FASHION & EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER, ANTONIO PANTOJA FASHION STYLIST, MIKE TOMES
DISTRIBUTION: KELLI VAN HECKE, JILL & JOHN MINNIX
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: ALISON CARDOZA, ALISHA PROFFITT, BILL DOOLITTLE, CHRIS MORRIS, CORA HOLLAND, DR. RANDY WHETSTONE JR., JACKIE ZYKAN, KEITH TAYLOR, KELSEY KNOTT, KEVIN WILSON, LISA HORNUNG, MADDIE WEILAND, MCKENNA GRAHAM, REMY SISK, RUSS BROWN, STEPHEN YATES
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: ANDY HYSLOP, CHRIS MORRIS, DIGS HOME AND GRADEN, GIOIA PATTON, JACKIE ZYKAN, KEVIN SIVAKUMAR, MALLARD HALL ESTATE, MR FEMI OYENIRAN, RACING LOUISVILLE FC, RACHEL HELSON, UOFL ATHLETICS, UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
Can you believe it? We’re celebrating our 18th Volume since reopening, and what better way to mark the occasion than with our September Fall Fashion and Bourbon edition! This volume is a delicious blend of history, style, and a good old-fashioned pour of Kentucky’s finest.
We kicked off this month with a spirited dive into the world of bourbon, exploring the history and legends behind the liquid gold. Join us as we embark on a journey with bourbon maestros Chris Morris, Stephen Yates, and Jackie Zykan. These individuals are practically walking encyclopedias of bourbon wisdom, and they’ve got some stories and recipes that will make you appreciate every drop.
Pappy & Company works with a network of like-minded friends, partners, artists, and craftspeople to create our collection of fine bourbon-inspired products that range from barrel-aged pantry staples to small-batch cigars to thoughtfully-made home goods.
Speaking of stories, we enjoyed chatting with the dynamic Van Winkle triplet, Carrie Greener, about their retail store, Pappy & Company, where they have created a collection of fine bourbon-inspired products that range from barrel-aged pantry staples to small-batch cigars to thoughtfully-made homegoods.
We’re also thrilled to introduce you to Mary Dowling Bourbon, inspired by the trailblazing “Mother of Bourbon.” Though she passed in 1930, her legacy lives on, especially as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of her bold stand against the Dry Laws. Russ Brown and Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian and the distillery’s owner, Pernod Ricard take us through her life and legacy—a tale of defiance, determination, and ultimate victory.
And then there’s Angel’s Envy’s new Master Distiller, Owen Martin. He may be new to Louisville, but he’s no stranger to bourbon’s rich history. His passion for the craft is contagious, and his insights into the science and art of bourbon-making will leave you falling in love with Kentucky’s signature spirit all over again.
Now, let’s take a moment to remember the incomparable Carla Sue Broecker. She was a Louisville icon, someone who’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. With her passing, I happened to have a matching parrot ring that Linda Jackson, Carla Sue, and I all had in common on me when I received the news, and I have kept it with me all month. Carla Sue had a knack for drawing people in, whether it was through her personality or her vibrant presence in the VOICE-TRIBUNE. This month, Carla Sue’s ring also accompanied me to a special event where the Frazier History Museum let us proudly and safely display Ralph Steadman’s original drawing, “The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved.” It was the perfect touch at a gathering of Women of Bourbon—an event dripping in Hunter S. Thompson vibes, right down to the carrot cake-flavored ice cream whipped up by the one and only Chef Loreal Gavin. Gonzo Whiskey Company’s tribute to Thompson was a feast for the senses, and it was an honor to be among the first to taste their incredible bourbon and meet the women behind it all! Stay tuned!
We can’t forget to raise a glass to the powerhouse women of bourbon. The WOW - Women of Whiskey Awards celebrate those who’ve paved the way in this male-dominated industry. Congratulations to Susan Westrom, the Whiskey Sisters Felicia & Stephanie, Lindsey Johnson, Kerry Moynahan, Maggie Kimberl, Creola Dickerson, Nancy Fraley, Marlene Holmes, Dr. Janice Fernheimer, Amie Ward, Erica Fields (who received the Legacy Achievement Award), and the trailblazing Elmer Lucille Allen, who received the Peggy Noe Stevens Trailblazer Award. If these names aren’t on your radar, they will be soon!
Finally, let’s talk art. Our hometown hero, the legendary sculptor Ed Hamilton, is stepping into a new chapter with the creation of the Ed Hamilton Studios and Visitors Center (EHSVC) right here in Louisville. This center will be a beacon for the arts, showcasing his iconic works and inspiring future generations.
So, grab a bourbon, cozy up, and enjoy this jam-packed edition of the VOICE-TRIBUNE. Here’s to 18 volumes and many more to come! Thank you to Mike Tones, who styled our Fall Fashion shoot, and thank you to Angel’s Envy, Distil Hotel, Repeal, Moxy Hotel, Zombie Tacos, and Dolfingers for sponsoring our Fall fashion shoot that embodies Distilled Elegance with a Dash of Bitters and a hint of Beetlejuice in honor of the second film coming out September 6th after 36 years. We hope you enjoy this volume of the VOICE-TRIBUNE.
Cheers to the many VOICES of Louisville!
Amelia Frazier Theobald
Lisa Hornung
Dale Tye: Ordinary to Extra-Ordinary
by Matt Johnson
As the season changes, Digs Home and Garden
By VOICE-TRIBUNE
Photos by Digs Home and Garden
Shakespeare in the Park By Kelsey Knott
Speed Art Museum Welcomes New Café
By VOICE-TRIBUNE
Photos by Kathryn Harrington
Mallard Hall Estate’s Journey from Historic Relic to Modern Luxury
By VOICE-TRIBUNE
Photos by Kathryn Harrington and Mallard Hall Estate 148
Ed Hamilton Studios & Visitors Center to Sculpt Modern Venue for Generations to come
By Dr. Randy Whetstone, Jr.
Photos by Kathryn Harrington 172
U of L’s new ‘Home run offense’
The Many Versatilities of Fall Fashion
By Mike Tomes
Photos by Matt Johnson
Photos by Kathryn Harrington 168
Louisville Director Rachel Helson brings strength, hope and love to screen in film adaptation of “The Air He Breathes”
By Cora Holland
Photos by the UofK 110
Bill and Russ’ Excellent Conversation
By Russ Brown and Bill Doolittle
By RUSS BROWN Photos by UofL Athletics 176
Olivia & Brady Hardin Wedding
Photos by Hadley Miller Photography
Racing Louisville star Taylor Flint
Styled by Mike Tomes
Photos by Matt Johnson
In Memory of: Carla Sue Allgeier Broecker
Distilled Elegance with a Dash of Bitters
Styled by Mike Tomes
Photos by Matt Johnson
Veteran Kentucky coach Mark Stoops
By Keith Taylor
Calendar of Events
This Month in Society
By Lisa Hornung • Photos by Matt Johnson & Andy Hyslop
When you’re the fourth generation of a storied and extremely popular bourbon company like Old Rip Van Winkle, you could work in the family business making delicious alcoholic drinks or go your own way. Some go their own way only to end up entrepreneurs in their own right.
Carrie Van Winkle Greener and her two sisters did just that. Greener is an identical triplet, with Louise Van Winkle Breen and Chenault Van Winkle James. Ten years ago, the three decided to launch their own business, Pappy & Company, to sell merchandise licensed by her family’s business online. The company has blossomed into an online lifestyle brand and has its own brick-and-mortar store at 843 E. Market St., in Nulu, and a fulfillment warehouse on West Main Street.
“It was a way for us to get involved with the family business and a way for us to have a creative outlet and also provide promotional products because we saw a need for merchandise associated with such a famous brand,” Greener said. “We just evolved it quickly into a brand inspired by our heritage.”
Greener, her sisters and brother, Preston Van Winkle, are the great-grandchildren of the original Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle.
At first, the Van Winkle sisters created T-shirts, hats, barware, etc. But they soon began looking for other items to enhance the brand. Pappy & Company partners with like-minded, value-driven, brands to make food items such as hot sauce, bourbon maple syrup, coffee, bourbon balls, and more.
“I feel like we found success,” Greener said. “We’re not cigar makers. We’re not experts in cigars, baking, cocktail mixers, chocolate, or maple syrup. But we partner with people who are and have those values, and together, we create a product that we find superior and unlike anything else you can find in the market.”
The business is about more than making money, Greener said. “I think what’s really driving me as a cofounder today is not necessarily the numbers and the monetary growth,” Greener said. “It’s really all the other stuff that comes with it, like our culture and our operating systems that I found that have also been maybe even more powerful than thinking about the numbers and just thinking about the money. That’s where it’s been neat to look back on, is that that comes with thinking about all the things, about really high-quality products, partnerships that are true and real, like you really form a friendship out of it. Those are the big drivers for me and also just our internal culture with our team.”
Greener said she hasn’t experienced sexism in her workplace because she’s in a small, family-owned business. But she’s noticed a positive trend toward more women in the bourbon industry.
“We’re in a place, especially with this whole bourbon trend, where women are being highlighted. I think it’s kind of like people are recognizing the women in the industry. And so, for us, I think 10 years ago, it wouldn’t be like it is today, but right now, there’s lots of women who have huge jobs with distilleries and are the master distillers, the master tasters, the master blenders. And it makes perfect sense because women are known to be communicators. We know we’re really good at saying what we like and don’t like, and I think we can have a high level of creativity. And so I think it’s really cool to see what women can do for the industry that hasn’t been done already.”
The future of Pappy & Company is to evolve into more of a heritage design brand. Greener and James were both interior designers before launching their business. They want to take inspiration from their grandmother, who had great style, Greener said. “I think ideally, we would go into more categories, more female-specific categories, I think, connecting to our heritage because that’s obviously our driver, but we’d love to expand on that.”
Greener said she is proud of how far the business has come in 10 years. “I’m just proud of continuing to do it the right way. Doing what’s right. And letting that lead us so we always feel confident in knowing that we are building a business with integrity, and that feels good. You know, I feel like, and I hope, that we’ve created a great place for people to work.”
By Chris Morris • Photos Provided by Old Forester
Kentucky Bourbon connoisseurs will recognize his name, certainly Louisvillians should. His visage looms over the 100 block of W. Main Street as a Hometown Hero. His name graces several public venues such as a walk in River Fields nature sanctuary on the Ohio River. And of course, the brand he founded in 1870, every bottle still bearing his signature, is sold across the country. His name? George Garvin Brown.
Brown was born on September 2, 1846, in Munfordville, Kentucky, in the south-central part of the state. He moved to Louisville in 1863 and began working as a pharmaceutical salesman in 1867. Included among the products he sold to physicians, dentists and druggists was whiskey by the barrel. In 1870 he forever changed the Kentucky Bourbon industry and ultimately enriched the Louisville community itself when he formed Brown-Forman and its founding brand, Old Forester.
This story is not a biography of Mr. Brown nor is it a history of his Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon brand. It is the story of how Old Forester was reborn in 2002.
Old Forester, introduced as a distiller bottled exclusive medicinal whiskey in 1870 reached its sales peak in 1978 at 1.08 million cases. A steady decline of the brand began the following year foreshadowing the Bourbon category’s decline which began in 1982.
As Brown-Forman’s portfolio of brands expanded dramatically, beginning in 1979, the importance of Old Forester to the company began to diminish and as a result so did its volume. By early 2000 there was some talk of discontinuing it. This set off alarm bells among the brand’s loyalists in the company. A work group was convened to address the state of the brand. The group met off-site at the Peterson- Dumesnil House on November 12 and 13, 2001.
As noted previously the Kentucky Bourbon category was in decline at this time as well. Many credit a change in consumer tastes, the growth of vodka or the introduction of fruity “coolers’ like California Cooler among the reasons for the decline of Kentucky Bourbon. While those certainly were factors in the decline often overlooked is the fact that the category had become complacent, stagnant, and irrelevant. Many brands traced or claimed that their origins began in the 19th century. Very few new products had been introduced since the 1950’s and those that were copied the same old themes of past generations. Pricing was standard at best – Kentucky Bourbon simply wasn’t perceived or marketed as a premium spirit. The early generation of spirits writers (there weren’t many) sang the praises of Single Malt Scotch while declaring that Bourbon would eventually become extinct. The worst cut in my opinion was when they wrote that Bourbon couldn’t innovate because of its standards of identity.
These were the challenges facing Old Forester in the Fall of 2001. In essence it was no longer relevant to the consumer or the trade. How to fix that was the challenge. As Master Distiller in Training, I had been included in the working group. Most of the work going forward would be in my hands and those of the brand manager. Fortunately, I had a great partner to work with, the new Old Forester brand manager and longtime Brown-Forman veteran.
The working group had decided that the brand needed to tell its rich history and that of its founder in a contemporary way – in other words to make Old Forester relevant in the modern era. But how to do that was the problem. There was virtually no budget so that meant that there was no sales force support, no advertising, no PR agency, no creative agency – there was nothing but the creativity of the brand manager and Distiller to draw upon.
In my role as Distiller, I turned to the industry for inspiration. What was popular with the consumer? What resonated with the trade press? What made a product noteworthy? Two product types caught my attention – Beaujolais Nouveau and Vintage Single Malt Whiskies.
Beaujolais Nouveau was one of the hottest stories in the industry at that time. The precise release of Beaujolais Nouveau is mandated by the French government. Under French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is released on the third Thursday of every November at 12:01 am, just weeks after September’s “vendage”, when grapes are harvested. It is a thin, young, sweet, fruit forward wine that is meant to be consumed immediately but a great concept and very well executed. It electrified the press, consumers and trade for a few years and then ran its course as most hot stories do. I tried some and was not impressed with the product but the concept of releasing an entire vintage on the same day intrigued me.
Vintage dating was another product feature that interested me. Single Malt Scotch, Port, Sherries, Champagne and still wine were some of the categories that featured vintage dating. Today the term “Vintage” refers to an old bottle of, usually, a whiskey of some type. You might also call that a “Dusty” bottle. In 2001 the term “Vintage” had an entirely different meaning.
The word vintage refers to the year in which the grapes were harvested for wine production. Most still wines come from a single vintage, meaning the wine inside the bottle was made using fruit harvested in that given year. In some cases, however, still, fortified, and sparkling wines will be crafted using a blend of different vintages.
Vintage dated Champagne and Port are the exceptions here – in some years, where the vintage has been particularly good, the producer may decide to declare a vintage. In this instance they won’t blend vintages, instead bottling from a single vintage and labeling it as such.
The same practice is used in creating a Vintage dated Single Malt Whisky. The distiller will identify a specific date of production that created an exceptional flavor profile. This Whisky will be bottled alone, it is still a blend, but a blend of barrels from that same time within a single year. It is not a Single Barrel because those are not representative of an entire production period.
I proposed that we combine the two concepts to create a new expression of Old Forester. At that time, the brand had only two expressions, 100⁰ and 86⁰. To emulate the Beaujolais Nouveau concept the new Old Forester would be released to the trade on a single day, September 2, the birthday of George Garvin Brown. For the vintage aspect I would search the barrel inventory for a single day’s production that had both an interesting story and unique, exceptional flavor. No Kentucky Bourbon brand to my knowledge had ever batched barrels from a single production date and noted that fact on the label.
Going through the Old Forester barrel inventory I discovered that Lot # 23C89 (March 23, 1989) had an interesting pedigree. Filled on an unusually warm March day the full barrels had been drenched by a thunderstorm on their way to the maturation warehouse. These barrels were soaking up liquid from both the inside and outside in the crucial first day which helped slow any leaks before they self-sealed. Therefore, these barrels were able to age longer than was the norm. There were 23 barrels remaining of this 12+ years old Old Forester. To showcase its rich flavor, I chose 95⁰ as the bottling presentation. I had found our first Vintage for release in 2002 – 1989!
Once I had the Bourbon selection and the single day of release concept approved brand management got to work on the expression name and packaging. Since we were honoring the founder of the brand and company the working names were not that exciting, being more traditional and very predictable. “Founder’s Reserve,” “Distiller’s Pride,” “Family Reserve” and so on. These were not what we wanted if this new expression was going to generate some excitement for Old Forester. Fortunately, trademark searches proved that these were in use or were too close to existing marks and therefore were rejected. I will never forget answering my office phone and hearing the brand manager exclaim, “I have the name!” What is it? “It is Birthday Bourbon.” Using some colorful language, I told him that was the worst name I had ever heard. His response? “Too bad – it’s been approved.” To me “birthday” implied that the Bourbon was young, just produced, green or raw. He had taken the birthday date release concept literally. Obviously, I was wrong, it is a great name.
