month if you've been wanting
to give blood. In along those lines, Derek, Let's say
someone's on the fence, busy, they're a little nervous, they've
never donated before. What do you say to that person
to encourage them to kind of take that step?
Speaker 6 (07:06):
You know, honestly, I get that question all the time.
You know, people seem to be nervous and when they
first donate. What I tell people is it's a little
bit of a pinch, but it has such an impact.
So it's worth a little bit of maybe five seconds
of being uncomfortable, just for the few seconds just so
that when for that donation that will take you fifteen
(07:27):
to twenty minutes to do, to have such an impact
on other people. I mean, every time they donate irregular
donations saving three lives, that's three people that get to
go home. They need that life saving the gift that
you're giving them. If they do power reds, which a
lot of people aren't familiar with power eds, but power ds,
you can help six lives and it only takes five
(07:47):
to ten minutes longer than normal donation. Well, I tell
people all the time, you know, if you've never donated before,
do that power, d because it leaves you more refreshed afterwards.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
We live in a digital age, Derek. And for folks
that live there as well, let's break it down. What
are the easiest ways for someone to schedule a donation
right now? And I know you've got a ton of
digital tools out there that make it pretty simple for folks.
Speaker 6 (08:08):
You know, honestly, all you have to do is go
out to redcrossblood dot org. If you click there, put
in your zip code where you live and click fond
and it will show you your closest donation to where
you live.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
And you've also got something called rapid Pass that speeds
things up. What is that about?
Speaker 6 (08:24):
You know? Rabbit Pass is a very remarkable thing. I
love it because a lot of people are concerned about
weight times. But with a rapid pass it allows you
to go ahead and get those medical questions knocked out
that they would normally ask you when you get there
to be screened before you do your blood donation. You
can get that done and that'll knock ten minutes off
your time right there, because that's just questions. We don't
(08:45):
have to ask, and you can just go ahead and
do it up to twelve hours before the drive.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Hey, it's not easy, folks, Derek honey guy joining us
with the American Red crossing. June a very important month
for donating blood, believe it or not, the summertime. Yeah,
you better believe it. And it's not necessarily during a
natural disaster. The Red Cross would like to speak with
you at any time for sure, and Derek, before we
let you go. Not everyone can donate blood. There are
other ways to help. Can you tell us more about
(09:09):
how someone can either volunteer with the Red Cross, whether
it's a blood donor ambassador or transportation specialists. What opportunities
do you have?
Speaker 6 (09:17):
We'd love to have people. We love our donors. We
also love the people that want to, you know, be
selfless and be able to go out and help others,
especially during a disaster. If you want to go to
our website at Redcross dot org, you can click on
various services like volunteering and stuff like that, and we
can even go to your local chapter and inquire about
(09:39):
how to volunteer and help those in times of need.
Speaker 1 (09:41):
You know, we've seen, Derek, with the number of natural
disasters right here at home in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
How important organizations are like the Red Cross. But how
important are these volunteers to keep you guys running smoothly,
especially when we see the peak demand during these bad
weather seasons we've had.
Speaker 6 (09:58):
I can't tell you that out of impact that people
have had in other lives by volunteering, just to be
able to be there in the time of most people
when truly need someone, especially if they've had water damage
or they've lost their home during a storm. That being said,
it's just I think the human part of the humanity
of helping others and knowing that someone's got your back
(10:21):
and being there during a trying time makes everything so
much better. It's not machines, it's not technology. It's people
helping people, and that's what makes the world a better place.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
Well said, just a great chat with Derek Huntingcutt. One
of my favorite organizations it is the Red Cross. As
you heard Derek say over the last few minutes, it's
not just about giving blood, it's about helping folks right
here at home in our backyard. If someone's interested in volunteering,
where should they go and set up to learn more.
Speaker 6 (10:48):
If people are interested in volunteering, which we hope you are,
so you can go to Redcross dot org. You can
also call the number at one eight hundred Red Cross
and we'll be able to help you.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
Wrapping up now with Derek hunting cut and one of
my favorite organizations, the Red Cross, and again, they need
blood donors desperately in the month of June and throughout
the summer. Really, but if you can't get blood or
don't want to give blood, they'd love to see them
as a volunteer. It's rewarding work and we've seen it
at home in our own backyard here in Kentucky. Derek,
you've been outstanding. Thank you, my friend.
Speaker 6 (11:19):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
Oh thanks to Derek Honeycutt and the American Red Cross
for reminding us that summertime isn't just for vacations. It's
also a time to step up for our neighbors in need.
If you're healthy and eligible, make June the month you
give back. Visit redcrossblood dot org or call one eight
hundred Red Cross, or use the Blood Donor app to
find in near by drive and Remember, every donation makes
(11:41):
a difference, especially when seconds count coming on. But what
do a pioneering woman, a seventh generation craftsman, and a
quiet industry giant all share. I'll tell you. I'm Scott
Fitzgeralden you are listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 7 (12:01):
Nearly half of children in foster care drop out of school,
but you can rewrite that story. Children in youth with
CASA and GAL volunteers are more likely to succeed in school.
Change a child's story. Become a volunteer today. Learn more
(12:23):
at National KASA GAL dot org.
Speaker 8 (12:26):
Hey, I'm your mountain bike. Been a minute since we
hit the trail. Why not roll me over to Goodwill?
Donating me helps Goodwill's mission to provide career training and
support services right here in the community, and that keeps
us all moving. Donate today on your left. To find
your nearest Goodwill locations and to learn more about our mission,
(12:49):
please visit Goodwill dot org. Goodwill where your things start,
New lives.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Welcome back, and we're raising a glass to legacy, leadership
and the timeless spirit of Kentucky. And the Kentucky Bourbon
Hall of Fame is back with this twenty twenty five
class honoring five remarkable individuals whose contributions have shaped the past,
president and future of this iconic industry, from legislative champions
to distilling legends, ill on the reason embody everything that
(13:17):
makes Kentucky Bourbon a global powerhouse. Joining me as a
man who knows this story inside and out, Eric Gregory,
President of the Kentucky Distillers Association, to walk us through
what makes this year's class so special in how these
trailblazers continue to build bourbon and build Kentucky. Eric, Welcome back,
my friend. Thanks Scott, good talking to you man same here.
