Women in Whiskey at KBF: Melissa Rift & Judy Hollis Jones

In this special episode of The Lou Review, host Rosa Hart sits down with two trailblazing women of Kentucky bourbon: Judy Hollis Jones, CEO of Buzzard’s Roost, and Melissa Rift, Master Taster at Old Forester. Together they hint at whats to come during the premium experience at the KBF 2025, “A Celebration of Women Leaders in Kentucky Bourbon,” a dynamic evening spotlighting the powerhouse women shaping the future of whiskey.

The 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival will be held September 5-7 in Bardstown, KY. There will be 65 particpating distilleries. There are a growing number of women in the bourbon industry, and their panel will provide a dedicated time for networking with others of like-minds.

This all-ladies mix-and-mingle event invites bourbon lovers and curious newcomers alike to meet the women behind the barrel—from CEOs to distillers and master tasters. Guests will enjoy cocktails, tasty bites, and plenty of opportunities for selfies, signatures, and stories you’ll want to sip on.

🎉 Featured Guests at the Event:

• Melissa Rift – Master Taster, Old Forester Distillery

• Marci Palatella – Preservation Distillery + Farm

• Mollie Lewis – New Riff Distilling

• Beth Buckner – Maker’s Mark Distillery

• Alex Castle – Augusta Distillery

• Judy Hollis Jones – CEO, Buzzard’s Roost Whiskies

💬 In this episode, you'll hear:

• The backstories behind Melissa and Judy’s rise in the bourbon industry

• What makes this celebration of women in whiskey so unique

• How Kentucky bourbon culture is evolving thanks to women in leadership

• Sneak peeks into what attendees can expect at this unforgettable event

Whether you're a bourbon buff or just bourbon-curious, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and ready to toast to the women behind the barrels.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and raise a glass to Kentucky’s finest!