The suggested retail price for this new expression was $35 for a 750ml. That was three times the price of a bottle of Old Forester 86⁰. Distribution was largely confined to the Louisville market and sales to say the least were disappointing. The loyal Old Forester consumer just couldn’t bear to spend that much on a bottle even if it was 12 years old. Now 22 years later long lines form at retail when Birthday Bourbon is released. Priced at $199.99 per bottle, it sells for far more in the aftermarket. Old Forester is now the fastest growing brand at Brown-Forman and according to Shanken’s Impact Newsletter it is the 10th largest Bourbon sold in the US. I like to think that Mr. Brown would be proud of this.
What better brand than Old Forester to end with the following classic close to this story, “As they say, the rest is history.”
A Q&A WITH MASTER DISTILLER OWEN MARTIN
By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos by Matt Johnson
In honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month, we recently caught up with local legend Owen Martin, the whiskey wunderkind currently behind the wheel at Angel’s Envy, for a thoughtful look backwards and forwards at this time-honored tradition.
VT: How did your education and experience prepare you for the bourbon business?
OM: “I attended University of Kansas where my focus was mechanical engineering, which gave me a solid technical background. I had also been a homebrewer during the last few years of college and I decided that I would rather try to formalize that practice than take an office job after graduation. Ultimately, I found a master’s degree program in brewing and distilling science at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. After that, I discovered that I was more differentiated as a distiller with a master’s degree than I would ever be as a brewer. So, when my visa ran out I came back to the States and worked in a mom-and-pop distillery in Arkansas, making bourbon for a few years. The next stop was Colorado where I worked at a single malt distillery, making a Scotch-style whisky in the U.S., for about seven years, before I ended up here in Kentucky in my current role.”
VT: What was it about the Angel’s Envy opportunity that appealed to you?
OM: “My wife and I were happy in Denver and I was proud of all that I had accomplished at the largest distillery in Colorado. But I was excited to get to take the next career step from essentially being the distiller in a beer town to being the distiller in a distilling town. It really was like getting called up to the big leagues. Even my first time flying into Louisville and walking through the airport, it was very apparent what was going on here. I also liked the broader idea that there is so much history and that the further back you go that history is interlaced with tall tales and storytelling. That’s really the beauty of it all. There is a very rigorous, scientific basis for how you make whiskey but at a certain point the legendary aspects of the characters and companies intertwine with that to help create the magic, at least for me.”
VT: Was there anyone in particular that you looked up to in the industry or wanted to emulate?
OM: “I have had plenty of mentors along the way. Clearly I come from a Scotch background, and there are definitely some heroes of mine in the Scotch industry. I mean, honestly, the more I immerse myself in the culture of Louisville and of Angel’s Envy, Lincoln Henderson is someone who is on my mind a lot. I often wonder what he would think of the new releases I am making.”
VT: For the uninitiated, what exactly does a master distiller do on a daily basis? And what are some of the popular misconceptions that you have encountered?
OM: “Well, I don’t think there is a consistent day to day schedule to talk about. In some ways it can feel a little bit chaotic but it certainly keeps every week and every month fresh. You know, our warehouses are 45 minutes east of here—in Henry County—and so I try to get out there as much as I can because, again, from a sample-pulling, blending perspective, that’s where you get the important work done. In town I mostly stay busy interfacing with our various departments and planning future projects.”
VT: How do you simultaneously honor the tradition of the craft and still remain innovative?
OM: “If you had to distill, so to speak, my job into one question, that’s it, right? The brand was founded entirely on the notion of finishing bourbon, which is now commonplace, but I think it is worth noting that 14 years ago it was certainly not. In fact, there was a lot of pushback and flack received for it. But there’s a phrase we like to use around here, ‘revere tradition, embrace progress.’”
VT: Do you have anything special planned for National Bourbon Heritage Month?
OM: “Folks should absolutely plan to come visit us this month as there’s always something exciting in the works. For example, we just finished celebrating our distilleryexclusive release, Cask Strength Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, which has been wildly successful. Plus, we’ve expanded our Private Selection Single Barrel Program to include opportunities for—not only distributors, stores, and bars—but also everyday fans of our products to stop by and pick out something unique. Those who purchase a barrel will experience a behind the scenes distillery tour and guided tasting where they will select their own unique barrel of bourbon. That one of a kind bourbon is then bottled with a personalized label making it a great option for corporate gifting or any bourbon collector. Additionally, we will once again have a large presence at the Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life music festivals in Louisville, and we’ll be holding court and offering extra-special pours at the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown.”
For more information, or to schedule your distillery tour, visit angelsenvy.com
By Stephen Yates • Photos by Kathryn Harrington
As the calendar gets set to turn to September, that can only mean one thing: National Bourbon Heritage Month. As group sales manager at the Frazier History Museum, business is booming, and busy season is about to get busier. This can only mean it’s the perfect time for any and all Bourbon enthusiasts to consider planning a date to book a tour and tasting to do some Sippin’ with Stephen.
As the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the Frazier History Museum is the ideal location to start your Borbon experience or to have a day excursion with a group looking to experience the history and lore that is Kentucky Bourbon.
Sippin’ with Stephen has a dual meaning.
First, it’s the title of my YouTube show that highlights the Frazier’s distillery partners and what they have to offer folks looking to create their own Bourbon experience and memories. In each episode, I interview a guest from a different distiller and we make a cocktail or review a Bourbon expression. Fantastic guests, recipes, and Bourbon knowledge are brought to you monthly via the Frazier Weekly newsletter, which goes out each Monday to our 35,000 subscribers, free of charge. Frazier Weekly keeps subscribers up to speed with everything going on at the Frazier Museum. Click here to view a recent episode of Sippin’ with Stephen.
Second, Sippin’ with Stephen is booking a group tour and tasting with me in the fantastic Speakeasy at the Frazier. Groups as small as eight can book a tour of the Frazier’s Spirit of Kentucky® Bourbon exhibition and then retire into our Speakeasy for a tasting of three bourbons from three different distilleries. Just click here to learn more or book your own personalized Bourbon experience. This is a spectacular way to celebrate National Bourbon Heritage month with friends, family, or fellow Bourbon enthusiasts! You also get access to the Frazier Museum and all it has to offer patrons.
If you don’t have eight in your group, no worries. The Frazier offers four different daily tastings for as few as two and as many as twenty-five guests. From our Ready, Set, Go! tasting to Craft your Own Cocktail Class, the Kentucky Hug, and Flight Club, the Frazier has options for everyone—from first-time Bourbon drinkers to the most ardent of Bourbon enthusiasts.
So if you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month, we cordially invite you to experience what the Frazier History Museum has on tap this September. Come join me at the Frazier, where the world meets Kentucky! And who are we kidding, no introduction to Kentucky is complete without at least the option to sample America’s only native spirit.
Dr. Randy Whetstone, Jr. • Photos by Mr. Femi Oyeniran
It was at the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History that Rob Beatty, the future Founder & President of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild (KBBG), experienced a pivotal moment.
As he viewed the museum’s depictions of African Americans, Beatty was struck by the lack of information regarding their impact on bourbon history. This realization sparked an initiative that would shine a spotlight on the intersection of Black history and bourbon, ultimately influencing the future of the industry.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Beatty to discuss the mission of the KBBG.
How did the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild begin?
“That moment at the museum inspired me,” Beatty recalls. “I reached out to a close friend, Gathan Borden, who has made significant contributions to Kentucky tourism and knows how to turn ideas into reality. Gathan suggested I meet with Freddie Johnson, a Bourbon Hall of Famer and revered tour guide at Buffalo Trace. That meeting was transformative—Freddie agreed there was a need for a group that honors the contributions of African Americans to the bourbon industry. I knew I had to take action.”
From there, Beatty assembled a group of thought leaders and entrepreneurs to form a board. This group included Gathan and another close friend, Michael Adams, Jr., an expert in commercial lending who specializes in guiding businesses to prosperity.
“I tasked them with developing a mission statement and a name,” Beatty explains. “After exploring a few ideas, we officially started the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild. It’s always been a very collaborative and inclusive effort.”
In November 2018, the KBBG held a soft launch event in Lexington. By the time of its official launch on December 18th of that year, the guild had nearly 100 members. “I knew we were really onto something,” Beatty reflects.
Did you ever envision bourbon being part of your entrepreneurial endeavors?
“My first experience with bourbon was years ago, while entertaining a guest in Lexington. I asked the bartender for a shot of their best bourbon and was surprised when he requested my credit card. He returned with a bill for $212 for a single ounce pour of Pappy Van Winkle—a bourbon I wasn’t familiar with at the time. My palate was overwhelmed by the woodiness and high proof, and that was my introduction to bourbon.”
Later, during a round of golf with friends, the subject of bourbon came up. “I realized I didn’t understand bourbon—what it represents or how it fits into our stories and heritage. I didn’t know what I was tasting or what to look for,” Beatty admits.
It was Michael who more formally introduced him to bourbon, but no one had ever connected him to the African American tradition within the industry. “I grew up in a household where there was no drinking, so I wasn’t aware of the Black contributions to this craft. My experience at the Oscar Getz Museum made it clear to me that I needed to learn and share this untold story.”
How are you contributing to the African American tradition of bourbon?
“My contribution lies in our focus on educating people to become true bourbon aficionados. We achieve this through educational workshops and brand activations. Every first Saturday, we host a workshop in Lexington, where industry leaders teach our members.”
The class, known as the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild Institute of Palate Training, covers sensology and the history of the industry. “We teach our members how to use their senses, helping them appreciate the quality of bourbon. Studies show that Black people are premium spirits consumers, but often we don’t fully understand what we’re smelling or tasting. Our training includes three phases: N – nose, P – palate, and F – finish.”
Through brand activations, KBBG bridges the gap between consumers and brands. “Where else can brands engage with 50 multicultural people in one room? The distillers conduct tastings, bring in multiple expressions, and interact with our members—whether in groups or one-on-one. The brands benefit from our members’ extensive training, providing them with valuable feedback.”
Private barrel selections are another unique aspect of KBBG, where members select barrels that reflect the group’s distinctive flavor profile. “We’ve done numerous bourbon picks, including a series with Castle and Key called The Untold Story. These batches were selected by nine KBBG members and are the first ever released that highlight the African American contribution to bourbon. Each of the three chapters to date features a curated story on the bottle honoring this contribution. We’re incredibly proud of this series, as well as the Freddie Johnson Minority Scholarship, which supports young people of color in pursuing careers in bourbon.”
KBBG is a collective of passionate industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to preserving the heritage and future of inclusive bourbon appreciation and education.
By honoring the contributions of minorities to the legacy of bourbon, KBBG ensures that its members feel connected to the past while embracing the industry’s future development through education, stewarship and community building.
KBBG palate training classes are held in downtown Lexington. Membership includes access to monthly curriculum-based training (one Saturday a month) and a tasting event every third Wednesday. KBBG also offers exclusive tours and numerous special events.
For more information, please visit kentuckyblackbourbonguild.com.
New whiskey brand bringing recognition to pioneering 'Whiskey Woman' Mary Dowling
By RUSS BROWN • Photograhy by Matt Johnson
Twelve years ago in the early days of Rabbit Hole bourbon -- which has since become a well-known and popular brand -- Kaveh Zamanian, Founder of Rabbit Hole and Mary Dowling Whiskey Companies, discovered an article about Mary Dowling, setting in motion a series of events that have led to a new brand for the Louisville distillery.
Zamanian, who is also Chief Whiskey Officer of North American Distillers (NADL) Pernod Ricard, said the impetus for the Dowling brand came almost by accident, stemming from a painting of Mary by Gary Simmons called “Spirit Runner” that is displayed in the distillery. The piece had been commissioned as part of a project by Kaveh to celebrate the forgotten legends of the spirit industry.
“By sheer conincidence, nearly three years ago, a gentleman who owned the trademark for Waterfill & Frazier and Dowling Brothers walked into our distillery and noticed Mary’s name on the painting, Kaveh explained. “Making a long story short, he agreed to allow me to take on the brands. I had found an article about Mary. There wasn’t much and what there was was mostly incorrect. But I was intrigued enough to keep searching, and in time discovered that she was truly a remarkable person whose story was lost in the annals of history.
“While Dowling Bros. and Waterfill & Frazier have brand recognition and brand equity, I felt it was time to launch a brand in honor of Mary herself, placing her name where it belongs. Through the brand we can tell her story to the world and restore her lost legacy.”
Dowling (1859-1930), who has been dubbed “Whiskey Woman” and “Mother of Bourbon,” indeed has an interesting and fascinating story to tell. As Zamanian learned in his research, she was a trailblazing distiller who worked in the male-dominated world of preprohibition bourbon in Kentucky. She was a determined visionary, a pioneer, a true maverick and an American legend who should be celebrated. She was a distiller, bootlegger, wife, mother of eight children, business owner, civic leader and philanthropist.
Dowling’s accomplishments and adventures are worthy of a book, but here is a Cliff Notes version on her history, with a nod to Kevin Gibson’s story that is featured on the website of notable bourbon expert Fred Minnick.
Born Mary Murphy to Irish immigrants in 1858 in Kentucky, she married at 17 to John Dowling, who was 20 years older. He was a partner in the Watterfill & Frazier whiskey brand and later became sole owner, with Mary ultimately becoming a partner.
When John died, Mary not only had to care for her large family, but also run the whiskey business. Gibson noted that her path led her to essentially snub her nose at the federal government over prohibition while asserting herself as a civic leader in Lawrenceburg, Ky.
She also bought a farm, other business and was known for her charitable causes.
Mary’s most notorious episode came in 1924 when federal agents confiscated approximately 5,700 quarts of whiskey from her basement. She and three of her sons were charged with violation of the Dry Laws, which prompted a legal battle. The Dowlings were convicted and Mary appealed.
Then fate intervened. The U.S. Sixth Court of appeals learned that the stenographer who had taken the record of the earlier trial had died and no one could read his notes. That was enough for the Court to throw out the conviction.
In the meantime, she had hired Joseph Beam of the infamous Beam family, disassembled her distillery and moved it to Juarez, Mexico, where she could continue to distill whiskey legally. It made its way back into the States still labored as “bourbon.” Mary is part of the reason why U.S.-based distillers fought for labeling laws and strict limitations on what could be called “bourbon.”
Ironically, Mary died Feb. 18, 1930, just a few weeks before Prohibition was repealed. But her legacy lives on in the new bourbon brand. At a kickoff event in Lawrenceburg, Zamanian and great-grandchildren of Dowling paid tribute to her legacy. Great granddaughter Cathy Brown said, “she taught us that gender and talent know no bounds.”
“I was really taken by her story, and releasing a bourbon bearing her name is intended to give her the top billing she deserves,” Zamanian said. “History indeed contains many people -- half of them women.”
Zamanian was set on the path to his true calling when he fell in love with and married Heather, a native of Kentucky, while both were living in Chicago. She encouraged him in the new business undertaking and he says, “Heather has been my steadfast partner through all my endeavors, supporting me in every possible way.”
With her inspiration it was then that his passion for bourbon took hold, leading him to ultimately step away from a successful career as a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst to move to the Bluegrass State and found his own spirits company, Rabbit Hole. He said he wanted to start something new and personal -- modern whiskeys that challenge the status quo and offer a new vision of what an authentic whiskey can be.
He produced his own recipes, marrying heritage techniques with innovative, exclusive mash bills to create a portfolio of one-of-a-kind expressions of super premium American whiskey.
Mary Dowling Whiskey Co. has three products. The initial rollout last year featured a high-rye bourbon finished in tequila barrels and a double-oaked wheated bourbon bottled at cask strength with a proof of 110 that Zamanian describes as “an exquisitely refined pour that matches (Mary’s) elegance and class.” Since then, the distillery has added a wheated bourbon. The brand has been greeted with an impressive reception, drawing excellent reviews while earning several accolades. They include a Double Gold at the San Francisco Spirit competiton, Platinum from Ascot Awards and 93 points from Whiskey Advocate.
“Celebrating her pioneering spirit, we offer a range of exquisite whiskies, each crafted with meticulous care and dedication,” Zamanian said. “Our Double Barrel Whiskey delivers a rich, layered complexity through an innovative aging process. The Tequila Barrel Whiskey introduces an adventurous twist, merging the boldness of whiskey with the vibrant notes of tequila. For those seeking a smooth and mellow experience, our Winter Wheat Whiskey offers a soft, elegant finish.”
Thus, Zamanian says, “We are restoring Mary Dowling and the whiskey that bears her name, to its rightful place in America’s hearts, minds and glasses.”
Restoring the lost legacy of a Visionary Maverick
Mary Dowling was a trailblazing woman distiller in the male-dominated world of pre-Prohibition bourbon, yet her name remains largely unknown. During Prohibition, she was the sole distillery owner to move production to Mexico, evading the constraints of the Dry Laws. Long hidden in the shadows of history, here is Mary’s remarkable story.