(13:38):
Great to have you one of my favorite peeps and
all the Commonwealth of Kentucky. And before we dive into
this year's inductees, how would you describe the mission of
the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and how it's involved
since it's founding in two thousand and one.
Speaker 9 (13:49):
You know that's a really good question, Scott. Yeah, So
we created the Hall of Fame in two thousand and
one to really honor individuals who've had a transformational impact
on our signature industry. And as you can imagine, the
first four or five classes, right were the legends you know,
Bill Samuels and the Colonel Beams and all those people.
And what's really been interesting over the years to watch
(14:10):
and see is, you know, is we got the people
honored that obviously need to be honored, you know, the pioneers,
the people who you know, establish this industry. The people
who come in the last you know, ten to fifteen
years or so have really you know, built upon that legacy.
But a lot of them have been kind of behind
the scenes, people who you may not have heard much of.
(14:31):
We have a couple of them in the class here
this year, even but it's really interesting and fun and
and and we're very proud to honor the people who,
you know, who do the work and who keep the
trains running and making the whiskey and things like that.
So we've got some stories to tell this year of
people who you may not have heard of, but definitely
left their marker in the industry and like you said,
(14:52):
helped shape it for the future.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
Well, and we'll get to those in just a second.
Here eron Gregory joining us now at the Kentucky Distillers Association.
We're talking the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame's latest class
in twenty twenty five, and Eric, let's start with this
year's Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement recipient, Chris Morris. What stood
out to the committee about Chris's decades long influence on
Brown Foreman and the industry as a whole.
Speaker 9 (15:15):
Wow, so deserving. I mean, Chris Morris is synonymous with Whiskey,
quality and integrity and leadership. You know, we have a
task force, a selection committee that goes over and I
mean really pours over each nomination, and we got to
Chris Morris. I think Bill sam was like, yeah, proved
is he might want to say anything else. He's such
(15:38):
a rock star in the industry. Everybody knows him. And
you know, he's done so much to elevate the Brown
Forman portfolio, you know, Wood for Reserve, Old Forrester, he
created doubled Oak, you know, I mean that Master's collection
is one of the most sought after bourbons year after year.
He's resurrected President's Choice. Just done so much and done
(15:59):
so much and from a leadership standpoint from the industry,
he's a three time chairman of the Katie Board of Directors.
There's hardly anybody more engaged in the industry. And our
issues and you know, really talking about the needs and
challenges and what we can do to step up than
Chris Morris and he's always been there for everybody. And
(16:20):
you couldn't meet a nicer guy.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
And again we're talking with are Gregory talking about the
Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. It's twenty twenty five. Class
are of course with the Kentucky Distillers Association And well
we'll move on here, Eric and Mary Doling's story is extraordinary,
one of great innovation and of course fearless leadership in
a male dominated world. What does it mean to finally
see her on her nearly a century after her passing.
Speaker 9 (16:45):
Well, yeah, you know it's about time, right right. I
was at our craft member meeting the other day and
you know I told her, buddy, you can't say this
because it doesn't come out, you know, for twenty four
more hours. But Mary Dowling's one of them. And you
got some puzzled looks, and that all the women in
the meetings started shaking their head. Yeah, you know it's time. Yeah,
(17:08):
you want to talk about a pioneer who's ahead of
her time. Mary Dowling is certainly one of the people
who we should be talking about a lot more, and
we're going to be because not only is she kidding
in the Hall of Fame this year, kaby Zamagnon of
rabbit Hole has written a book about her. So you'll
be able to read all about Mary, you know, and
we'll be hearing a lot more about her. But you
(17:29):
know the things that stand out again, you know, the
first woman to really run a major distillery at the
turn of the century and a time when men dominated,
I mean, women didn't have the right to vote, right,
you know, I mean, and and here she is running
distillery and then Prohibition comes along. You want to talk,
guts distillery and moves it to Mexico to keep making
(17:49):
whiskey during Prohibition.
Speaker 6 (17:52):
You know.
Speaker 9 (17:53):
Unfortunately she passed away before Prohibition ended, but she has
left her mark our industry and Lawrence Burg, Kentucky man.
She did so much for Lawrenceburg. And I have talked
to her descendants and they could not be more proud
to have their great great grandmother into the Hall of Fame.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
Talking again Eric Gregory, spending a few minutes with him.
He was, of course resident of the Kentucky Distillers Association.
We're talking about the twenty twenty five class going into
the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. And you know Eric
you mentioned in our intro. Behind the scenes folks, how
about Larry Eversold He's had a hand in shipping more
than thirty distilleries. How is his behind the scenes influence
(18:30):
helped ignite the craft bourbon movement.
Speaker 9 (18:32):
Well, again, a name you may not know unless you're
involved in industry, but he's mostly known for being kind
of the godfather of rye. If you're producing a Rye
whiskey in the United States in the last hover many years,
there's a good chance Larry Episode's got his finger in
that match at some point. You know, he did a
(18:53):
lot of work at MGP, And you look at craft
distillers and others around the country that have really been
built over the last few years. Larry, you know, either
helped them get their start through his consulting business or
help them find juice, you know, at a time when
they're first starting again. Just a wonderful guy. Has helped
so many distilleries after his time, and he spent decades
(19:14):
at Seagrams, and it's just one of the most knowledgeable
people and a damn great whiskey maker. So when he
was he was nominated by multiple distilleries this year. That's
how well respected he is. And so we had to,
you know, we had to kind of work that out,
you know, behind the scenes too. Is actually going to
be the nominee. But again unanimous selection, right, Just a
(19:36):
great guy and very well deserved.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
Eric Gregory with us for just a few more minutes
again talking about the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame's class
of twenty twenty five, two more honorees. Eric, and that
is Craig Beam brings a deep family legacy to the table.
