464. An Evening with a Ghost: The E.H. Taylor, Jr. Story

In a very special episode, host Todd Ritter travels back in time to sit down with a true titan of the bourbon industry: the ghost of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. himself. Taking a brief leave from his permanent residence in the Frankfort Cemetery, the Colonel joins the show to tell his incredible life story in his own words. He recounts his early life, from being orphaned as a child and sent to live with a prominent guardian in New Orleans to being adopted by his uncle—the original Edmund Haynes Taylor—in Frankfort.

Colonel Taylor explains how he learned the banking business first, giving him a unique financial insight into the successes and failures of Kentucky's early distillers. This business acumen, combined with access to the meticulous distilling notes of the legendary Dr. James C. Crow, set him on a path to revolutionize the industry. He details his trip to Europe to study Old World techniques, bringing back innovations like climate-controlled rickhouses and copper distilling equipment. He walks listeners through the founding of his iconic distilleries, from the O.F.C. and Hermitage to his ultimate masterpiece, the Old Taylor Distillery (now Castle & Key), a stunning "showcase" designed to be the birthplace of bourbon tourism. Along the way, he shares tales of his famous falling out with his one-time business partner, George T. Stagg.

In the second half, the man behind the portrayal, Frankfort historian Russ Kennedy, steps out of character to join the show. Russ shares his own fascinating journey from being the "world's worst history student" to becoming one of Frankfort's most passionate historical storytellers. After a career with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, a post-retirement gig as a tour guide at the State Capitol ignited a love for local history. He discusses how he developed his craft, first portraying Frankfort's founder, Stephen Frank, before taking on the iconic role of Colonel Taylor. Russ talks about his work today, leading historical walking tours by appointment, making special appearances as the Colonel at distilleries and events, and his involvement in projects like the Frankfort bourbon history documentary. This unique episode is a departure from the usual tasting format, offering a rich, story-driven deep dive into the life and legacy of one of bourbon's most influential figures.

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