1859-1874
Becoming Mary Dowling
Mary Ann Murphy, the eldest of ten children born to Irish Catholic immigrants John and Mary Murphy, started her life in Bourbon County but grew up in Lexington. In 1874, she married John Dowling, an Irish immigrant. The Dowlings settled in Lawrenceburg, Anderson County, just west of the Kentucky River, where John had established himself as a cooper and distiller. The couple was well-matched: determined, entrepreneurial, fiercely intelligent, and committed to excellence. Together, they were destined for great success.
1880-1900
John quickly recognized Mary’s business acumen, and their marriage blossomed into a true partnership. By the mid-1880s, they owned three distilleries, including Waterfill and Frazier. They had six children, and Mary would give birth three more times, with their youngest son, Emmett, born in 1898 when she was 39. Eight of the Dowling children lived to adulthood.
In 1886, John and Mary moved into Dowling Hall, a 10,000-square-foot mansion on South Main Street in Lawrenceburg, which still stands today as a testament to the Dowlings’ determination and vision. From impoverished beginnings, John and Mary Dowling had truly arrived.
1903-1919
Mary Dowling On Her Own
Tragically, John passed away in 1903 after a brief illness. As a mother of eight, Mary stepped in to lead the Dowling empire, becoming the only woman to run a major distillery in the male-dominated Kentucky bourbon industry, but her impact was also felt far beyond whiskey. When the Waterfill and Frazier distillery burned down in 1904, Mary swiftly rebuilt it, improved distribution channels, and expanded production. When her line of credit was cut off due to perceptions of a woman-run business being a “credit risk,” she helped re-charter a bank, although she was denied a seat on the board.
Mary, the wealthiest woman in Lawrenceburg, was also a civic leader who championed progressive causes. As president of the local women’s club, she played a crucial role in bringing healthcare services to the rural poor of Lawrenceburg. During World War I, she led Liberty Bond sales with distinction and was renowned for her charity, quiet elegance, and the exceptional quality of Waterfill and Frazier bourbon.
Her formal portrait, taken by a renowned New York photographer, displayed a determined “Don’t Mess with Me” look—an attitude she would need to navigate the challenges of Prohibition.
Was Mary Dowling a bootlegger?
Perhaps. She certainly believed Prohibition, which devastated the once-prosperous Anderson County, was a terrible idea. While it’s romantic to imagine Mary Dowling, 64 years old and the richest woman in town, driving her Packard over the Kentucky hills to evade Revenuers, the more likely explanation is that her youngest son Emmett, a recent Harvard graduate, sold small quantities of Waterfill and Frazier from the basement of Dowling Hall.
1920-1926
Fighting Prohibition
When the Volstead Act took effect in 1920, every distillery in Kentucky shut down except for six licensed to sell “medicinal” bourbon. Unfortunately, Mary’s distilleries were not among them.
In March 1923, a government sting operation, assisted by a known bootlegger, targeted Dowling Hall. Mary and four of her adult children were charged with violating the Dry Laws, igniting a fierce five-year legal battle.
During two highly publicized and scandalous trials, Mary spent a small fortune defending her family name, her outrage intensified by the fire in a government warehouse where 4,800 bottles of confiscated Waterfill and Frazier bourbon “mysteriously disappeared.” Rumors suggested that government agents sold the missing bourbon and set the fire to cover up their crime. Imagine that!
In March 1926, Mary and her children were convicted. Undeterred, Mary was determined to fight the verdict and find a way to profit from Prohibition. She appealed the conviction, buying time to execute an audacious plan.
1926-1930
Spitting In The Government’s Eye, Ciudad Juarez, And The D & W Distillery
In 1926, Mary not only appealed her conviction but also hired Joe L. Beam—yes, from that Beam family—and his two sons to dismantle her Waterfill & Frazier distillery and relocate it to Ciudad Juarez, just across the border from El Paso. Today, Joe L. Beam’s descendants remain publicly grateful to Mary Dowling for helping their family survive Prohibition. Over the next three years, Mary and her son Emmett frequently traveled to Juarez to meet with her Mexican partner, Antonio Bermudez, a lifelong friend who later became managing director of PEMEX, the Mexican national oil company.
By 1927, their joint venture, D & W Distillery, was legally producing large quantities of Waterfill and Frazier, much of which was smuggled into the whiskey-starved US—but not by Mary or her family. Pappy van Winkle, who legally sold small amounts of Mary’s American-made Waterfill and Frazier as “medicinal bourbon,” complained that her Mexican bourbon was cutting into his profits.
In 1928, after securing her family’s financial future by defying the government, Mary’s legal battle ended when the US Supreme Court declined to hear her case. To keep their mother out of prison, her sons John and Emmett were sentenced to a year and a day in the Atlanta penitentiary, serving six months. Mary was ordered to pay a hefty fine of $10,000, while her daughters received only a slap on the wrist.
1930-PRESENT DAY
Mary Dowling’s Legacy
Mary Dowling passed away in February 1930 at a Catholic hospital in Louisville at the age of 71, three years before the end of Prohibition. The D & W Distillery continued producing bourbon in Juarez until 1964 when Congress passed a law mandating that “bourbon” had to be produced in the US, effectively making Mary Dowling the mother of bourbon as we know it today.
To honor the courage of this American original—a woman ahead of her time and a bold, visionary thinker—we present two Mary Dowling whiskies commemorating the 100th anniversary of her remarkable defiance and ultimate triumph over the Dry Laws.
Mary Dowling Tequila Barrel is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in tequila casks, paying tribute to Mary’s D & W Distillery in Juarez, where local lore says the margarita was invented. Mary Dowling Double Oak Barrel is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey offered at double oak cask strength. Both whiskies are boldly original and embody the indomitable spirit of Mary Dowling.
Mary Dowling, a true Bearcat of the bourbon industry.
March 3, 2023
Taken from “Those Pre-Pro Whiskey Men!” by Jack Sullivan
Having for several years tried to find a female who played an important role as a “whiskey man” in America, I have at last come across an extraordinary woman. She is Mary Dowling of Anderson County, Kentucky. Not only did she own and run a major distillery, shown above, she found a way to stay in the liquor business after 1920 and, in effect, thumbed her nose at National Prohibition. She was born Mary Murphy in 1858 in the State of Kentucky, the daughter of Irish immigrants. Little of her girlhood or education is recorded until she reached the age of 17 when in 1875 she married a man at least 17 years her senior. His name was John Dowling. They would have nine children of whom eight would live to maturity.
Born in Ireland in 1841, John Dowling had come to the United States with a brother, Edward, and was already established in the Kentucky whiskey trade at the time of their marriage. He was a partner in a distillery in Anderson County, located on Bailey’s Run about four miles south of Lawrenceburg Courthouse. The facility had been built in 1810 and after several owners the facility had come into the hands of J. M. Waterfill and G.G Frazier during the Civil War. They produced a brand of whiskey they called “Waterfill & Frazier.”
During the early 1880s Dowling joined the original partners and the firm became Waterfill, Dowling & Company. At the time the distillery was mashing 60 bushels a day and had a storage capacity for about 3,000 barrels for aging the whiskey. Over the next few years the facilities were greatly expanded. By 1890 mashing capacity had been increased to 125 bushels and warehouse capacity exceeded 9,000 barrels. Insurance records from 1892 noted that the entire distillery was ironclad with metal or slate roofs, including four bonded warehouses and one “free” (from Federal regulation) warehouse. Slops from the fermentation process were being used to feed hogs that were housed in pens near the still house.
By 1890 the Anderson County distillery was mashing 250 bushels per day and had a warehouse capacity for 21,000 barrels. Over the years John Dowling increased his ownership of the facility and in early in the 1900s became the full owner, with his brother Edward assisting him. They kept the “Waterfill & Frazier” name for their flagship brand and also did business as the Pilgrimage Distilling Co., with offices in Cincinnati. About the same time, apparently recognizing the business acumen of his wife, John brought Mary into the company. Not long after, he died at age 61. His grieving widow inherited the firm and its management, becoming one of a handful of women in that era to run a major distillery.
During ensuing years, Mary Dowling became part of Kentucky whiskey lore in her evident ability to control a major operation. Even a major fire in 1904 that destroyed the distillery did not deter her and the facility was quickly rebuilt. When Mary’s sons came to maturity, they too were brought into the business. As her reputation as a businesswoman rose in Anderson County, she followed other economic opportunities. She became a founding stockholder of the Anderson National Bank in 1907, capitalized at $100,000. Mary was not, however, given a seat on the bank board.
Mary’s success of almost two decades, however, came to screeching halt with the imposition of National Prohibition. Federal records shown her withdrawing large quantities of whiskey from her bonded warehouse in the run up to the ban on alcohol. Some of this whiskey she is reported to have sold to those Kentucky distillers fortunate enough to be licensed to sell liquor for “medicinal purposes.” Other stocks, it would appear, she was bootlegging. It was during this period, I assume, that she earned the reputation for being “mysterious” and caused at least one writer to term her “infamous.”
Her illegal business worked for about four years until 1924 when revenue agents set a trap for the Dowlings, who were operating both out of their home and from an office next to two distillery warehouses, supposedly sealed, in which large quantities of liquor were stored. Federal agents arrived with two “turncoat” bootleggers in their automobiles, men who had done business with Mary in the past. The agents watched as the bootleggers entered the house and bought out two sacks of whiskey, each containing a dozen bottles. They watched as the sacks were placed in one of the autos, then searched and seized them, as their stool -pigeons reputedly ‘fessed up. The “sting” had worked. The agents thereupon entered the Dowling home with search warrants.
In the basement they found and sized 478 sacks, each holding 12 quarts of whiskey, exactly like the ones deposited in the bootlegger’s car. They seized the liquor and arrested members of the Dowling family, including three of Mary’s sons. This was in spite of her contention, as a court record later narrated, that the whiskey had been there before Prohibition and was “to be for the use of family and guests, whom she entertained on a large scale.”
The Dowlings were prosecuted for a conspiracy to possess, transport, and sell intoxicating liquors in violation of the National Prohibition Act. There ensued three years of court cases both in Kentucky and Federal courts as the Dowlings through their attorneys contended that the search warrant was flawed, that criminal charges should be dropped, and the seized liquor returned. An initial trial was adjourned when Mary Dowling became sick. The indictment was renewed by the government in 1925 and this time the Dowlings were convicted. Then fate intervened. Upon the Dowlings’ appeal of the conviction to the U.S. Sixth Court of Appeals, it was found that the stenographer who had taken the record of the earlier trial had died and no one could read his notes. That was enough for the Circuit Court and they threw out the convictions.
By this time Mary Dowling had hatched a new — and more successful — business plan. About 1926 she hired Joseph Beam, one of Kentucky’s premier distillers but now out of work, to dismantle the Waterfill & Frazier distillery, transport the pieces to Juarez, Mexico, reassemble it there, and resume making whiskey. Mexico had no prohibition so the liquor production was completely legal. Beam was all too glad to oblige. With two of his seven sons, Otis and Harry, he decamped South of the Border and built the facility shown here on a postcard. They called it the “Dowling Mexican” (D.M.) Distillery. Beam stayed several years on the job and a relative said his son Harry “essentially grew up in Mexico.”
The primary market for this Waterfill & Frazier whiskey was in Mexico and Central and South America. Compared to the local whiskeys, Mary Dowling’s “bourbon,” (actually a blend) was a quality product and highly successful. As a result a number of artifacts bearing Spanish language and theme, particularly trip trays, can be found on auction sites.
Because Juarez, in the state of Chihuahua is so close to the U.S. border, thirsty American tourists also could enjoy it and even, as an ad hinted, bring a bottle or two with them back to the U.S. There also is evidence that Mary Dowling had found other ways to get her whiskey to the American consumer. A letter exists toher from Julian Van Winkle, one of those lucky distillers with a “medicinal” license. He complained that his sales reps were having trouble selling her Kentucky-made Waterfill & Frazier Bourbon because of competition from other quarters selling her Mexican product. Van Winkle did not even hint at how Mexican bourbon might have made it onto the legal market in the United States. He knew Mary already knew.
In 1930, four years short of Repeal, Mary Dowling died and was laid to rest in Section 5 of the Lawrenceburg Cemetery in Anderson County. In the grave next to her is John Dowling whom she outlived by 27 years. As shown here, the remaining buildings of the Anderson County distillery were allowed to decay as the forest grew up around them. After the end of Prohibition in 1934, one of Mary’s sons, also named John, built a new distillery at Fisherville, just outside Louisville at Echo Trail at Ford’s Fork. Sometime later he sold the property to a Kentuckian who closed the facility but kept the Waterfill & Frazier brand name and label design, transferring both to Bardstown where he had another distillery. Thus some U.S. bottles and artifacts designated “Waterfill & Frazier” are post-Prohibition.
Although she died before witnessing Repeal, Mary Dowling had forged a path for women — and men — in whiskey history that may never be surpassed. Unlike most of the male Kentucky distillers who quietly shut down, Mary actively rebelled against the “Dry Laws” and after one attempt to circumvent them proved to be problematic, created a second strategy that succeeded beyond all expectations. Call her “mysterious” or “infamous,” as some have done, I call her a genius for having thumbed her nose at National Prohibition and beaten it.
Bowling Green, Danville, Elizabethtown, Fort Thomas, Lexington, Louisville, and Owensboro. Minimum
BOURBON WOMEN
By VOICE-TRIBUNE
In August, the WOW! Bourbon Women: Women of Whiskey Awards celebrated the extraordinary women who have made significant contributions to the whiskey industry, breaking barriers and setting new standards of excellence. This year’s honorees exemplify the diversity, innovation, and leadership that define the spirit of these awards. From trailblazing chemists to visionary distillers, the 2024 recipients have each carved out a unique place in the industry. Their achievements not only highlight their individual brilliance but also underscore the growing influence of women in whiskey, paving the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps.
Photos by Kathryn Harrington
LOIS MATEUS NETWORKING AWARD
Susan Westrom 22 Years in KY General Assembly
Susan Westrom, a former Kentucky House of Representatives member, is recognized for her significant advocacy work in the bourbon industry. In 2010, she was honored with the inaugural “100 Proof Award” for her role in modernizing Kentucky’s bourbon sampling laws. Her efforts have played a crucial role in the growth and modernization of the state’s bourbon industry.
WOMEN-OWNED BRAND OF THE YEAR AWARD
Whiskey Sisters Supply
Whiskey Sisters Supply was founded in 2015 by sisters Felicia and Stephanie Ohnmacht in Colorado. Their company is renowned for providing premium, sustainably-sourced grains to distilleries across the U.S., leveraging their deep-rooted connection to their 100-year-old family farm. By bridging the gap between urban distilleries and rural farms, the sisters have fostered a network of mutual support and economic growth. Their innovative approach, community engagement, and advocacy for an equitable spirits industry have made them stand out as leaders in a traditionally male- dominated field.
SPIRITS DIVERSITY PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
Camp Runamok
Camp Runamok, founded by Lindsey Johnson and hosted by Lush Life Productions, was established in 2012. This immersive educational experience for bar professionals has grown into a pivotal platform within the whiskey and spirits industry. Held twice annually in Kentucky’s Bourbon country, the camp has welcomed over 4,000 participants from across the globe, fostering a diverse and inclusive community known as “Squirrels.” Camp Runamok stands out for its commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and communitybuilding, actively promoting participation from underrepresented groups and creating a safe, collaborative environment. With a strong focus on mentorship and global reach, the camp has significantly impacted the industry, earning recognition from leaders like Bernie Lubbers of Heaven Hill.
SPIRITS INFLUENCER/ PODCASTER OF THE YEAR
Kerry Moynahan, Barrel Room Chronicles
Kerry Moynahan, the Executive Producer and Host of Barrel Room Chronicles is known for her deep knowledge of whiskey and her ability to engage both novice and seasoned enthusiasts, Kerry has made a significant impact on the spirits industry. Through herpodcast, she blends educational content with creative storytelling, bringing the world of whiskey to life in each episode. Beyond her podcast, she’s also involved in industry events and initiatives, further solidifying her reputation as a trusted voice in the community. Kerry’s dedication to high production quality and her commitment to fostering a sense of community among her listeners have earned her multiple accolades, including Silver Telly Awards. Her innovative approach to content creation continues to push the boundaries of the industry.
SPIRITS WRITER OF THE YEAR
Maggie Kimberl, American Whiskey Magazine
Maggie Kimberl, a renowned spirits writer known for her deep expertise in whiskey, particularly bourbon. Maggie has made significant contributions to the industry through her insightful articles, reviews, and features. Her work is widely respected for its thorough research, engaging storytelling, and ability to make complex topics accessible to a broad audience. Maggie’s writing not only educates readers about the intricacies of spirits but also celebrates the heritage and craftsmanship behind them.