How does this work at Jackson Purchase Distillery continue the
Beam tradition while also looking forward?
Speaker 9 (19:56):
Yeah, just what you know, a storied family tradition. You know,
we always laugh and say, you know, there's a Beam
at every distillery, right and Earl Beam, you know, to
really you know, uh, start that tradition and keep that
tradition going at Heaven Hill and then Parker Beam, you
know who unfortunately we lost, you know a few years
(20:16):
ago to a ls uh And and our Hall of Fame,
you know, our lifetime chief board obviously named to him,
Craig is Parkerson and and literally studied at the feet
of two giants, and so you know he's got talents
right and has been making great whiskey for now gosh
forty years. Uh And Jackson Purchase is a fantastic distillery
(20:36):
that maybe a lot of people may not know about
Donnen far West here in Kentucky. Uh And and they're
growing by leaps some bounds. They just filled the one
hundred thousand barrel last week. And you know, it's mostly
a contract distillery out there, providing whiskey for for brands
up and coming and for even some major brands. But
I've been in a you know, a privilege to sample
(20:57):
some of it, and I can tell you Craig Craig's
making some incredible juice down there. So again that legacy
continues with Craig and Jackson Purchase. And again just such
a well deserving honor for him. Craig's got a lot
of years left in the tank. Brother, I'll tell you
we're gonna be seeing great whiskey coming from him for
still a long time to count.
Speaker 1 (21:18):
And one more honoree. As we're talking with Eric Gregory,
president of the Kentucky Distillers Association, the Bourbon Hall of
Fame Class of twenty twenty five. Going in, we'll talk
a little on the political side, because politics and bourbon
have been kind of big news lately. Damon Thare is
making ways not just as a distiller but as a
legislature How critical has his work been to modernizing bourbon
(21:39):
laws and opening new doors for the industry.
Speaker 9 (21:41):
I'll tell you what, You're gonna be hard pressed to
find a stronger, more dedicated legislative champion in the modern
era than Damon Tayer. And I say that for a
variety of reasons. First of all, his name may not
be on a lot of bills a sponsor, but as
Senate Majority leader, he helped steward that legislation through rocky times,
(22:01):
you know, especially you know in just the last you know,
ten to fifteen years. But the one thing that always
that I remember about him was in two thousand and nine.
You probably remember this guy, the state added the sales
tax to all alcohol, even though it was already being
collected in the hostale tax. And we were up against
the governor, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House,
(22:23):
all three of them passing that bill in one week. David,
they are a very young state senator at that time,
just starting his career, bucked his party and voted against
that when very few people did. And I remember they
were the Senate Republicans were caucusing in a room just
off the chamber, and he refused to go into the
(22:43):
caucus room because he believed we should not be taxing
a signature industry in Kentucky. And I turned to one
of our distilleries and said that kid's got guts right.
And now we were worried that he may not last.
You know, the leadership may say, yet, kid, we're going
to fix shoot. But he did. He stood his ground
and he became one of our strongest champions and helped
(23:05):
Stewart every I mean, you're talking about cocktails and distilleries
and direct consumer shipping and the barrel to Damon has
been behind the scenes working to make sure that those
bills got through and fortune compromises, you know, so we
can do it, and we can do it right and
get a lot of people on board. And now he's
got his own whiskey Senator Kentucky Senator bourbon. And if
(23:26):
you haven't seen it, it's a it's it's a limited
supply whiskey and it's really really good, But go out
and try to find a bottle. But again, a very
deserving gentleman. And no matter what your politics are, if
you're talking about modernizing alcohol loss in Kentucky in the
last fifteen to twenty years, Damon Thayers at the top
of your.
Speaker 1 (23:44):
List, one of my favorite people in all Kentucky.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
To talk to.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
Eric Gregory with the Kentucky Distillers Association. We're talking about
the Bourbon Hall of Fame class going in in two
thousand and twenty five. And last question for you, Eric,
when you think about this class and what it represents,
what's the lasting message or even legacy you hope listeners
take away.
Speaker 9 (24:04):
Wow, another good question. You know, I guess how you know?
Speaker 1 (24:09):
You've got a.
Speaker 9 (24:10):
Group here of people who are have very diverse backgrounds, right,
you know, from my master Stiller that's a seventh generation distiller,
to you know, a woman pioneer entrepreneur, to you know,
to Damon, to Larry, to you know, Chris who has
spent his life fifty years in you know, the bourbon industry.
(24:31):
Very diverse, but they all have one thing in common.
They're very passionate about Kentucky Bourbon and making sure it
has succeeded and and again setting it up for a
really bright future. So I think that's the one thing,
the kind of thing that really transcends all of them,
is they are all you talk to them about Kentucky
bourbon and you feel that passion outstanding. Now, Mary Dowling,
(24:55):
you know obviously we can't talk to her, but I
can tell you again in talking to her descendants, they
still carried that passion one hundred years later.
Speaker 1 (25:05):
I'll bet it does not surprise me at all. Again,
Eric Gregory, always love talking to you, my man. He is,
of course president of the Kentucky Distillers Association. I guess
the ceremony gonna be held at what log Still in September?
Is that right? Yep?
Speaker 9 (25:18):
Log Still in September presented about music construction. And I
will say this is an imitation only. It's a private event,
but we're lap streaming it this year. Oh good, thanks
to our friends at Kroger Wanting Spirits. So keep watching
our social media, our website and you'll have all the
details on there and how you can watch it. It's
my favorite time of the year, as you can probably tell.