BRAND AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
Creola Dickerson- Head Single Barrel Ambassador, New Riff Distilling
With over six years at New Riff, Creola has played a pivotal role in the brand’s rise from a small startup to a recognized name in the spirits industry. Her leadership of the Single Barrel Program has been marked by innovation and a strong commitment to customer engagement, setting New Riff apart as a leader in the industry. Beyond her professional achievements, Creola is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. She founded and chairs New Riff’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, “DIG,” and serves on the board of the Bourbon Women Foundation, working to support underrepresented groups in the whiskey community. Her dedication to fostering a more inclusive industry, along with her exceptional brand representation, makes her a standout choice for this award.
MASTER BLENDER OF THE YEAR
Nancy Fraley- Master Whiskey & Rum Blender, Professional “Nose” and International Consultant at Nosing Services
A revered figure in the spirits industry and founder of Nosing Services, Nancy’s expertise in sensory anal instrumental in crafting awardwinning spirits worldwide. Her innovative techniques, like slow water reduction and the development of cigar blends in bourbon, have set new industry standards. Beyond blending, Nancy has significantly impacted the industry through her educational initiatives, including creating the Craft Whiskey Aroma Wheel and teaching at prestigious institutions like the American Distilling Institute and Moonshine University. Her influence extends globally, making her a leader in the field and an inspiration to both new and experienced professionals.
Marlene Holmes is a distinguished Master Distiller and Production Manager at Milam & Greene Whiskey, with over 30 years of experience in the whiskey industry. Starting her career as the first female distiller at Jim Beam, Marlene has significantly shaped Milam & Greene’s growth from a startup to an award-winning distillery in Blanco, Texas. Her extensive expertise in both large-scale and craft distillation has been pivotal in expanding production capabilities and introducing innovative practices.
Marlene’s leadership and mentorship have not only improved the distillery’s operations but also fostered a strong, skilled team.
Her notable achievements include overseeing a major production expansion, developing a diverse product portfolio, and leading initiatives that have garnered numerous industry awards.
MIKE KEYES ALLY OF THE YEAR
Dr. Janice FernheimerUniversity of Kentucky
Dr. Janice Fernheimer, the Zantker Charitable Foundation
Endowed Professor of Jewish Studies and Professor of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies at the University of Kentucky, is a prominent advocate for diversity and inclusion. Dr. Fernheimer has significantly impacted the bourbon industry by documenting and elevating the voices of women and Black women through her Women in Bourbon Oral History Project. This initiative has conducted over 50 interviews, preserving the stories and contributions of these influential figures. Dr. Fernheimer’s dedication extends to mentorship, where she supports underrepresented students in their academic and professional journeys, and her innovative Bourbon Oral History course enriches students’ understanding of the industry. Her influential work, commitment to diversity, and educational impact have made her a respected leader in both academic and industry circles.
BARTENDER OF THE YEAR
Amie Ward- Camp Runamok
With over a decade in the hospitality industry, Amie, known as “The Healthtender,” is celebrated for her exceptional mixology skills and her commitment to promoting health, safety, and inclusivity. Her leadership at Camp Runamok includes mentoring over 300 emerging bartenders annually, while her advocacy through Safe Bars and The Healthtender focuses on gender-based violence prevention, mental health support, and industry safety. Amie’s innovative approach to beverage creation, combined with her dedication to creating a supportive environment, has made her a respected figure in the industry. Her contributions extend to serving on the judging panel for the L.A. Spirits Awards and participating in various industry conferences.
LEGACY ACHIEVEMENT
Erica Fields- Founder of Brooks Grain LLC, President of Fields Consulting LLC, COO of Fields Kentucky Spirits
Erica Fields, founder of Brooks Grain LLC and President of Fields Consulting LLC, has been honored with the Legacy Achievement Award for her groundbreaking contributions to the whiskey industry and her unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. With over five decades of experience, Erica established Brooks Grain as the premier supplier of high-quality rye essential for whiskey production across North America. Her visionary leadership has not only set industry standards but also elevated the role of women in the field. Beyond her business success, Erica is a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights, particularly in Kentucky, where she co-founded Civitas, the LGBTQ Regional Chamber of Commerce. Her advocacy efforts extend to the arts, where she contributes to theater productions that highlight transgender experiences, showcasing her dedication to fostering inclusivity. Erica’s profound influence on the whiskey industry, combined with her commitment to community engagement, diversity, and equity, has left a lasting legacy that transcends her professional achievements.
PEGGY NOE STEVENS TRAILBLAZER
Ms. Elmer Lucille Allen- First AfricanAmerican Chemist at BrownForman (1966-1997), Community Activist, and Artist
Elmer Lucille Allen, the first AfricanAmerican chemist at Brown-Forman, has been honored with the Peggy Noe Stevens Trailblazer Award. With a career at Brown-Forman spanning over three decades, beginning in 1966, Elmer Lucille broke significant barriers in the spirits industry, setting a precedent for inclusivity and representation. Beyond her pioneering role as a chemist, she has been a dedicated community activist and a celebrated artist, particularly in ceramics and fiber arts. Born in 1931 in Louisville, Kentucky, Elmer Lucille’s journey from a segregated society to becoming a trailblazer is a testament to her resilience and leadership. Her contributions extend beyond the lab, as she continues to mentor young artists and scientists, advocate for African-American culture, and engage deeply with her community. Elmer Lucille’s enduring legacy is marked by her commitment to diversity, innovation, and civic engagement, making her a true trailblazer whose impact continues to inspire future generations.transcends her professional achievements.
By Jackie Zykan
With over 20 years of experience in beverage alcohol, and a love affair with the natural world, I am delighted to share some of Kentucky’s finest distilled spirits alongside fresh, local, and seasonal botanicals.
With September highlighting all things bourbon, it seems all too obvious to highlight a bottled-in-bond product showcasing a flagship, traditional Kentucky bourbon flavor profile. Established in 1897, the bottled-in-bond act was one of the first of many guardrails for consumable goods. In order to be labeled as bottled-in-bond, a spirit must be aged a minimum of 4 years in a bonded warehouse, bottled at 100 proof, be composed of product from one distillation season (spring or fall), from one distillery, and labeled transparently to indicate bottling location if different from the distillery. The intention behind the act was to protect consumers from unsavory practices which had crept into the distilled spirits industry. By setting these guidelines, one can trust that the product was not tampered with to give the perception of maturity, as well as provide crucial production source information. The development of legislation to protect consumers is critical, and especially for something prescribed as medicine during that time.
Featured Kentucky Product: Angel’s Envy Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Long known as a brand focused on finishes, the bottled-in-bond release from Angel’s Envy is a meticulously constructed blend of straight bourbon which has not seen secondary finishing. The product has a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley. Matured about 6 years in cool, humid conditions, this particular bottling was designed to meet the 100 proof BIB requirement while still being cask strength. Leaning into the technique of low barrel entry proof (legally, bourbon cannot exceed 125 proof going into the barrel), Angel’s Envy filled barrels at 103 proof to set the stage for a final result which would hit the 100 proof mark. As long as casks are blended from within the same distilling season, the BIB designation applies. With strategic balancing, the distillery was able to pull barrels to yield the appropriate proof point without dilution. What resulted was a dimensional, full bodied whiskey with ample notes to get you excited for all things autumn. Most bottled-in-bond products are blended then diluted to 100 proof. The approach for this product maintains the integrity of the raw expression of the barrels, which is quite impressive and worth exploring. This product is sold exclusively at the distillery in Louisville, KY.
Featured Kentucky Flora: Malus domestica (Golden Delicious Apple)
Golden delicious apples peak in September, just in time to welcome the changing of the seasons. This variety is the official apple of our neighbor, West Virginia, and due to its flavor and pectin content, is among the most popular apples for use in pies. Apples made their way into folklore and legend long before colonists introduced them to North America. These tasty orchard fruits have been celebrated across multiple cultures as a symbol of beauty, wisdom, seduction, and fertility. Nutritionally speaking they are a powerhouse and “An apple a day…” is a phrase many find commonplace. Apples are a great source of pectin (which can serve as a prebiotic fiber source for gut biomes), as well as antioxidants easing inflammation. Benefits pertain to respiratory health, brain function, diabetes management, cancer treatment, digestive ailments…the list goes on and on. For this feature though, Golden Delicious harmonizes beautifully with the already present notes in the whiskey. If you hurry, you may even be able to find a local orchard to pick your own.
Golden Delicious Cocktail
2 oz Angel’s Envy Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon
2 oz Golden Delicious Cold Shrub
2 oz Apple Cider
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Directions: Combine ingredients in a shaker tin with ice. Strain into a tall glass with fresh ice. Garnish with apple slices.
Golden Delicious Cold Shrub
Spirit forward cocktails (those whose primary liquid volume comes from distilled spirits), can be tricky to recreate in non-alcoholic form. There are some wonderful alternatives on the market, but you may already have the key ingredient at home. My technique for any spirit forward bourbon cocktail is to simply omit the bourbon portion of the recipe, and replace with double strength (two tea bags per volume of water) freshly brewed, unsweetened black tea. The tannins of the tea will balance the drink and some blends can even be found without caffeine for an even more universally friendly option.
Green Cardamom Syrup
yields 8 oz
2 thinly sliced Golden Delicious apples
½ cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup maple syrup
Directions: Combine apples and sugars in a bowl, cover and rest in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Strain solids pressing with a spoon and reserve juice and any undissolved sugar. Whisk vinegar and maple syrup into juice and sugar and store in a glass bottle/jar in the refrigerator for one week, shaking daily.
It’s more than a cocktail ingredient…
Shrubs (a broad term for tonics made of vinegar, sugar, and fruit) are a great way to preserve fruits and to use over-ripened or bruised fruits which otherwise may be discarded. There are ample recipes for their preparation, however the “equal parts” approach is a classic version (sugar:fruit:vinegar). The cold process technique used in this recipe maintains the brightness of the fruit and works wonders for subtle flavors such as apples. Shrubs make a great addition to your mocktail arsenal by simply combining with any sparkling beverage.
Sa le Up
• WE SAVED YOU A SEAT •
REMEMBERING CARLA SUE BROECKER
As we reflect this month on the legacy of Carla Sue Broecker, we celebrate a woman who was at the heart and soul of the Voice-Tribune for nearly 50 years. Her indelible mark on Louisville’s social scene is immortalized in her beloved “Party Line” column, where she chronicled the city’s most memorable gatherings. Beyond the local flair, Carla Sue’s adventurous spirit shone through in “Around the World with Carla Sue,” where she shared her globe-trotting experiences with her readers. Through this photo spread, we honor her vibrant life, her dedication to storytelling, and the impact she left on our community.
By: Alison Cardoza • Photograhy by Matt Johnson • Sponsored
As adults, we strive to be role models for the younger generation promoting confidence, education, and healthy decision- making on a daily basis. Our younger generation will be taking care of us. By providing guidance and wisdom, we empower them to become healthy individuals who will then contribute to a healthy community. Who is the adolescent in your life? YOU can be the positive role model and motivator they deserve.
Let’s talk about SUGAR!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Fueling their body with healthy foods will enable them to start their day off right. Many mornings are spent in a long coffee shop line before school or work NEEDING or ADDICTED to sugary drinks. Going through a drive-through for a quick breakfast like eggs or oatmeal is understandable, but ordering a sugary drink to get through your day is another matter entirely. Insulin spikes occur and the crash can be hard.This can be a downward spiral fast in the diabetes department and other unfortunate health issues. According to the CDC, regular consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, such as energy drinks or Frappuccinos, have been linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Drinking your sugar often eliminates the possibility of fiber which means there’s nothing to help slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream, causing immediate blood sugar spikes. Many of these sugary drinks have over 15 grams of sugar. Women should average no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar a day, and men no more than 9.
These facts aren’t meant to scare you away from your favorite coffee shops or drinks. There are health benefits to teas and coffee as long as added sugars and syrups are avoided. Coffee and tea are full of antioxidants and help keep digestive health in check. Moderation is the key.
Let’s talk about EXERCISE!
Is your adolescent burning calories and releasing stress mentally and physically?
This does not mean you have to force them to join every sport at their school. Help them find an activity they enjoy. Regular physical activity promotes health and fitness. Compared to those who are inactive, physically active youth have higher levels of fitness, lower body fat, and stronger bones and muscles. According to the CDC, physical activity also has brain health benefits for school-aged children, including improved cognition (e.g., academic performance, memory) and reduced symptoms of depression. Regular physical activity in adolescence can also be important for promoting lifelong health and help prevent obesity and heart disease. Ask your adolescent today if they engaged in 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise. This involves large muscle groups and activities such as running, swimming and dancing. Encourage them to participate in strength training (weightlifting) with supervision. Incorporating strength training helps build muscle mass. Baptist Milestone offers certified and experienced trainers that can get your adolescent off to the right start.
Let’s talk about MENTAL HEALTH!
Depression and anxiety are leading causes of illness and disability in adolescents, and can negatively impact their relationships, productivity, and attendance. Stress is a big factor and can trigger mental health issues in teenagers, and can cause significant brain changes because the teenage brain is still developing. Be present for your adolescent. Ask them about their day. Your love and support are crucial for a teenager’s mental and physical health, shaping who they become as adults.
Alison Cardoza, BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine degree with a minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center. Former UofL Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.
By Dr. Randy Whetstone, Jr. • Photos by Kathryn Harrington
If you have walked down Bardstown Rd. in Louisville, Ky, you may have noticed beautiful kittens captivate you with their eyes and facial expression through a window. You likely felt the warmth that makes up the Purrfect Day Cat Café community. With a central focus and mission to provide adoptions for as many cats - in efforts to relieve the burden on shelters - this establishment (which has only been around since 2018) is closing in on a milestone they did not anticipate when they first opened their doors. The Louisville location reached its 10,000th adoption in the city in August of this year.
“When we started this, no one knew what a cat café was… I didn’t really know what a cat café was. You set goals, you set objectives, and you set a vision for where you want to be… no way had we known this would be what it has been,” says, Chuck Patton, owner of Purrfect Day Cat Café. “We were estimating 300 adoptions a year and here we are, year after year at 1,700 adoptions a year. So that journey has been a challenge after challenge, but it was a good experience. We wanted to be successful, and we thought we could, but we had no idea we would be this successful. We just stayed laser focused and that is why we are here to thank the community.”
As a social enterprise, Purrfect Day Cat Café not only provides a family for cats, but donates monetary resources to shelter partners. Between its two locations (Louisville, Ky & Covington, Ky), the business has donated over $110,000 to shelter partners in the last five years.
As the highest adopting cat café organization in the United States, Purrfect Day seeks to become the paradigm for many others in the pet adoption industry.
“We modeled what to do and what not to do… I had traveled all the way to California, to Washington D.C., and then also to Seattle, Patton adds. “We tried to take some of the things that we thought were going to work and then some of the things that we didn’t. We wanted to keep it simple. We wanted to attract not only cat lovers, but animal lovers in the community. The reality is, if you’re helping here, you’re helping the shelters.”
“Cat café” may be a relatively new term for some, but it is an innovative approach to harmonize humanity and animals for the betterment of both.
“It’s an adoption center that meets a bar and coffee shop. What I like the best is when someone looks at that and they doubt it. I think unique is the new safe. You almost have to create something unique, specifically for some of the younger folks out there. They are looking for experiences. They enjoy that part and making a difference. That’s what we try to tell people, even if you are not out here adopting, you are making a difference. You are supporting this mission and the larger that mission gets, the more cats that get adopted.”
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Planning a funeral is a process most people put off when it comes to putting their affairs in order. Yet, knowing those decisions have already been made ensures your family won’t have this task during a time of grief and high emotions. It relieves them of a financial burden and enables you to make choices consistent with your own wishes.
We specialize in these matters and offer several options in a price range that’s comfortable for you. Planning in advance saves money and gives you peace of mind.
LOUISVILLE YOUTH GROUP EMPOWERS THE YOUNG LGBTQ COMMUNITY
By Remy Sisk • Photos by Kathryn Harrington
Tucked away in Downtown Louisville sits one of the community’s most important and singular organizations for young folks in the area: Louisville Youth Group. Established in the 1990, Louisville Youth Group (LYG) is the primary nonprofit that serves QTBIPoC/ LGBTQIA+ youth in the Greater Louisville/Kentuckiana region. “We provide a brave and affirming space for youth, ages 5-24,” the organization states, “to explore their gender and sexuality, learn life and leadership skills and develop the tools needed to build community and act as agents of change.”
Through ongoing program groups and leadership development opportunities, alongside community wide events, LYG creates a loving and supportive place for youths to learn more about themselves and connect with others in the ongoing process of self-discovery. All of the organization’s services are always offered at no cost.
“Many LGBTQ+ young people lack access to affirming spaces, with only 38 percent of LGBTQ+ youth reporting that their home is LGBTQ+-affirming and just over half saying that their school is LGBTQ+-affirming,” says Louisville Youth Group Executive Director Elana Rosenberg. “LYG offers not only youth support but also support for families. Through this family-oriented programming we hope families and caretakers learn how to fully embrace their youth.”
Indeed, a critical component to the success of LYG and its participants is that it affects change beyond its walls, that its resources can help shift the mindset of those who are not quite as inclusive and in time create a more loving, peaceful and diversity-affirming world.
“Studies have found that LGBTQ+ young people who felt high social support from their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support,” Rosenberg says. “LYG staff are excellent resources, often providing guidance to families as well as referrals to additional supportive providers and organizations. LYG parents and guardians stay connected with each other through an LYG Parent Facebook group. LYG also holds several multigenerational and community wide events throughout the year.”
This fall, LYG will hold its exciting Youth Empowerment Camp, an outdoors out-of-town weekend to enjoy time together and take a step outside comfort zones in a safe and affirming environment. Staff, mentors and 50 or so youth head to Camp Piomingo for a weekend of discovery. “Guided by staff and mentors, they participate in activities designed to build self-esteem, connect to a supportive community and identify leadership skills,” Rosenberg says. “For some youth, it is their first experience away from home, their first time at a camp or their first time connecting with other LGBTQIA+ youth and adults. Camp is also an opportunity for youth in rural areas outside of Louisville who may not be able to get to LYG for regular afterschool programming to participate in an LYG event.” Registration may be closed for the year, but stay up to date at louisvilleyouthgroup.org for all upcoming events.
While financial contributions are of course appreciated, there are a multitude of ways to support LYG and continue creating loving and supportive places for the kids in our community. Volunteering is always an option, whether you’re looking to go as a group or as an individual or for a one-time visit or a more regular schedule. Additionally, there are community-wide events to support, including the Glitter Gala, a large-scale annual fundraiser, this year scheduled for November 9.
At the end of the day, just helping to get the word out so more people are aware of the organization and its mission is also imperative to LYG’s continued success. Spread the word on social media, subscribe to the LYG mailing list and tell your friends you read this story so that more can come together to create a better world for the LGBTQ+ youth of Louisville and beyond.
By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos by Matt Johnson
According to Carmichael’s Bookstore manager Sam Miller, book banning is not a new phenomenon. “It’s been going on at least since the 1921 obscenity trial for James Joyce’s Ulysses,” she said. “But the latest wave is more organized, with a shared playbook being implemented.”
That reality makes the current situation rather worrisome.
To counter such a concerted form of censorship, “we at Carmichael’s have observed Banned Book Week every September since it was founded by the American Library Association in 1982,” Miller told the VOICE-TRIBUNE. This annual flurry of celebratory activities seemed sufficient until recently. In fact, it wasn’t until Miller was attending Winter Institute—a conference for independent booksellers — in 2023 that she heard enough horrifying firsthand accounts from other booksellers to make Miller and her Louisville colleagues want to double down on their support of literary free speech.
Upon returning from that conference and as a response to the disturbing intimidation tactics (public criticism, protests, doxxing, personal threats and the like) carried out against fellow booksellers and librarians across the country, Miller and her co-workers instituted a Banned Book Club that began to meet once a month here in Louisville at the Frankfort Avenue location of Carmichael’s Bookstore, welcoming anyone who was interested in exploring and protecting our cultural treasures. “It’s a drop in club with no sign up required. We love to see new faces,” Miller said.
When this group was mentioned to Angela Cooper, Communications Director for the ACLU of Kentucky, she was more than happy to link arms, so to speak, with Miller and her cohorts at Carmichael’s in order to add some breadth and depth to the resistance movement locally.
Such an alliance makes perfect sense to Cooper who explained that her own organization exists to empower all Kentuckians all the time. “Every person is entitled to the protections of our federal and state constitutions—not just those who have the loudest voices or the deepest pockets,” Cooper said.
Ultimately, Cooper’s involvement in the Banned Book Club allowed for a mutually beneficial exchange. “It became an opportunity to not only talk about the books we read,” she said, “but for me to also offer updates on what is happening during legislative sessions and to keep members of the club apprised of potentially harmful laws.”
“The implications of book bans go far beyond just access to a single book and negatively impact free speech as a whole,” Cooper said. “Limiting the books available in public and school libraries shrinks the world for Kentucky kids. Our children deserve to see what exists beyond the borders of our communities, counties, and our Commonwealth.”
Miller couldn’t agree more. “We use the term book ‘banning’ because it’s attention grabbing—and alliterative— but it can take other forms besides an outright ban,” she said. Regardless of what you call it, in Miller’s estimation, this situation creates a real loss for our society.
“We read to be entertained and when we read our empathy grows. When we read a story that features characters like us we feel seen and we know we are not alone. When we read characters unlike us we learn and realize that other people, with experiences far different from our own, can be the heroes of a story too,” Miller said. “Reading as a young person hopefully prepares students to be better citizens as well as better people. Because of that it’s important to always be making additions to the canon of what is taught so it reflects the diversity of the 21st century world we all live in. If a parent doesn’t want their child to read a book they have an objection to, that’s their choice. If a parent doesn’t want any child to read that book because of their personal objection, that’s an overreach and an infringement in my opinion.”
Although there are no plans to wind things down any time soon, Miller wishes that the club could phase itself out some day. “My fondest hope would be that it would become irrelevant because book banning wouldn’t be a problem anymore,” she said. “Short of that, we’ll keep having meetings and doing the work.”
Cooper concurred, adding that, “It’s 2024, and the government is trying to control what we read. I’ll fight to protect freedom of speech and expression until there is no longer a need to fight.”
More information about club meetings, trivia night, and other banned book events can be found at www.carmichaelsbookstore.com
For more information on the ACLU of Kentucky’s work and how you can get involved, visit www.aclu-ky.org
Invites
Join our honorary chairs, Dr. Chuck and Denise Anderson at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens for Cocktails for Compassion.
Enjoy a beautiful evening with drinks, heavy appetizers, music, and friendship.
you to Tickets are $100.
Purchase tickets by scanning the QR code, at hildegardhouse.org or at the door.
In her newly released book, Ordinary to Extra-Ordinary: Achieving Remarkable Career Success Through Passion, Purpose, and Preparation, Pattie Dale Tye, the COO of Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC and a seasoned leader with experience at AT&T and Humana, shares her insights into building a successful career. With a unique blend of personal stories and practical advice, Tye aims to encourage readers to embrace their potential and pursue a career that is both fulfilling and extraordinary.
Congratulations on the release of your book, Ordinary to Extra-Ordinary. What inspired you to write this book?
I never expected to be an author, not in my wildest dreams! Forbes contacted me because they thought I had an interesting career path that others needed to hear about and learn from. In a day and age when we look at social media’s perfect depiction of everyone else’s life, perhaps we should inject some reality to what careers are actually like and how you can absolutely succeed - through purpose, passion and preparation. That is what inspired me to help others see that they are enough to have a great and extraordinary career - to encourage others to step in and never opt for only ordinary.
What makes your book different from other career advice books?
I actually walked this 30+ year journey and my book is filled with the good, bad and the ugly. It is filled with stories about the times I did it the right way, and times when I got in my own way. There are very practical topics, but not the ones you typically hear (examples below):
The money will come! Don’t let it distract you!
Suddenly Sunday (how to preserve your precious Sunday by preparing on Friday).
Everything needs to ladder up (we are busy and moving fast, nothing should be done in isolation, be connectional with everything).
And many, many more!
You’ve had a successful career with major brands like AT&T and Humana. How did these experiences shape your approach to career success?
I learned the beauty and the bounty of working with very smart and caring people. People that were passionate about helping the company’s mission, and understood their role in accomplishing that mission. Even as a newly minted AT&T account executive, I knew the role I played in this HUGE multinational company’s mission: connecting businesses with their customers, efficiently, effectively and affordable. At Humana, learning the barriers to health and the social determinants of health led me to my most impactful role: helping communities understand how to remove those barriers and increasing health and healthy days. It was the witnessing of passion at work that shaped me then and shaped me still. Corporations don’t thrive without soul filled missions and missions their employees can grasp onto and be passionate about moving forward. I also had amazing mentors and leaders who saw more in me than I saw in myself.
Your book is also for those re-entering the workforce or transitioning to a new career stage. What specific challenges do these individuals face, and how can they overcome them?
Life moves and changes so quickly these days, especially with technology lapping itself every year! That is an intimidating notion for anyone coming back into the workforce or moving to a new space. I encourage you to go back and remember who you were when you stepped out, you were a lot!
Get reacquainted with that person, document her/his skills, accomplishments, happy dance work moments. Reexamine and reconnect with your network. This will reignite the confidence you will need to do that scary thing of stepping back in! Confidence is an underrated attribute. It can keep you going on days you want to quit; it can help you stand up and speak with authority (assuming that is appropriate and you have topic authority). You must cultivate your confidence and your self knowledge to help you step back into the workforce or transition into a new stage.
As the COO for Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC and a board member for several companies, how do you balance these roles with your writing and speaking engagements?
Actually the work allows me to stay even more connected with my topic and allows for a more authentic voice. But I do work for balance in life and I talk about that in the book. Sunday’s need to be preserved (or if not Sunday, then some other day), so what do I do on Friday to make sure I am buckled up and ready to go on Monday, therefore obviating the need to worry on Sunday!
I am also energized by giving back, inside whatever community I find myself in: work, church, city, friendships. I spend time with people and doing things that are accretive to my energy vs. depletive. I stay grateful for life. It will be gone before you know it.
What’s next for you after the release of Ordinary to Extra-Ordinary?
I love speaking about the book and helping others, whether they are leaders or being led. My hope is to have impactful speaking engagements that balance my life as a COO, Board Member, Church Member and WIFE!
Where can readers find your book, and how can they connect with you?
www.pattiedaletye.com
Instagram: @pattie_dale_tye
Progress Park offers a secluded nearby getaway
By Remy Sisk • Photos by Kathryn Harrington
When you think of trying to get away for a weekend of camping, the idea can seem nice, but the logistics of planning may get overwhelming fast. What do we pack? What if we forget something? How long’s the drive? How do we know what we need? Instead of stressing over the endless details, consider planning your next escape at Progress Park, a gorgeous outdoor glamping resort that offers guests a serene oasis in nature just 30 minutes or less from where you are right now.
Progress Park, located in West Buechel, is a 12-acre “glampground” that boasts eight remodeled airstreams as its lodgings for guests as well as two renovated houses and one bunkhouse. Along with the top-tier accommodations, the sprawling retreat has outdoor spaces aplenty for relaxing, as well as yard games, water activities on the private lake and a brand-new state-of-the-art event space.
Longtime friends Nick and Karey McDowell and Valerie and Mike Pifer purchased the land that would become Progress Park in 2016. What was once a forgotten overgrown stretch of brush gradually evolved into the picturesque destination it is today thanks to the methodical planning and execution by the team behind it. The four co-owners took their time with the project, first camping there themselves while cleaning it up then slowly introducing more airstreams – which they remodeled themselves – to the fleet, slowly but surely attracting more and more guests.
“As avid campers ourselves, we knew that certain nuances of camping may prohibit some from ever having the opportunity to experience it,” shares co-owner Valerie Pifer. “We wanted to create a way for people to have the outdoor camping experience without any of the stress that can sometimes come along with it. It is a beautiful thing to see our property full of families and friends, unplugging from this fast-paced life and reconnecting with nature and each other. At Progress Park, we aim for guests to bring their clothes, food and beach towels and we take care of the rest.”
Indeed they do. Prior to arrival, you’ll receive a detailed explanation of the check-in process along with all the ins and outs of what to expect. Accessing the property couldn’t be easier, and before you know it, you’re stepping into the ultimate glamping experience. Your airstream (or house if you go that route) is luxuriously furnished with every modern convenience. The fully air-conditioned trailers offer memory foam beds, smart TVs, dishes and cookware and coffee for the morning as well charcoal, lighter fluid and firewood.
Surrounding your airstream are a variety of relaxation spots; you’ll find a hammock, a fire pit, adirondack chairs, a suspended daybed and a picnic table under cover (complete with ceiling fans to cool it off and keep bugs away!). Charcoal grills along with all supplies make cooking not only convenient but also hassle-free. Once you’re settled in, you won’t be able to resist taking a stroll around the expansive property.
Well-manicured paths that wind throughout the acreage take you on scenic loops across the grounds, eventually letting you out at your own designated beach where you’ll find kayaks and paddleboards – as well as life jackets – to enjoy some time on the water. At the center of it all is a more communal space, dotted with every yard game you could think of, including both a pickleball and a volleyball court.
Also at the nucleus of Progress Park is the brand-new event center, which opened in April of this year. An absolutely breathtaking venue, the space is characterized by rustic, natural architecture but an open and familial atmosphere. The decor is striking and subtle, adding to the remote and serene sense of place of Progress Park in a tasteful and nuanced style. The team behind it thought of everything: the space is beyond customizable, perfect for everything from weddings and family reunions to concerts and corporate events. And with the lodging right on site, those more involved with the event can stay right on the property! Summer camp-themed wedding, anyone?
“Our new event center was our largest project and biggest goal to date,” Pifer says. “We are very proud of it and so excited for how it will enhance our property and our guests’ experience. We have exciting ideas for future premier events that will be open to the public. So stay tuned!”
Whether you’re planning a friend’s wedding, trying to find a fun place to travel with family or just looking for an easy getaway, Progress Park is your answer. Although it’s just five minutes from places like Target and Kroger (perfect if you forget something!), entering the property immediately transports you to the most tranquil escape into nature. The beauty of Progres Park is perfectly complemented by the comfort and convenience the team has created, ensuring you a relaxing and recharging experience you won’t soon forget.
To book your stay or find more information, visit progressparkky.com or call 502.494.4002.
By: Maddie Weiland
Judy Watson Gordon is the unofficial “mama duck” on the real estate block.
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Gordon grew up jumping into Kentucky’s lakes and rivers alongside her dad. “It has been a goal of mine to swim in all 54! I have been to 45, and I’m still counting!” says Gordon.
It was the pride she felt exploring her home state that sparked her appreciation for Kentucky. “I always knew I would work in real estate,” says Gordon. “My father and grandfather built homes and apartment buildings together, and, growing up, I went to their construction sites a lot. I got to see my dad do deals, so I have a deep appreciation for the real estate industry as I know the importance of the home building process,” says Gordon.
It wasn’t until November of 2004 when Gordon decided to officially dive head-first into the real estate business and get her license — that same year she became an agent with Kentucky Select Properties.
“I always try to have something going on,” says Gordon, often taking on projects to support her clients as fully as she can, deeply involved in preparing and staging homes — even though this isn’t explicitly part of her job description. Yet, she puts a high value on listening to her client’s needs, prioritizing selling the house quickly and for market value, but also knowing their well-being is just as key. “I always try to leave the house, neighborhood, and people, better than I found it, and I respect all items without judgement,” says Gordon. This is evident in how she takes the time to understand what is important to her clients and honors that. “If I have a client express that they don’t want anything to go into a landfill,” says Gordon, “then I’ll host estate sales and clothing donations to make sure their wishes are met.”
Like a duck, it is her constant motion below the water, but her positive, go-with-the-flow approach above that has carved her success as a Realtor®, and it is this same level of motherly care Gordon extends to her community as well.
Gordon was exposed to different kinds of living exploring Kentucky and knew she wanted to help those in need. “I never knew there was childhood hunger in my hometown, and when I found out, I was intent on making a difference in that part of the community,” says Gordon.
“I got involved with Blessings in a Backpack in 2010 with the support of the Kentucky Select owners, John Stough, Sandy Gulick, and Jay Gulick,” says Gordon, an organization that works diligently to pack meals for kids to have on the weekends. Gordon is involved in the Louisville chapter serving Jefferson County and has worked with Kentucky Select to utilize office space and volunteers to pack meals and organize food drives.
In 2017, Gordon and her siblings created a 501c3 non-profit (Carole’s Kitchen) in honor of her late sister. “My real estate success has been closely tied to Blessings in a Backpack and Carole’s Kitchen and the connections I have made,” says Gordon. “I am so grateful. Kentucky Select holds me up, so I can be there for others.”
Gordon’s honest approach to real estate, genuine connections, and commitment to community is her trinity of care, and her willingness to keep moving herself and others forward is honorable. She is the mama duck you want on your block!