By the excitement in my voice. The one time we
(25:39):
get all these legends in one room. There's some laughter,
there's a few tears, but it's one of the most
thrilling ceremonies that you'll watch if you're a burbie geek
like me. So I hope everybody tunes in.
Speaker 1 (25:51):
You're the best, Eric. I appreciate you. It's always my man.
Speaker 9 (25:53):
Cheers, Scott.
Speaker 1 (25:54):
Thanks, and a big thank you to Eric Gregory for
joining us today and offering a front row seat to
one of Kentucky's most cherished traditions. Twenty twenty five Kentucky
Bourbon Hall of Fame inductees remind us that bourbon is
more than a drink. It's a story, a culture, and
a living legacy. From historic figures like Mary Donling to
modern day trail blazers like Chris Morris, these are the
(26:16):
names shaping Kentucky's global identity, one barrel at a time.
I'm Scott Fitzgerald, and this is where we toast the people,
the past, the president, and the promise of the Bluegrass state.
You're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 10 (26:34):
The mission of Kentucky State Place is a safeguard and
enforce the laws across the commonwealth. One of our priorities
is making sure families across our New Kentucky home are safe,
not only safe, but also they feel safe when we
have someone that commits a crime, and we want to
ensure that those pay their debt to society, and they do.
(26:57):
But once they finish that, and that's when we want
to incorporate these re entry programs for those to be
able to go back in their communities. And what that
does and that they become contributed members is sided they
have an income they can provide for their family and
by that then they're not committing further offenses, which mikes
Kentucky a safer place. And by Kentucky being a safer place,
(27:19):
that's also cipher for law enforcement across their commonwealth. Now
we will collaborate with other public agencies and other law
enforcement entities to ensure that people can have a better
life for themselves and their family.
Speaker 1 (27:35):
Welcome back to Kentucky, FUCUS. I am Scott Fitzgerald. Well,
today's conversations we're about stepping forward when tradition calls, when
community needs rise, and when timing is everything. Whether you're
stepping out to donate blood or raising a glass to
the legends of Kentucky Bourbon. Today's show reminds us of
what makes the blue Grass States so unique. Generosity, heritage,
and a commitment to something bigger than ourselves. For more
(27:57):
information on how to donate blood, you can visit Redcrossblood dot
org or download the Red Cross Blood Donor app. And
don't forget donors in June get that fifteen dollars Amazon
gift card and a chance to win one of two
seven thousand dollars prizes. That's giving back and getting rewarded.
And for the full list of this year's Bourbon Hall
of Fame inductees, you can visit Kybourbon dot com and
(28:21):
mark your calendars for the September live stream of the
induction ceremonies. And as always, for more on today's stories
or to find out how you can get involved, visit
our web center follow us on social media. This, of course,
has been Kentucky Focus, where every story tells us something
about who we are, where we're headed next. I'm Scott Fitzgerald,
and I speak for all of us at the Kentucky
News Network and Kentucky Focus when I say thank you
(28:43):
for making us part of your listening habits, and until
next time, stay curious, stay kind, and stay connected.
Speaker 2 (28:50):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and it's citizens. We
cover state politics and history, human and stories, sports and
even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on K and N.
And welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald coming out.
What is summer travel, plans, a shelf life, and a
once in a generation legacy all have in common, We'll
find out, and sometimes life is all about timing tradition
and stepping up what it matters most, whether it's helping
someone you'll never meet or honoring names you'll never forget.
We'll take you inside two powerful moments happening right here
(00:22):
in the bluegrass day. Stick around because we're about to
tell you might just change how you see your summer
and the great state of Kentucky. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This
is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and it's citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kN N.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
When a parent sees their child smile, they see hope, Eleen,
hope that his son, Rejeep would have an easier life
than he is. You see, Rejeb, just like his father,
was born with a cleft but as a fisherman in
a small village in Indonesia, the cost of surgery was
out of reach. Their lives were transformed thanks to Smile Train,
(01:14):
which sponsors free, life changing cleft surgeries and other essential treatments.
Rejeb's surgery marked Smile Trains two million, and incredibly, a
Lemes was the two million and first. Now their smiles
are a symbol of hope for children with clefts. All
over the world. Five hundred and forty babies are born
(01:35):
with a cleft each day, but through Smile Train, millions
of lives have been changed. To learn more and support
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Smile Train changing the world one smile at a time.
Speaker 4 (01:51):
And the twenty five years since my injury, I have
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I found lumps in my breast. I went to a
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got there, I couldn't get through the front door.
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Every day, women like me go to the doctor for
annual checkups for conditions like breast cancer. Early detection saved
my life, but women with disabilities, like my friends Tammy
and Anne, face a cruel reality lack of accessible medical
facilities and equipment.
Speaker 5 (02:27):
We are women first, daughters and veteran second, but women
with disabilities last.
Speaker 4 (02:33):
I'm Hannah's Storm Television sports anchor and I support PVA.
I don't know where I'd be today without access to testing.
Our women veterans deserve better. Help PVA fight for access
at PVA dot org.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Well, summer
kicks into fools, swing the att hurricane season gets underwey yeah,
hard to please. It's already time. The American Red Cross
is sounding the alarm amidst the news. Natural disasters don't
just impact property, they also disrupt vital blood donations when
every second counts. Today, we're joined by Derek Honeycut from
(03:14):
the American Red Cross to talk about the urgent need
for blood donors this June and how you can be
part of the solution. Derek, thanks for taking time to
join us, My friend.
Speaker 6 (03:23):
Oh, it's a pleasure to be here. I love talking
about summer.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
I know you do, buddy, and giving blood, that's for sure.
Red Cross one of my favorite organizations always can I
love getting a chance to catch up with him, so Derek,
let's start with the big picture. Why is summer such
a critical time for blood donations and how do events
like hurricanes or severe weather disrupt the blood supply.
Speaker 6 (03:44):
You know, with the children meeting out of school and
that's when people take their vacations. So during that time,
we're just so busy that teams forget the important things
like donations and how how much of an effect it
can handle on other people's lives. You know, just with
one donation you can affect three people. During that time,
we just get busy, and Darren, June and July is
(04:05):
one of our busiest times because vacations and being away
from work and little journeys that we take during the weekend.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Derek Hunnycut is joining us with the American Red Cross
in summertime is a critical time for blood donations and
we're here to talk about it and how you can
help as well. And Derek, in previous conversations with the
Red crossing the previous campaigns, you mentioned that blood has
a shelf life and for those unfamiliar, how long does
donated blood last and why is that an important part
(04:34):
of the urgency?
Speaker 6 (04:35):
Well, Blood donations typically store for about forty two days,
and so we want to make sure that we're constantly
revamping our supply because we never know when that incident
like hurricanes or storms may affect and hit our blood
supply because all it takes is you know, it's amazing
how even with today's technology, all it takes is one
(04:56):
good storm and Mother Nature can really show us how much,
you know, how much of an effect it can have,
even on blood donations and our supply. But on averager
blood lasts about forty two days.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
Oh my goodness, I didn't know it was that short
a time. So yeah, you do need urgent donors, that's
for sure. And we are in the month of June, Derrick,
and it's not just hurricane season, it's also this month
World Blood Donor Day and World Sickle Cell Day. What
do those days mean to the Red Cross in the
communities you serve?
Speaker 6 (05:28):
June nineteenth, this World Sickle Cell Day, we started that
initiative and we want to help people that disease, how
it affects those chronic conditions that they need that life
saving blood. And people will be surprised how many units
someone may need in a year that has sickle cell
and they really need that in order to survive. So
(05:49):
that is a very horrible disease and we want to
make sure that we have our the patients that have that,
we want to make sure they have that life saving donation.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
And again we're with Derek hunting Cutt. He's with one
of my favorite organizations, the American Red Cross, because not
only do they facilitate giving blood, but they also comfort
folks in times of need, during disasters, etc. They do
such good work and it's always a pleasure to speak
with them. Derek, you're offering some great incentives this month.
Can you walk us through what donors can expect if
they give blood in June?
Speaker 6 (06:18):
Oh? Absolutely, And from June first to June thirtieth, we're
giving all donations a fifteen dollars Amazon gift card, so
they get go on there and be able to spend
and get by exactly what they're looking for for that
little gift for someone or even for themselves for doing
something so noble as donating. We're also this month you
get a chance to win a two seven thousand dollars
(06:40):
gift card. You know, these incentives were to help people
that do the right thing. Also, we want to also
reward those that have been doing the right thing for
so long by helping others.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Derek hine Cut joining us with the American Red Cross
in June a very important month if you've been wanting
to give blood. In along those lines, Derek, Let's say
someone's on the fence, busy, they're a little nervous, they've
never donated before. What do you say to that person
to encourage them to kind of take that step?
Speaker 6 (07:06):
You know, honestly, I get that question all the time.
You know, people seem to be nervous and when they
first donate. What I tell people is it's a little
bit of a pinch, but it has such an impact.
So it's worth a little bit of maybe five seconds
of being uncomfortable, just for the few seconds just so
that when for that donation that will take you fifteen
(07:27):
to twenty minutes to do, to have such an impact
on other people. I mean, every time they donate irregular
donations saving three lives, that's three people that get to
go home. They need that life saving the gift that
you're giving them. If they do power reds, which a
lot of people aren't familiar with power eds, but power ds,
you can help six lives and it only takes five
(07:47):
to ten minutes longer than normal donation. Well, I tell
people all the time, you know, if you've never donated before,
do that power, d because it leaves you more refreshed afterwards.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
We live in a digital age, Derek. And for folks
that live there as well, let's break it down. What
are the easiest ways for someone to schedule a donation
right now? And I know you've got a ton of
digital tools out there that make it pretty simple for folks.
Speaker 6 (08:08):
You know, honestly, all you have to do is go
out to redcrossblood dot org. If you click there, put
in your zip code where you live and click fond
and it will show you your closest donation to where
you live.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
And you've also got something called rapid Pass that speeds
things up. What is that about?
Speaker 6 (08:24):
You know? Rabbit Pass is a very remarkable thing. I
love it because a lot of people are concerned about
weight times. But with a rapid pass it allows you
to go ahead and get those medical questions knocked out
that they would normally ask you when you get there
to be screened before you do your blood donation. You
can get that done and that'll knock ten minutes off
your time right there, because that's just questions. We don't
(08:45):
have to ask, and you can just go ahead and
do it up to twelve hours before the drive.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Hey, it's not easy, folks, Derek honey guy joining us
with the American Red crossing. June a very important month
for donating blood, believe it or not, the summertime. Yeah,
you better believe it. And it's not necessarily during a
natural disaster. The Red Cross would like to speak with
you at any time for sure, and Derek, before we
let you go. Not everyone can donate blood. There are
other ways to help. Can you tell us more about
(09:09):
how someone can either volunteer with the Red Cross, whether
it's a blood donor ambassador or transportation specialists. What opportunities
do you have?
Speaker 6 (09:17):
We'd love to have people. We love our donors. We
also love the people that want to, you know, be
selfless and be able to go out and help others,
especially during a disaster. If you want to go to
our website at Redcross dot org, you can click on
various services like volunteering and stuff like that, and we
can even go to your local chapter and inquire about
(09:39):
how to volunteer and help those in times of need.
Speaker 1 (09:41):
You know, we've seen, Derek, with the number of natural
disasters right here at home in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
How important organizations are like the Red Cross. But how
important are these volunteers to keep you guys running smoothly,
especially when we see the peak demand during these bad
weather seasons we've had.