Photos by Matt Johnson
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos provided by Digs Home and Garden
As the summer heat starts to wane, Digs Home and Garden is already looking ahead, transforming their showroom to welcome the rich colors and textures of the fall season. The store has been a local favorite since its opening in 2000, known for its natural and authentic home decor items and aesthetic. This time of year, Digs shifts its focus from outdoor entertaining to cozy indoor settings, preparing for the intimate gatherings and festive holidays of the year’s latter half.
The transition to fall at Digs is not just about new inventory but about setting a mood that resonates with the changing season. “Like many other retailers, we have to be focused on a season or two ahead in our buying and in styling the store,” explains the store’s owner Ben Palmer-Ball. By the end of August, the store begins its fall transition, subtly moving from a focus on outdoor summer decorating to the comforts of indoor autumn celebrations. The product mix evolves, introducing more seasonal gifts and decor to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for holiday entertaining and family gatherings.
One of the standout trends this season is the shift towards more permanent or ‘everlasting’ decor items. Customers will find a variety of pumpkins and gourds made from mercury glass, wood carvings, or woven materials like seagrass and rattan. These items are designed to last beyond the season, offering homeowners the flexibility to refresh them year after year with new accents. Additionally, fall garlands are a popular choice, providing a versatile option that can be used traditionally or as a linear centerpiece for dining tables.
Digs Home and Garden offers a plethora of options for those looking to up their home’s coziness during the fall months. Autumn wreaths, in particular, stand out this season, with a wide variety available to suit different tastes and styles. Whether used as a vibrant centerpiece or a subtle accent on a mantle, these wreaths are designed for longevity, easily refreshed for subsequent seasons with minimal effort. “Whether it’s colorful (frost-proof) masses of berries for a big impact or splash of color, to a more subtle combination of leaves, berries, gourds and pumpkins, we have a big selection to choose from. Some wreaths are small enough to style around a candle or votive, or scaled up to accent a mantle or great room wall. Again, we shop for items that will last beyond a season - maybe refresh next year with a new ribbon or bow, or add a few new colorful sprays or picks to give an old wreath a new life.” says Ben.
Even as the weather cools, Digs encourages customers to make the most of their outdoor spaces. The store stocks small rechargeable outdoor lights, providing up to eight hours of illumination, perfect for evening gatherings around a fire pit or fireplace. Ben notes that fall’s cooler temperatures create a unique ambiance for outdoor entertaining, with candlelight and votives adding a soft, cozy feel to any event.
For those planning fall gatherings, Digs Home and Garden offers a variety of seasonal decor for any celebration. The store’s approach to styling is to blend new pieces with existing decor, adding dimension and a fresh perspective to cherished heirlooms and family traditions. Simple changes, like swapping out candle colors or incorporating fall-scented candles in entryways and bathrooms, can significantly impact the overall mood and ambiance of a gathering.
As the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp, Digs Home and Garden is ready to help customers embrace the season with style. With a thoughtful selection of decor and a keen eye for items that stand the test of time, it’s no mystery how Digs Home and Garden has remained a much-loved Louisville staple, and go-to shop for every season.
Join VOICE-TRIBUNE’S CEO, Amelia Frazier Theobald for Digs’ Fall Arrival event on September 12 from 5:00-7:30pm for a giveaway featuring one bottle of Woodford Reserve signed by Penny Chenery’s daughters as well as one Secretariat print signed by renowned wildlife artist Jacelyn Russell who created the massive bronze casting of Secretariat to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of Secretariat winning the Triple Crown!
9 RIVER HILL ROAD | $1,995,000 INDIAN HILLS | 7 BEDROOMS | 5.5
A CONVERSATION WITH ANNETTE VITALE, MALLARD HALL ESTATE PROPRIETOR
By:VOICE-TRIBUNE
Photos by Kathryn Harrington and Mallard Hall Estate
Mallard Hall Estate, a remarkable blend of history and modern luxury, has undergone a transformative journey that mirrors the evolving legacy of the Bluegrass State itself. Situated in Shelby County, Kentucky, this estate, with roots tracing back to the 1790s, has been meticulously restored by its current proprietor, Annette Vitale.
The estate’s origins as a Federal Style farmhouse connect it deeply to Kentucky’s early history, surviving the vicissitudes of time, including the Civil War and the expansion of America westward. Over the centuries, Mallard Hall has seen several transformations, from its early days as a settler’s homestead to its reincarnation as a lavish Saddlebred horse farm in the 1980s under the Greenberg family. However, it wasn’t until Vitale purchased the estate in 2020 that its full potential was realized.
What drew you to the estate?
I live in Shelby County and drove by the property hundreds of times over the years. Since the completion, so many people have told me they also drove by and, once our renovation started, they followed the progress being made.
One of the times I was passing the property, I noticed an “Open House Tonight” sign in the yard. I went in and toured the estate along with approximately 50 other curious and / or potential buyers. After speaking with the listing realtor, I learned that the current owner was selling because she became too ill to renovate the estate. I was told she was accepting cash offers only and was making a decision within 24 hrs. I also learned that there were four existing offers on the table.
After urgently talking my family into taking this risk, I submitted an offer along with a written letter to the owner explaining my intentions to preserve the historical estate and bring it back to its original grandeur. Twenty-four hours later my offer was accepted! It wasn’t until then that I learned that three of the offers were submitted by developers with the intention to tear down the estate and build a subdivision.
I could see that this home had once been something special. I envisioned the potential for it, given a lot of love, time, energy and money. With the support of my family, my three-year labor of love to renew, renovate and elevate this property began with the vision to preserve the historic significance within the walls and elevate the property by incorporating every modern luxury that was sure to exceed our guests’ expectations at every turn.
Were there any unique challenges or interesting discoveries during the renovation process?
I never knew what I was going to find, which was challenging, creative, and interesting. We took a house built in 1790 that was updated in 1980 - ensuring the integrity of the estate’s rich history and its vast transition over the past 200 years was always kept top of mind. Fortunately, the estate and surrounding grounds provided a plethora of material and elements to work with and some hidden treasures to incorporate into the design plan, i.e., the custom etched-glass windows, an elevator, the floor-to-ceiling burl wood built-ins, and commissioned art sculptures found on the grounds.
A critical challenge was finding and building reliable, trustworthy relationships with subcontractors who were committed enough to follow along the three-year journey. Although that process was frustrating at times, and time consuming, I am fortunate to have developed lasting relationships with great companies and people that are now on my team, people I can trust, and many of whom I consider friends.
How have you managed to seamlessly blend the historic elements with contemporary amenities?
Mallard Hall Estate is a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern luxury. This blend is evident in every bespoke design choice, and state-of-the-art amenity. We added heated floors, a steam shower, whole-house surround sound, and top-of-the-line appliances including the GE Monogram and Café Series appliances.
Having separate parts of the estate built in different centuries presented a design challenge. The estate has seen many changes, from its origins dating back to the 1790s, through the Civil War, to hosting prominent Kentucky politicians, and eventually becoming a homestead and legendary Saddlebred farm in the 1980s. I wanted to maintain and highlight the historical aspects of the original home, while honoring the transitions of the estate over the past 200 years.
To provide a cohesive design throughout the home, and with the help of Niki Zdanow of Arden Haus Designs, we sourced many antiques and architectural design elements, i.e., 11-foot-tall European wood sliding doors; 200-year-old hand-hewn beams in the grand corridor; an antique vanity and lead-glass window in the mallard-themed half bath; and antique, 12-inch, tin crown molding used in the speakeasy.
Incorporating luxurious amenities to the property came naturally because the previous owners had elevated the style of the estate. Although done in the 80s, the home included many luxurious features such as the solid burl wood built-ins, a gorgeous retreat-type atmosphere including a 50 x 30 inground pool and plenty of room to dream.
Making some functional changes and opening up the floor plan proved to be inevitable for the property. Additional amenities such as whole-house surround sound, heated flooring, a steam shower, EV charger, and elevating the entertaining spaces to include an outdoor kitchen, covered fireplace area and 12-person saltwater spa all elevate the guest experience.
We also secured a partnership with GE to ensure our guests could enjoy state-of-the-art appliances such as Monogram 48 in. gas range, Advantium Ovens, All-in-One washer and dryer combo, Nugget Ice makers, fresh grind coffee and espresso machines, and a pizza oven.
What is your favorite feature of Mallard Hall, and why?
There are so many!
• From the moment you drive through the gated entrance, you are welcomed onto 10 acres of beautiful landscaping, complete with a 2-acre tranquil pond with a dramatic fountain and a miniature replica of the estate that serves as house for local and transient ducks (thus, the estate’s new name - Mallard Hall). There is a beautiful brick walkway leading from the estate to pond landing and a new 700 sq ft stone patio.
• The warm, welcoming feeling I have when I walk into the house. The entire home has abundant natural light and tall ceilings.
• The 200-year-old, hand-hewn beams in the grand corridor.
• Speakeasy ceiling with framed artwork.
• The custom ceiling mural in the parlor.
• Etched glass Saddlebred windows in the great room.
• I especially love the garage door that opens into the indoor, poolside area that has a café vibe.
Are there any future plans or additions you envision for Mallard Hall?
Of course!
An intimate evening with singer and songwriter Paula Cole is set for Sept 19. Mallard Hall is the only Kentucky stop the Grammy-Award-Winning Artist will make during her current tour. Less than 200 tickets will be sold for the outdoor concert experience. The evening will include expertly crafted cocktails made with premium spirits from Castle & Key; locally made beer, ale & seltzers from Ten20; heavy hors d’oeuvres specially prepared to complement the signature cocktails; and exclusive access to Mallard Hall Estate’s grounds, first floor, and the “speakeasy style” lower level. Guests will have the option to upgrade their tickets for a meet & greet and photo opportunity with Cole.
The estate grounds are truly special, so I plan to expand / enhance the outdoor experience for our guests by creating more formal and informal gardens around the estate; build a walking path around the entire pond, and eventually plan to build a conservatory overlooking the pond to accommodate intimate special events year round.
What is the process for booking a stay at Mallard Hall?
We are fortunate to host both small groups looking for a weekend retreat, as well as larger gatherings where a more sophisticated venue is needed to host and entertain guests. The private 10 acres, 2-acre pond, picturesque gardens, and the interior ambiance provide a warm, comfortable feel for those looking to unwind and connect. At the same time, Mallard Hall is the epitome of luxury and entertainment, with our open floor plan and seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining spaces, even offering our most discerning guests the option to arrive or depart via a helicopter.
Our website www.mallardhallky.com has a “book directly” feature, as well as a gallery of images and room type descriptions to help while planning a stay or event. Our partnership with Ellen Archer of Luxury Rentals Louisville, combined with our concierge services, allows us to curate truly luxurious stays for our guests, ensuring every detail is meticulously managed to enhance their experience.
The Many Versatilities of Fall Fashion
Hey there! I’m Mike Tomes, the creative director and stylist behind this year’s Fall Fashion issue, marking my second collaboration with The VOICE-TRIBUNE.
I am an integrated marketing consultant here in Louisville with a wonderful husbandSheldon, a spoiled cat- Zara, and a passion for all things fashion! Which led me here today, speaking to all of you great readers!
Fashion isn’t just a job or hobby for me—it’s woven into the fabric of my life, shaping who I am today. There’s something magical about how fashion allows us to express ourselves, sometimes transforming garments into wearable art. Being chosen to work on such a major publication was a thrill! I had an absolute blast collaborating with some of Louisville’s best stylists and boutiques. Shout out to Glasscock, Sassy Fox, Rodes For Him & For Her, Leatherhead, Beauty Aesthetics, Genesis Diamonds, and Peppermint Palm. Pulling together styles that capture what fall fashion means to me with each of you and your team was nothing short of electric.
For this shoot, I drew inspiration from a mix of sources. While I dipped into upcoming trends (I’m a trend-breaker at heart), I was more inspired by the kaleidoscope of colors and moments that autumn brings—especially here in Kentucky, where the leaves put on a dazzling show of greens, browns, and textures. Halloween, one of my favorite holidays, also played a big part in my vision.
Think modern-day Wednesday Addams meets Beetlejuice, with a stylish twist that’s both fun and fashion-forward. I had a blast experimenting with a variety of colors, textures, layers, and fabrics while styling this shoot. I loved mixing vintage and consignment finds with the hottest current trends from high-end boutiques. The end result? A collection I’m incredibly proud of and one that can showcase how fashion can blend so harmoniously, regardless of where it came from.
Now, even though I love breaking the rules, I can’t leave you without a sneak peek at Fall 2024 trends. Olive green is set to dominate, with deep reds right on its heels. Expect a revival of elevated western styles, structured tops with high necks, and a wild mix of leather, faux fur, and animal prints that’ll push you out of your comfort zone and into the wild side!
A huge thank you to our amazing models—Vanessa, Crissa, Ember, Abigail, Jaime, Scooter, and Blair—for bringing the looks to life. And, of course, a big shoutout to Matt Johnson, our phenomenal photographer, who captured these visions perfectly. Thanks to Lauren with Repeal and Distill Hotel for the stunning location and to Susan’s Florist and Goldfingers for the props and aesthetics. I can’t forget Alisha and Julie for their behind-the-scenes help, and our fantastic CEO & Editor, Amelia, who not only gave me this opportunity but also served as our on-hand jewelry stylist and extraordinaire.
This team knocked it out of the park, and I hope you love the hard work and creativity that went into this issue as much as I do! Enjoy! - Mike
To stay in touch with Mike and to take a look at his fashions, find him on Instagram under Mike_Tomes_Social
Get ready to slay the season as we unveil our hottest transition yet—from bold summer vibes to the eerie elegance of fall! In a thrilling twist ending, we’re summoning the spirit of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, hitting theaters on September 6th, to inspire our most hauntingly chic collection ever.
This year, we’re adding a dash of ghostly glamor, so you can embrace your inner fashion phantom. Huge shoutout to the incredible Mike Tomes for helping us conjure this spooktacular project into reality.
Warm up with a bottle of Angel’s Evny and prepare to turn heads and haunt hearts with styles that are simply to die for!
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Distil Hotel / Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse / Moxy
Zombie Taco - Fashion Location Sponsor
Angel’s Envy - Fashion Alcohol Brand Sponsor
Aesthetics In Jewelry - Jewelry
Dolfingers - Candle Sticks & Barware
Genesis Diamonds - Jewelry
Glasscock Boutique
MODELS:
Abigail Fierce
Vanessa Smith
Jamie Huelsman
Ember McMurry
Crissa Candler
Scooter Ray
Blare Robinson
Photographer: Matt Johnson
Social Media: Brylea Peach
Glasscock Too
Rodes For Him & For Her Leatherhead Shop Inc
Moxy Hotel Peppermint Palm
Sassy Fox
Susan’s Florist
STYLIST AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Mike Tomes
Jewelry: Amelia F. Theobald
Awesome staff: Alisha Proffitt
Julie Koenig
ON JAMIE: Blouse, Skirt and Trench Coat: Rodes For Him and Her
ON CRISSA: Peppermint Palm Boots: Leatherhead Belt: Glasscock Too
Genesis Diamonds
ON VANESSA: Hat, Top, Pullover and Skirt: Peppermint Palm
ON CRISSA: Peppermint Palm
Boots: Leatherhead Belt: Glasscock To
ON ABIGAIL: Peppermint Palm
ON EMBER: Shirt, Sweater and Skirt: Peppermint Palm
ON JAMIE: Top, Dress and Purse: Lilly
Pulitzer Falls Line from Peppermint Palm
ON ABIGAIL: Dress: Peppermint Palm Purse: Leatherhead
Shirt, Sweater and Skirt: Peppermint Palm
ON ABIGAIL:
Top, Jacket and Pants: Rodes For Him and For Her
ON BLARE:
Pullover Sweater and Jeans: Rodes For Him and For Her Boots: Leatherhead
ON SCOOTER RAY: Hat, Jacket. Shirt and Boots: Leatherhead Jeans: Rodes For Him and For Her
ON BLARE:
Shirt, Hat and Boots; Leatherhead Jeans: Rodes For Him and For Her
Jewelry
Aesthetics In Jewelry
ON VANESSA:
Cape and Trench Dress: Glasscock Too
Aesthetics
ON EMBER: Purse, Turtleneck, Overcoat and Pants: Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment
ON CRISSA:
Sweater Dress: Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment
Jewelry
In Jewelry
Jewelry Genesis Diamonds
Jewelry Genesis Diamonds
Aesthetics In Jewelry
Jewelry
ON VANESSA:
Dress: Glasscock Too
ON JAMIE:
Sweater Dress: Rodes For Him and For Her Jacket: Leatherheads
Genesis Diamonds
ON CRISSA:
Top, Skirt and Purse: Rodes For Him and For Her - Boots: Leatherhead
ON BLARE:
Leather Jacket: Leatherhead Sweater: Rodes For Him and For Her
ON EMBER: Dress: Glasscock Too. Purse: Rodes For Him and For Her
ON SCOOTER RAY:
Leather Jacket: Leatherheads - Zip Pullover and Pants: Rodes For Him and For Her
Jewelry
Genesis Diamonds Ring - Aesthetics In Jewelry
Jewelry Aesthetics In Jewelry
ON SCOOTER RAY:
Jacket and Jeans: Rodes For Him and For Her Boots: Leatherhead
ON ABIGAIL:
Dress: Glasscock Too Headpiece: Susan’s Florist
ON BLAIR: Jacket: Leatherhead
ON JAMIE:
Jacket and Shirt: Rodes For Him and For Her
Jewelry Genesis Diamonds
Jewelry Genesis Diamonds
Jewelry Aesthetics In Jewelry
Jewelry Aesthetics In Jewelry
Jewelry Genesis Diamonds
ON EMBER:
Jacket: Leatherhead. Top: Glasscock Too
ON VANESSA: Jacket: Leatherhead
ON CRISSA:
Dress and Skirt: Sassy Fox Upscale ConsignmentBow Belt: Glasscock Too
ON EMBER:
Leather Trench Coat: Rodes
For Him and For Her
Dress and purse: Sassy Fox
Upscale Consignment
ON ABIGAIL: Dress and Skirt: Glasscock
TooBow Belt: Glasscock Too
Jewelry Aesthetics In Jewelry
LOCATION: Zombie Taco Within The Moxy Hotel
Jewelry
Genesis Diamonds
DIAMOND CAGE SPIDER RING: Aesthetics In Jewelry
LOCATED ON HISTORIC WHISKEY ROW, YOU'LL BE STEPS FROM WORLD-FAMOUS DISTILLERIES AND LATE-NIGHT HOT SPOTS, PERFECT FOR BOURBON FANS AND COCKTAIL CONNOISSEURS. JOIN US FOR DRINKS AT BAR MOXY TO MINGLE WITH BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS TO BACHELORETTE PARTIES!
THE PART Y STARTS AT LOUISVILLE'S GOT MOXY.
GET READY TO HAVE YOUR WORLD GUAC'D AT ZOMBIE TACO, MOXY LOUISVILLE DOWNTOWN’S FOOD-TRUCK INSPIRED TACO JOINT. IT WILL BE LOVE AT FIRST BITE!
By Kelsey Knott • Photos by Kathryn Harrington
A KENTUCKY’S FESTIVAL “KEEPING WILL FREE”
round the country, educators have debated the importance of Shakespeare and whether or not to include his works in their yearly curriculum. Questions of relevancy, representation, and simply the volume of other quality literature available in today’s world sparks controversy regarding what young people could learn from texts that perhaps on the surface level, don’t seem relevant or representative of today’s human experience.
But these questions haven’t slowed down Louisville’s Kentucky Shakespeare Festival at all, as it remains the longest-running free, non-ticketed Shakespeare festival in the United States. Their vision takes the stance that “Shakespeare belongs to everyone.”
The summer of 2024 marked Kentucky Shakespeare’s 64th season, where classics such as Romeo and Juliet, Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest all made their way to the stage of Central Park’s tree-encompassed amphitheater. The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park started in the 1960s, though the players came together for the first time in 1949. Besides enjoying a free show within the beautiful park scenery, the audience also has access to local food truck vendors, drinks from Will’s Tavern, and lively pre-shows before settling into one of the permanent benches, picnic tables, or even one’s own chair or blanket in the more open areas for the show.
And whether or not you believe that Shakespeare is something you can enjoy, the backdrop of the trees behind the amphitheater in Central Park creates the perfect mystical, natural scene for a magical atmosphere to be appreciated by all as the summer months come to a close. In the final week of their summer season, I had the pleasure of being entertained by a Shakespeare in Dance production, the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival’s collaboration with the Louisville Ballet. Choreographed by Roger Creel and scored by Scott Moore, the professional performance of King Lear made it clear why this partnership between Kentucky Shakespeare and the Louisville Ballet has continued for seven seasons after witnessing the artistry of choreography, costume, and emotion blend together and come alive on the outdoor stage. The power of the arts was clear as I watched, captivated by these timeless topics of power, jealousy, and greed becoming dangerous within complex relationships, explored masterfully through the dancers.
Producing Artistic Director, Matt Wallace, states that they “see 25,000+ people each summer in Central Park, with some of the most diverse audiences you’ll see anywhere.” Final numbers for this season served 26,785 people, the fifth highest-attended in company history and largest since 2019. There is a beautiful reciprocity created by their willingness to not only wait and wish for theater-goers to come to them but also bring it to the public in a majorly accessible way.
If you missed this summer’s festival, know that the Kentucky Shakespeare is still hard at work bringing the Bard to life year-round, whether in schools, parks, prisons, or senior citizen centers, serving more than 70 counties in their mission to “educate, inspire, and entertain diverse audiences.” Donations are a major part of what keeps educational programs, free public performances, and community programs possible, or in other words, “Keeps Will Free.”
July 12, 2024–January 12, 2025
Enter an infinite world of wonder, mystery, and imagination.
Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrored Room– LET’S SURVIVE FOREVER, on special loan from the Art Gallery of Ontario, explores ideas of “self-obliteration” through repetition and play with space, light, color, and time. This immersive presentation will mark the first time that a major work by Yayoi Kusama (b. 1929, Japan) has ever been on view in Kentucky.
Courtesy of the artist, David Zwirner, Ota Fine Arts, and Victoria Miro. Collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario
Dr. Randy Whetstone, Jr. • Photograhy by Kathryn Harrington
Hailing from Cincinnati, OH, a talented protégé would eventually relocate to Louisville, Ky to carry out a dream. Having studied under the tutelage of sculptor, Barney Bright, this gifted young man would soon discover his passion and creativity in the arts. He is a graduate of the Louisville School of Art (class of 1969) and studied at Spalding University and the University of Louisville. Years have passed and the sculptures of Ed Hamilton will soon find its permanent home in Louisville, Ky.
While some of his legendary works, such as Booker T. Washington, (Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia); Joe Louis, (Huntington Place, formerly Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan); La Amistad Memorial, (City Hall, New Haven, Connecticut); The Spirit of Freedom (African American Civil War Memorial, 10th & U Streets NW, Washington, DC); York (Riverfront Plaza/Belvedere, Louisville, Kentucky) and Abraham Lincoln (Waterfront Park, Louisville, Kentucky). His sculptures have their homes around the nation and in Louisville, KY. The studio is located at 543 S. Shelby St. It will be the designated home to preserve all of Hamilton’s indelible collections of art spanning 40 years and counting. Ed Hamilton Studios and Visitors Center (EHSVC) will be a premier arts location in Louisville, KY celebrating the life achievements for renowned sculptor, Ed Hamilton (per EHSVC Info Deck).
“A defining moment growing up was not seeing anyone who looked like me in bronze. Now I can create and relate to little children the art I create and they can say, ‘hey, that looks like me,’ says Ed. “That was a defining moment that said now I am putting something in the community where people haven’t seen themselves showcased in bronze.”
The Hamilton family suffered a tragic loss in the passing of Ed and Bernadette’s son, Edward N. Hamilton, III, known as Eddie, to cancer. As part of the healing process, Ed and Bernadette’s daughter, Kendra Hamilton-Wynn, reflected over some of her dad’s older photos. She wanted to ensure that something was in place and her dad’s legacy lives on.
“It hit me like a ton of bricks and a question dad asked. He would always ask us, ‘what are we going to do with all this stuff when he’s gone,’ says Kendra. “At that point, you’re thinking about your brother’s mortality, and then you’re thinking about yourself and our family unit. I started to think, ‘I am here, I’ve got to do something’. That’s when it got real, and I started to go through the process of reading and researching the best ways to preserve a legacy.”
“To have another space here in the city where people can come and spend their money will add monetarily to the community and visitation value to Louisville. We will do similar models to what everyone is doing with merchandising and space rentals. Then we will have our own ticketing programming, and of course, collaboration. I have all sorts of plans to collaborate with existing organizations here in the city.”
With Hamilton’s sculptures positioned around the United States, the renovation of the current studio and visitors center will draw millions of visitors who explore and learn about the city of Louisville. Common tourists stops include the Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, Frazier History Museum, Kentucky Derby Museum, and one last stop… Ed Hamilton Studios and Visitors Center.
People of all ages will come to see memorable art that represents so many leaders and examples of inspiration. For the younger generation, they will be able to learn about their predecessors and their historical impact in a modern way.
EHSVC will seek to provide virtual reality (and perhaps artificial intelligence) experiences to all, a major attraction for younger generations.
“I see it happening when they walk through that door,” says Ed. “That’s the impact we want when people come through the threshold, to see something they haven’t seen in a setting like this. We want to capture the immediate opening of that door and see little kids coming in and looking and touching… ‘no, no touching’ (laughs). It is being exposed beyond your little square in your community.”
“My vision was always helping people, employees, parents/children find their niche,” says Bernadette, who was a publicschool employee. She retired as the former director of Options/Magnets and Advance Program for JCPS.
As a strong-knit family who lives with distinct honor and respect for Ed’s work, each person shared their favorite piece of art, maybe a conversation yet to be had at the family dinner table.
“I think it would be Booker T. Washington,” Bernadette adds. “That was the first piece that Ed created. It was a monument but it was like a first child being born.”
“I would say the La Amistad Memorial in New Haven,” Kendra recalls. “The way dad captured that story with the three different sides depicting the journey of Sengbe Pieh, a Mende captive. Most important to me was the sight of the murky water, the hands, and all the souls that were lost in the middle passage on the top of the sculpture. So that’s my favorite piece.”
“I like them all (laughs),” says Ed. “They are like children. I can’t say I like my son more than I like my daughter, or I like my daughter more than I like my son. I like them equally, but each one brings something to the table. When I look at the challenges of creating some of the most memorable memorials, I don’t know how I got hooked into being the arbiter of creating history behind these iconic stories or the historical figure. Once that happened, I was in it. But the most challenging piece was the Spirit of Freedom, because it involved creating something that would relate to a historical significance of history that most people didn’t know happened.”
For more information on the development of Ed Hamilton Studios and Visitors Center and/or ways to donate, please visit ehsvc.org or contact info@ehsvc.org. For more information about Ed Hamilton visit the site: www.edhamiltonstudios.com
Louisville Director
“The A He Brea es” brings strength, hope and love to screen in film adaptation of
By Cora Holland
This fall, an anticipated movie adaptation of International bestselling author Brittainy Cherry’s novel “The Air He Breathes” will premier. Director Rachel Helson is one of Louisville’s own and is a Louisville Collegiate School alum. At Collegiate, Rachel’s passion for storytelling and analysis was ignited by her English teacher, Marti Calderwood. She recalls that “Marti was incredibly influential. She taught me to love dissecting how stories were created.” Rachel says Ms. Calderwood also inspired her “to dig deeper or look at a story from a new perspective, and those skills are the ones that [she uses] every day as a director.”
When asked about what drew her to agree to direct “The Air He Breathes,” Rachel mentions the depth and emotional complexity of the characters and the beautiful visual script from screenwriters Brian Frederich and Cherry herself. Rachel explains that she is less interested in films with “cookie-cutter characters”, and that the two main characters “Tristan and Elizabeth’s journey of finding hope and new love after loss was incredibly compelling.”
Unlike traditional TV movies, this project was actually produced for the streaming service Passionflix owned by Tosca Musk (yes, Elon’s sister), and it was approached with a more cinematic and unique vision. “We aimed to create something handcrafted and specific, thanks to the beautiful details in Brittainy Cherry’s book,” Rachel says.
Adaptation comes with its own set of challenges. One memorable hurdle involved “Zeus”, a golden retriever featured in the book. Rachel recalled how the canine actor, the sweetheart “Remi”, wasn’t comfortable being carried by the actor playing Tristan, so the team had to adjust the scene to keep Remi comfortable, but remain true to the book’s intention. Enigmatically, Rachel leaves this topic saying “I won’t tell you what we did, but I think it turned out well.”
Another significant challenge was recreating the distinct neighboring houses described in the novel because, in reality, the two perfect houses were miles apart. This inconvenience forced the production team to use clever camera angles and set design to create an illusion that the two houses were next door. “It was incredibly rewarding to see it all come together seamlessly,” Rachel noted, recalling the moment of triumph shared with her crew.
The casting process is also incredibly important to keep the integrity of the book’s characters. Rachel said that casting was very thorough and meticulous. She explained, “Performance is everything to me. I was looking for grounded, compelling actors who truly embodied the characters.” Ryan Carnes, known for his roles in “General Hospital” and “Desperate Housewives,” was cast as Tristan, delivering a performance that exceeded expectations.
At its core, “The Air He Breathes” is a story about resilience and finding beauty in brokenness. “I hope it connects with those going through tough times and offers a sense of hope and connection,” Rachel expresses. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese tradition of repairing broken pottery with gold (so that the break becomes part of the history and the beauty), she emphasizes, “No matter what you’re going through, don’t lose hope that you can come out the other side an even better version of yourself.”
Reflecting on her high school years and offering advice to current students, Rachel stresses the importance of teamwork in filmmaking saying, “Learn as much as you can about each department. And most importantly, keep making films. Your ambition and taste will exceed your skill for a long time, but keep going. One day that gap will close.”
She also highlights the growing opportunities in Kentucky’s film industry, urging students to get involved locally. “With more productions moving to Kentucky, there are abundant opportunities for training and experience right here. I went to New York University - which is one of the best schools in the country for creatives - and because I live and work in New York City, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the best in the business. And, I really believe that the quality of filmmaking talent you find in Kentucky is right up there. So students: know that you live in one of the best states in the country for filmmaking - at one of the best times to learn the craft! Because of the tax incentives, its beauty, and the plethora of immense talent that live in the state, more and more professional productions are moving to Kentucky!”
As the director continues her journey from Collegiate School to the director’s chair, her story showcases that inspiration and success can begin at home. With “The Air He Breathes,” Rachel Helson brings a powerful story to life, reminding us all of the enduring strength of hope and love.
By VOICE-TRIBUNE
Photos by Kathryn Harrington
The Speed Art Museum, a cornerstone of Louisville’s cultural scene since its establishment in 1927, recently opened its new in-house restaurant, est. 1927 by Marigold on August 21. This innovative dining destination promises to be a fusion of art, history, and elevated comfort cuisine, nestled within the historic walls of the museum.
The name est. 1927 by Marigold is a tribute to the museum’s founding year and reflects the deep connection between the institution and the city of Louisville. The restaurant, operated by the talented husband-andwife duo, Adrienne and Kris Cole, also owners of Marigold Catering Co. and the House of Marigold on Shelbyville Road, is set to be much more than just a place to grab a bite. It aims to be an integral part of the museum experience, offering a menu that draws inspiration from both local flavors and the museum’s current exhibitions.
Kris Cole, serving as the culinary director and chef, alongside Adrienne, who will oversee front-of-house operations, is bringing their vision of farm-to-table dining to the Speed. The couple’s commitment to local sourcing is evident in the carefully curated menu that features ingredients from nearby purveyors like Foxhollow Farm and Naked Greens Farm. Signature dishes include House of Marigold’s beloved banana pudding, build-your-own deviled eggs, and a selection of brunch and lunch items that change with the seasons.
The restaurant’s experience extends beyond food, with a selection of artfully crafted cocktails and a curated list of beers and wines. For Adrienne Cole, the goal is clear: “We hope guests don’t just visit the museum but extend their stay for a great café experience. Come for the art, but stay for the food.”
The opening of est. 1927 by Marigold is part of a broader re-envisioning of the museum’s interior spaces, designed to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment. The café, along with the refreshed museum lobby and shop, has been designed by Amanda Jacobs of Amanda Jacobs Design. The design emphasizes natural and locally sourced materials, with calming colors and comfortable furnishings.
One of the café’s standout features is the commanding oil painting, Blue Pond, Winter Shore by Joseph Raffael, chosen by the Speed’s curatorial department. The artwork, with its serene and universally appealing imagery, complements the new interior’s warm finishes and the connection between the indoor space and the forthcoming Art Park.
The café offers a cozy and artful dining experience. Visitors can enjoy their meals surrounded by art, in a space that reflects the museum’s ethos of creating community through cultural experiences. The café will also offer a kid-friendly menu and online ordering.
Looking forward, est. 1927 by Marigold will also be the exclusive caterer for the museum’s events, including weddings and the prestigious Speed Art Museum Ball. The Coles’ Marigold Catering has already made its mark, having served at the Speed Ball earlier this year.