Speaker 6 (09:58):
I can't tell you that out of impact that people
have had in other lives by volunteering, just to be
able to be there in the time of most people
when truly need someone, especially if they've had water damage
or they've lost their home during a storm. That being said,
it's just I think the human part of the humanity
of helping others and knowing that someone's got your back
(10:21):
and being there during a trying time makes everything so
much better. It's not machines, it's not technology. It's people
helping people, and that's what makes the world a better place.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
Well said, just a great chat with Derek Huntingcutt. One
of my favorite organizations it is the Red Cross. As
you heard Derek say over the last few minutes, it's
not just about giving blood, it's about helping folks right
here at home in our backyard. If someone's interested in volunteering,
where should they go and set up to learn more.
Speaker 6 (10:48):
If people are interested in volunteering, which we hope you are,
so you can go to Redcross dot org. You can
also call the number at one eight hundred Red Cross
and we'll be able to help you.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
Wrapping up now with Derek hunting cut and one of
my favorite organizations, the Red Cross, and again, they need
blood donors desperately in the month of June and throughout
the summer. Really, but if you can't get blood or
don't want to give blood, they'd love to see them
as a volunteer. It's rewarding work and we've seen it
at home in our own backyard here in Kentucky. Derek,
you've been outstanding. Thank you, my friend.
Speaker 6 (11:19):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
Oh thanks to Derek Honeycutt and the American Red Cross
for reminding us that summertime isn't just for vacations. It's
also a time to step up for our neighbors in need.
If you're healthy and eligible, make June the month you
give back. Visit redcrossblood dot org or call one eight
hundred Red Cross, or use the Blood Donor app to
find in near by drive and Remember, every donation makes
(11:41):
a difference, especially when seconds count coming on. But what
do a pioneering woman, a seventh generation craftsman, and a
quiet industry giant all share. I'll tell you. I'm Scott
Fitzgeralden you are listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 7 (12:01):
Nearly half of children in foster care drop out of school,
but you can rewrite that story. Children in youth with
CASA and GAL volunteers are more likely to succeed in school.
Change a child's story. Become a volunteer today. Learn more
(12:23):
at National KASA GAL dot org.
Speaker 8 (12:26):
Hey, I'm your mountain bike. Been a minute since we
hit the trail. Why not roll me over to Goodwill?
Donating me helps Goodwill's mission to provide career training and
support services right here in the community, and that keeps
us all moving. Donate today on your left. To find
your nearest Goodwill locations and to learn more about our mission,
(12:49):
please visit Goodwill dot org. Goodwill where your things start,
New lives.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Welcome back, and we're raising a glass to legacy, leadership
and the timeless spirit of Kentucky. And the Kentucky Bourbon
Hall of Fame is back with this twenty twenty five
class honoring five remarkable individuals whose contributions have shaped the past,
president and future of this iconic industry, from legislative champions
to distilling legends, ill on the reason embody everything that
(13:17):
makes Kentucky Bourbon a global powerhouse. Joining me as a
man who knows this story inside and out, Eric Gregory,
President of the Kentucky Distillers Association, to walk us through
what makes this year's class so special in how these
trailblazers continue to build bourbon and build Kentucky. Eric, Welcome back,
my friend. Thanks Scott, good talking to you man same here.
(13:38):
Great to have you one of my favorite peeps and
all the Commonwealth of Kentucky. And before we dive into
this year's inductees, how would you describe the mission of
the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and how it's involved
since it's founding in two thousand and one.
Speaker 9 (13:49):
You know that's a really good question, Scott. Yeah, So
we created the Hall of Fame in two thousand and
one to really honor individuals who've had a transformational impact
on our signature industry. And as you can imagine, the
first four or five classes, right were the legends you know,
Bill Samuels and the Colonel Beams and all those people.
And what's really been interesting over the years to watch
(14:10):
and see is, you know, is we got the people
honored that obviously need to be honored, you know, the pioneers,
the people who you know, establish this industry. The people
who come in the last you know, ten to fifteen
years or so have really you know, built upon that legacy.
But a lot of them have been kind of behind
the scenes, people who you may not have heard much of.
(14:31):
We have a couple of them in the class here
this year, even but it's really interesting and fun and
and and we're very proud to honor the people who,
you know, who do the work and who keep the
trains running and making the whiskey and things like that.
So we've got some stories to tell this year of
people who you may not have heard of, but definitely
left their marker in the industry and like you said,
(14:52):
helped shape it for the future.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
Well, and we'll get to those in just a second.
Here eron Gregory joining us now at the Kentucky Distillers Association.
We're talking the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame's latest class
in twenty twenty five, and Eric, let's start with this
year's Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement recipient, Chris Morris. What stood
out to the committee about Chris's decades long influence on
Brown Foreman and the industry as a whole.
Speaker 9 (15:15):
Wow, so deserving. I mean, Chris Morris is synonymous with Whiskey,
quality and integrity and leadership. You know, we have a
task force, a selection committee that goes over and I
mean really pours over each nomination, and we got to
Chris Morris. I think Bill sam was like, yeah, proved
is he might want to say anything else. He's such
(15:38):
a rock star in the industry. Everybody knows him. And
you know, he's done so much to elevate the Brown
Forman portfolio, you know, Wood for Reserve, Old Forrester, he
created doubled Oak, you know, I mean that Master's collection
is one of the most sought after bourbons year after year.
He's resurrected President's Choice. Just done so much and done
(15:59):
so much and from a leadership standpoint from the industry,
he's a three time chairman of the Katie Board of Directors.
There's hardly anybody more engaged in the industry. And our
issues and you know, really talking about the needs and
challenges and what we can do to step up than
Chris Morris and he's always been there for everybody. And
(16:20):
you couldn't meet a nicer guy.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
And again we're talking with are Gregory talking about the
Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. It's twenty twenty five. Class
are of course with the Kentucky Distillers Association And well
we'll move on here, Eric and Mary Doling's story is extraordinary,
one of great innovation and of course fearless leadership in
a male dominated world. What does it mean to finally
see her on her nearly a century after her passing.
Speaker 9 (16:45):
Well, yeah, you know it's about time, right right. I
was at our craft member meeting the other day and
you know I told her, buddy, you can't say this
because it doesn't come out, you know, for twenty four
more hours. But Mary Dowling's one of them. And you
got some puzzled looks, and that all the women in
the meetings started shaking their head. Yeah, you know it's time. Yeah,
(17:08):
you want to talk about a pioneer who's ahead of
her time. Mary Dowling is certainly one of the people
who we should be talking about a lot more, and
we're going to be because not only is she kidding
in the Hall of Fame this year, kaby Zamagnon of
rabbit Hole has written a book about her. So you'll
be able to read all about Mary, you know, and
we'll be hearing a lot more about her. But you
(17:29):
know the things that stand out again, you know, the
first woman to really run a major distillery at the
turn of the century and a time when men dominated,
I mean, women didn't have the right to vote, right,
you know, I mean, and and here she is running
distillery and then Prohibition comes along. You want to talk,
guts distillery and moves it to Mexico to keep making
(17:49):
whiskey during Prohibition.
Speaker 6 (17:52):
You know.
Speaker 9 (17:53):
Unfortunately she passed away before Prohibition ended, but she has
left her mark our industry and Lawrence Burg, Kentucky man.
She did so much for Lawrenceburg. And I have talked
to her descendants and they could not be more proud
to have their great great grandmother into the Hall of Fame.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
Talking again Eric Gregory, spending a few minutes with him.
He was, of course resident of the Kentucky Distillers Association.
We're talking about the twenty twenty five class going into
the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. And you know Eric
you mentioned in our intro. Behind the scenes folks, how
about Larry Eversold He's had a hand in shipping more
than thirty distilleries. How is his behind the scenes influence
(18:30):
helped ignite the craft bourbon movement.
Speaker 9 (18:32):
Well, again, a name you may not know unless you're
involved in industry, but he's mostly known for being kind
of the godfather of rye. If you're producing a Rye
whiskey in the United States in the last hover many years,
there's a good chance Larry Episode's got his finger in
that match at some point. You know, he did a
(18:53):
lot of work at MGP, And you look at craft
distillers and others around the country that have really been
built over the last few years. Larry, you know, either
helped them get their start through his consulting business or
help them find juice, you know, at a time when
they're first starting again. Just a wonderful guy. Has helped
so many distilleries after his time, and he spent decades
(19:14):
at Seagrams, and it's just one of the most knowledgeable
people and a damn great whiskey maker. So when he
was he was nominated by multiple distilleries this year. That's
how well respected he is. And so we had to,
you know, we had to kind of work that out,
you know, behind the scenes too. Is actually going to
be the nominee. But again unanimous selection, right, Just a
(19:36):
great guy and very well deserved.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
Eric Gregory with us for just a few more minutes
again talking about the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame's class
of twenty twenty five, two more honorees. Eric, and that
is Craig Beam brings a deep family legacy to the table.
How does this work at Jackson Purchase Distillery continue the
Beam tradition while also looking forward?
Speaker 9 (19:56):
Yeah, just what you know, a storied family tradition. You know,
we always laugh and say, you know, there's a Beam
at every distillery, right and Earl Beam, you know, to
really you know, uh, start that tradition and keep that
tradition going at Heaven Hill and then Parker Beam, you
know who unfortunately we lost, you know a few years
(20:16):
ago to a ls uh And and our Hall of Fame,
you know, our lifetime chief board obviously named to him,
Craig is Parkerson and and literally studied at the feet
of two giants, and so you know he's got talents
right and has been making great whiskey for now gosh
forty years. Uh And Jackson Purchase is a fantastic distillery
(20:36):
that maybe a lot of people may not know about
Donnen far West here in Kentucky. Uh And and they're
growing by leaps some bounds. They just filled the one
hundred thousand barrel last week. And you know, it's mostly
a contract distillery out there, providing whiskey for for brands
up and coming and for even some major brands. But
I've been in a you know, a privilege to sample
(20:57):
some of it, and I can tell you Craig Craig's
making some incredible juice down there. So again that legacy
continues with Craig and Jackson Purchase. And again just such
a well deserving honor for him. Craig's got a lot
of years left in the tank. Brother, I'll tell you
we're gonna be seeing great whiskey coming from him for
still a long time to count.
Speaker 1 (21:18):
And one more honoree. As we're talking with Eric Gregory,
president of the Kentucky Distillers Association, the Bourbon Hall of
Fame Class of twenty twenty five. Going in, we'll talk
a little on the political side, because politics and bourbon
have been kind of big news lately. Damon Thare is
making ways not just as a distiller but as a
legislature How critical has his work been to modernizing bourbon
(21:39):
laws and opening new doors for the industry.
Speaker 9 (21:41):
I'll tell you what, You're gonna be hard pressed to
find a stronger, more dedicated legislative champion in the modern
era than Damon Tayer. And I say that for a
variety of reasons. First of all, his name may not
be on a lot of bills a sponsor, but as
Senate Majority leader, he helped steward that legislation through rocky times,
(22:01):
you know, especially you know in just the last you know,
ten to fifteen years. But the one thing that always
that I remember about him was in two thousand and nine.
You probably remember this guy, the state added the sales
tax to all alcohol, even though it was already being
collected in the hostale tax. And we were up against
the governor, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House,
(22:23):
all three of them passing that bill in one week. David,
they are a very young state senator at that time,
just starting his career, bucked his party and voted against
that when very few people did. And I remember they
were the Senate Republicans were caucusing in a room just
off the chamber, and he refused to go into the
(22:43):
caucus room because he believed we should not be taxing
a signature industry in Kentucky. And I turned to one
of our distilleries and said that kid's got guts right.
And now we were worried that he may not last.
You know, the leadership may say, yet, kid, we're going
to fix shoot. But he did. He stood his ground
and he became one of our strongest champions and helped
(23:05):
Stewart every I mean, you're talking about cocktails and distilleries
and direct consumer shipping and the barrel to Damon has
been behind the scenes working to make sure that those
bills got through and fortune compromises, you know, so we
can do it, and we can do it right and
get a lot of people on board. And now he's
got his own whiskey Senator Kentucky Senator bourbon. And if
(23:26):
you haven't seen it, it's a it's it's a limited
supply whiskey and it's really really good, But go out
and try to find a bottle. But again, a very
deserving gentleman. And no matter what your politics are, if
you're talking about modernizing alcohol loss in Kentucky in the
last fifteen to twenty years, Damon Thayers at the top
of your.
Speaker 1 (23:44):
List, one of my favorite people in all Kentucky.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
To talk to.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
Eric Gregory with the Kentucky Distillers Association. We're talking about
the Bourbon Hall of Fame class going in in two
thousand and twenty five. And last question for you, Eric,
when you think about this class and what it represents,
what's the lasting message or even legacy you hope listeners
take away.
Speaker 9 (24:04):
Wow, another good question. You know, I guess how you know?
Speaker 1 (24:09):
You've got a.
Speaker 9 (24:10):
Group here of people who are have very diverse backgrounds, right,
you know, from my master Stiller that's a seventh generation distiller,
to you know, a woman pioneer entrepreneur, to you know,
to Damon, to Larry, to you know, Chris who has
spent his life fifty years in you know, the bourbon industry.
(24:31):
Very diverse, but they all have one thing in common.
They're very passionate about Kentucky Bourbon and making sure it
has succeeded and and again setting it up for a
really bright future. So I think that's the one thing,
the kind of thing that really transcends all of them,
is they are all you talk to them about Kentucky
bourbon and you feel that passion outstanding. Now, Mary Dowling,
(24:55):
you know obviously we can't talk to her, but I
can tell you again in talking to her descendants, they
still carried that passion one hundred years later.
Speaker 1 (25:05):
I'll bet it does not surprise me at all. Again,
Eric Gregory, always love talking to you, my man. He is,
of course president of the Kentucky Distillers Association. I guess
the ceremony gonna be held at what log Still in September?
Is that right? Yep?
Speaker 9 (25:18):
Log Still in September presented about music construction. And I
will say this is an imitation only. It's a private event,
but we're lap streaming it this year. Oh good, thanks
to our friends at Kroger Wanting Spirits. So keep watching
our social media, our website and you'll have all the
details on there and how you can watch it. It's
my favorite time of the year, as you can probably tell.
By the excitement in my voice. The one time we
(25:39):
get all these legends in one room. There's some laughter,
there's a few tears, but it's one of the most
thrilling ceremonies that you'll watch if you're a burbie geek
like me. So I hope everybody tunes in.
Speaker 1 (25:51):
You're the best, Eric. I appreciate you. It's always my man.
Speaker 9 (25:53):
Cheers, Scott.
Speaker 1 (25:54):
Thanks, and a big thank you to Eric Gregory for
joining us today and offering a front row seat to
one of Kentucky's most cherished traditions. Twenty twenty five Kentucky
Bourbon Hall of Fame inductees remind us that bourbon is
more than a drink. It's a story, a culture, and
a living legacy. From historic figures like Mary Donling to
modern day trail blazers like Chris Morris, these are the
(26:16):
names shaping Kentucky's global identity, one barrel at a time.
I'm Scott Fitzgerald, and this is where we toast the people,
the past, the president, and the promise of the Bluegrass state.
You're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 10 (26:34):
The mission of Kentucky State Place is a safeguard and
enforce the laws across the commonwealth. One of our priorities
is making sure families across our New Kentucky home are safe,
not only safe, but also they feel safe when we
have someone that commits a crime, and we want to
ensure that those pay their debt to society, and they do.
(26:57):
But once they finish that, and that's when we want
to incorporate these re entry programs for those to be
able to go back in their communities. And what that
does and that they become contributed members is sided they
have an income they can provide for their family and
by that then they're not committing further offenses, which mikes
Kentucky a safer place. And by Kentucky being a safer place,
(27:19):
that's also cipher for law enforcement across their commonwealth. Now
we will collaborate with other public agencies and other law
enforcement entities to ensure that people can have a better
life for themselves and their family.
Speaker 1 (27:35):
Welcome back to Kentucky, FUCUS. I am Scott Fitzgerald. Well,
today's conversations we're about stepping forward when tradition calls, when
community needs rise, and when timing is everything. Whether you're
stepping out to donate blood or raising a glass to
the legends of Kentucky Bourbon. Today's show reminds us of
what makes the blue Grass States so unique. Generosity, heritage,
and a commitment to something bigger than ourselves. For more
(27:57):
information on how to donate blood, you can visit Redcrossblood dot
org or download the Red Cross Blood Donor app. And
don't forget donors in June get that fifteen dollars Amazon
gift card and a chance to win one of two
seven thousand dollars prizes. That's giving back and getting rewarded.
And for the full list of this year's Bourbon Hall
of Fame inductees, you can visit Kybourbon dot com and
(28:21):
mark your calendars for the September live stream of the
induction ceremonies. And as always, for more on today's stories
or to find out how you can get involved, visit
our web center follow us on social media. This, of course,
has been Kentucky Focus, where every story tells us something
about who we are, where we're headed next. I'm Scott Fitzgerald,
and I speak for all of us at the Kentucky
News Network and Kentucky Focus when I say thank you
(28:43):
for making us part of your listening habits, and until
next time, stay curious, stay kind, and stay connected.
Speaker 2 (28:50):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and it's citizens. We
cover state politics and history, human and stories, sports and
even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on K and N.
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