As the Speed Art Museum continues to evolve, est. 1927 by Marigold stands as evidence to the museum’s ongoing commitment to creating spaces that are as inviting as they are inspiring. Whether you’re a local foodie, a University of Louisville student, or a visitor exploring the city’s rich cultural landscape, the new café at the Speed is poised to be a must-visit destination in Old Louisville.
Café Hours:
10am-4pm Wednesday – Saturday
Noon-4pm Sunday
Closed Monday & Tuesday
For more information, visit the Speed Art Museum’s website or follow est. 1927 by Marigold on social media for the latest updates on menu offerings and events.
Our sports scribes predict Louisville will go 8-4 ... or 9-21-1
By: Bill Doolittle and Russ Brown
Bill – Hey, Russ. It’s coming up September and I gotta catch up with you on football. I’ve been reading your UofL stories, and between your polished lines I think you have a pretty good notion of what’s going with the Cardinals. Last year you were right on it with your pre-season predictions. I mean RIGHT on it. I’d like to hear what your crystal ball says for 2025.
Then I have some secret numbers for you.
Russ – Always glad to help, and thanks for pointing out that I nailed it last season. Now the pressure is on to repeat my success. My prediction this time looks a lot like last season when it comes to the ACC because once again it looks like our 170 media friends to vote in the preseason ACC poll haven’t done their homework. As a reminder, Louisville was picked eighth and instead posted a 7-1 record and played in its first conference football championship game. My analysis, based on the Cards’ schedule, was that anything less than eight wins would be a disappointment, and they had a legitimate shot at 10. They finished 10-4.
Russ Brown & Bill Doolittle
Photo by Matt Johnson
The non-conference schedule this time around is somewhat tougher, with road trips to Notre Dame and Kentucky, but the ACC slate is once more very user-friendly. Here’s why: Based on the preseason poll, UofL plays only three of the top eight teams -- Clemson (2), Miami (3) and SMU (7) -- and the Cards get Miami and SMU at home. Furthermore, in addition to No. 9 Georgia Tech, they play four of the bottom five teams -- Pitt (13), BC (14), Virginia (16) and Stanford (17).
I don’t expect the Cards to get to the title game again, but I do think they will finish just out of the running and their overall regular season record will be no worse than 8-4 if they can run the table in the games in which they’ll be a solid favorite and beat either SMU or Miami in L&N Stadium. I have their losses coming against Notre Dame, Clemson, Miami or SMU and UK.
There you have it Bill. We’ll see if my 2023 showing was a fluke or not.
Bill – OK, I got it. Split with Southern Methodist and Mami at home, and road losses to Clemson, Notre Dame and Kentucky. Win all the rest. 8-4.
I did notice you did not mention Jacksonville State, which had a good team last year, won their league and bowl game. I imagine the Gamecocks (of Alabama), who recruit in the Louisville area, will be all out to upset Louisville in L&N Stadium on September 7.
Russ – Won’t happen.
Bill – If you say so.
Russ – Incidentally, The Athletic included Louisville as one of six preseason unranked teams to watch for in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff race, the others being Boise State, Iowa State, Memphis, UCF and Virginia Tech.
Bruce Feldman, The Athletic’s National College Football Insider, wrote that at least one unranked team is guaranteed to make the playoff, and he thinks two sleeper candidates will make it.
Last year, Missouri finished No. 8 in both polls after not getting a single vote in the preseason AP poll. The year before that, it was TCU that got shut out in the preseason poll and made it to the national title game. The year before that, Baylor finished No. 5, rising from the unranked. So history suggests there are probably six unranked teams with a legitimate chance to crack the playoff.
Bill – Sounds so authoritative. But I don’t do it that way, with all those facts and stuff. To tell the truth I’d rather hear an Arkansas Razorback fan yell, “Wooo Pig Sooie” than listen to the pablum of pre-season football interviews. I get a line on college football teams the same way I get a line on thoroughbred racehorses. I like to see the athletes with my own eyes. So I’ve swung by open practice to see if anything, or anybody, stands out. Like hoping to catch a sharp workout before a big race. And it’s interesting, because I think I’ve got Louisville’s magic numbers pegged: 9-21-1.
That’s not a win-loss prediction of 9 wins, 21 losses, 1 tie. It’s the secret combination to unlock the ACC vault. If Louisville is going to vault past Florida State, or Clemson, or both, the star power numbers that could do it night be 9-21-1. Jersey numbers 9-21-1, of course.
Russ – Okay, you have prompted my curiosity, and I know who wears those numbers, so I am eager to hear your explanation. That is, if you have one. I have to admit those are very good choices, except that you left out UofL’s best player on either side of the ball in defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte, a pre-season first team All-American who is likely to be a high first-round NFL draft choice next spring. Or maybe you intend No. 9 to do double duty since both he and Shough use that number.
Bill – Well, I couldn’t get a look at any defensive standouts. The first team defense practices on a field way across the way. But then, I don’t really know anything about football. The only defensive players I might be able to pick out would be “Mean Joe” Green or “Too Tall” Jones. I might hear “Night Train” Lane coming. But by then it would be too late.
Russ – One observation about Shough before I turn it over to you. Coaches at multiple schools have gushed about quarterback Shough’s talent. The challenge has been keeping him healthy for a full season. But if that happens, with Brohm promising a more wide open offense, the Cards will be super-dangerous. Shough, who turns 25 this month, has never been able to play more than seven games in a season over the past five years during stops at Oregon and Texas Tech.
Bill – The reason I like numbers rather than names is that way up in the stands the best way to spot a player is by jersey number. Especially my guys – all three of whom are transfers.
No. 9 is quarterback Tyler Shough, as you suspected. In your Voice story last month I liked how Brohm said of Shough, “the ball jumps out of his hand.” Meaning he spots his target and gets rid of the ball quickly. Pondering gives the defense time to stop you. But a quick decision can be decisive when a quarterback is marching a team down the field.
No. 21 is Don Cheney, Jr. a junior transfer running back from Miami who looks like he has the size and power of a top college running back. He really looks the part. And No. 1 is the wide receiver Ja’Cory Brooks, coming in from Alabama as a senior. Brooks could be the elite receiver Louisville hasn’t had in seasons. A Big Play guy.
Russ – So what, exactly, did you see?
Bill – Two years ago Brooks grabbed eight touchdowns, which led Alabama, and was tied for third in the SEC. Last season he got hurt against LSU. But what I like best isn’t Brooks’ back story, it’s the play I saw him make in practice. Brooks, who is 6-foot-3, broke open deep and Shough aired the ball out to him maybe 40 yards downfield. It looked like Brooks expected the ball over his left shoulder, but when he turned it was over his right -- and he just pirouetted in air and grabbed it high. It was something. A deep downfield weapon who can probably also sky for the ball in the end zone.
If you wish to add a couple numbers from the offensive line, two players who are easy to spot are 6-7 guard Monroe Mills, No. 72, and 6-9 tackle Jonathan Mendoza, No. 76. The latter is a transfer from Yale. How about that, Russ? An all-conference Ivy League lineman.
Russ – While we’re on the subject of football, I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of former UofL head coach Steve Kragthorpe, 59, who died last month after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Kragthorpe was hired from Tulsa by then-athletic director Tom Jurich, who had the coach tabbed as a rising star. He was 15-21 with the Cards (2007-09). After leaving UofL Kragthorpe was hired as offensive coordinator at LSU, but when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he moved into a role as analyst.
University of Kentucky of women Olympic runners -- UK sports photo
Quarterback Tyler Shough has a quick release to ignite the Louisville offense. -- Louisville Athletics photo
Bill – I remember Steve Kragthorpe as a good guy as well as a promising coach. He spoke at the Wellspring Derby Preview Party when he arrived, and brought along senior quarterback Brian Brohm. Very well received. But things went bad with some of his players off-field and the team didn’t hit its potential. Too bad.
Russ – Congratulations are in order for former University of Kentucky track and field stars Masai Russell, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Alexis Holmes for their outstanding performances in the Paris Olympics.
Russell, who competed at UK from 2018 to 2023, prevailed in the women’s 100-meter hurdles in her first Olympics. She won in 12.33 seconds in a tight finish ahead of France’s Cyrena Samba-Mayela (12.34) and defending champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico.
McLaughlin-Levrone added to her career Olympic medal haul while Holmes earned her first. The pair were key parts of the United States’ gold medal-winning 4x100 squad that set an American Olympic record (3:15.27) in dominant fashion. The Netherlands took silver and Great Britain won bronze. McLaughlin-Levrone ran the second leg and provided a huge lead that proved insurmountable, and Holmes finished off the victory as the anchor. McLaughlin-Levrone’s also got the gold in the 400-meter hurdles.
And let’s not forget former duPont Manual High School and Notre Dame standout Yared Nuguse, who won the bronze medal in the 1,500-meter run.
Bill – I’ll tell you what I liked in the Paris Olympics was … Paris! The settings were terrific. Like fencing in the glass-roofed Grand Palais. And the way they set up a beach volleyball court at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Now I see the University of Louisville basketball women are about to make their own Tour-de-France, so to speak.
Russ – That’s right. The women’s basketball team will have an international trip to tip off the season when they take part in the 2024 Aflac Oui-Play Event in Paris. The Cardinals will square off against UCLA for the first time on Nov. 4 at the Adidas Arena, in Paris, as part of a doubleheader with Southern Cal and Ole Miss.
Coach Jeff Walz promises the game with UCLA will be a battle, but the trip to Paris is more important, “as an enriching experience that allows our players and fans to immerse themselves in a unique environment.”
It’s the second straight season the Cards will play on an international stage. Prior to the 2023-24 season, Louisville represented the United States in the 2023 GLOBL JAM tournament in Toronto and came home with the gold medal.
This year after Paris, Louisville squares off with Oklahoma in the SEC/ACC Challenge on December 4 before heading to Brooklyn to face Connecticut on December 7 in the Women’s Champions Classic at the Barclays Center. They also face Kentucky in Lexington for the annual Battle for the Bluegrass during their non-conference schedule. After landing a highly-rated recruiting crop, Walz is expecting one of his best teams this season.
Bill – I think better than the basketball is it’s great for student players to see the world. I mean Paris!
And for fans, too. The Atlantic Coast Conference certainly broadened its horizons with the addition of Stanford and California. Louisville football plays at Stanford, Nov. 16, and a trip to Palo Alto could include a few days in San Francisco. Or hop over the Coastal Range to Monterrey, Carmel and Big Sur. Movie fans can cruise Santa Cruz, where American Graffiti was filmed. Or find John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. In the movie, Nick Nolte is at his bumbling romantic best when he tells Debra Winger, “The only thing we have in common is we’re both wrong for each other.”
Over There! The Louisville women’s basketball Cardinals open the season Nov. 4 against UCLA in Paris. With a number of new players, Louisville coach Jeff Walz will count on the experience of senior guard Jayda Curry.
Louisville Athletics Photo
A POSITION SHE CAN CALL HOME
By RUSS BROWN • Photos by Racing Louisville FC
It took awhile, but after several years persevering as a professional soccer nomad wandering from position to position, Taylor Flint has finally found a home that has a permanent look.
Flint, 25, is thriving in her first season as a starting defensive midfielder with Racing Louisville Football Club of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) -- her fifth pro year overall, following stops in Orlando and San Diego. She was acquired by Racing from the Wave in a trade during the offseason and has been the team’s best player this year.
“Taylor has been a huge addition to our team and has excelled in her positional role,” Racing coach Bev Yanez said. “She is a professional in everything she does and has been a force in the midfield for us.”
From the start Flint’s talent was never in doubt; it was just a question of where her best position would be. After starring at the University of Colorado, where she earned All-America honors, the Troy, Michigan native who grew up in Henderson, Nev. near Las Vegas, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft, the highest selection in Orlando Pride history. On her circuitous journey to Louisville, she was tried as an attacking midfielder, striker, wide forward and defensive midfielder.
However, she insists she never got frustrated with the uncertainty from game to game.
“I enjoy it when coaches see me in different positions and trust me to be able to play those positions,” she said. “I think it’s kind of a compliment to me, so I don’t mind at all.”
The US Women’s National Team used Flint as a lone defensive midfielder in a handful of games, and it didn’t work. But once she got to Louisville, Yanez paired her with another defensive midfielder who can help her cover more ground in the middle of the field, and it has turned out to be the perfect role for her.
“I would definitely say midfield is my position,” Flint (nee Kornieck) said. “It took me a little while to get comfortable, but I am always up for a challenge and I adapt really well, especially when I have a coach like Bev who can teach me. I learn by doing. I don’t learn by seeing, if that makes sense. I need to actually be put in a position and learn it myself and Bev gave me the freedom to do that. So it’s been a really good change for me.”
Flint says this has been one of her better seasons in the league, and her accomplishments reflect that belief. She leads the NWSL in aerial duels won, interceptions and tackles, and she ranks second in blocks. She was named to the March/April Team of the Month.
“When Bev moved me, I was like, ‘Oh, I need to learn this, because it’s completely different,’” Flint said. “I had to have more of a defensive mindset than I did scoring and and I ended up loving it so much. I found more joy blocking a shot than I did scoring. It’s just cool to see the growth behind my game. Playing professionally you never know where a team is going to need you, so being super adaptable is very important. But I think I’ve found my true position and I’m only five years into playing professionally, so I’m excited to see how far I can go.”
Flint has played soccer since she was four years old. Later, partly because of her height at 6-foot-1, she tried volleyball and basketball, but kept returning to soccer.
“I like being outdoors and I like playing on a huge soccer field because you have so much freedom to express your creativity,” she said. “When I was young, I was always a very creative girl. I love the game.”
With the end of Racing’s season in sight, Flint can look forward to relaxing and recharging before getting back to work. Racing has just four more home games remaining -- Sept. 14 vs. Angel City; Sept. 21 vs. North Carolina Courage; Oct. 5 vs. Kansas City Current; and Oct. 19 vs. Portland Thorns.
“I really just like to switch off,” she said of her postseason plans. “I like to take a good month and not even look at a soccer ball. I get so consumed in what I’m doing and it has a negative effect on me.”
Last year she and her husband, Bailey Flint, a former punter for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League, spent a month in Australia after the season. So what’s on her agenda this year?
“I don’t know where I want to be, honestly,” she said. “It will be somewhere tropical for the first few weeks, then I will probably go see my mom in Nevada. I like to stay on the move.”
However, Flint’s moves on the soccer field are apparently a thing of the past.
The background here is that while everyone knew she was/ is very talented, it was always a question of where her best position is. She’s been tried as a attacking midfielder, sometimes a wide forward, sometimes a midfielder who plays everywhere. The US Women’s National Team used her as a lone defensive midfielder in some games, and it just
didn’t work. But once she got to Louisville, she has thrived as a defensive midfielder because she is paired with another defensive midfielder who can help her cover more ground in the middle of the field. She seems to have really found the perfect role for her.
As a back story, she grew up in Henderson Nevada near Vegas and starred at Colorado. She was the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NWSL Draft but missed what should’ve been her rookie year because of all the COVID-related interruptions. She played in Germany, then Orlando, then San Diego. Each place she had some success but was inconsistenty a thing of the past. Now she is thriving.
Before Racing Louisville: Flint (née Kornieck) joins Racing after two successful seasons in San Diego, where she totaled six goals and four assists in 45 appearances between the NWSL regular season and UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. She played a key role in the Wave becoming the first expansion team in league history to make the playoffs in its debut campaign in 2022, and a year later she helped San Diego win the NWSL Shield, given to the first-place team through the regular season.
A three-year NWSL veteran, Flint was the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NWSL Draft, the highest draft selection in Orlando Pride history. The University of Colorado legend is the program’s all-time leader in career assists and points while sitting second in career goals. She was an All-American, four-time all-Pac-12 selection and Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, helping CU to three NCAA Tournament secondround appearances.
She spent the COVID-19-interrupted season on loan with MSV Duisburg in Germany before returning to debut for Orlando in 2021, tallying three goals and three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
Flint scored her first NWSL goal in her debut – the April 10, 2021, NWSL Challenge Cup match against Racing at Lynn Family Stadium that was the first game in Louisville club history.
International: A versatile midfielder, Flint has two goals in 12 appearances for the U.S. Women’s National Team, with gold medals from the 2022 Concacaf W Championsip and the 2023 SheBelieves Cup.
In his 12th season at Kentucky, coach Mark Stoops is now the “dean” of SEC coaches -- Keith Taylor photo
HOPE TO SEE MORE SNAPS ON OFFENSE, LESS ON DEFENSE
By Keith Taylor
Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops, now the dean of all coaches in the Southeastern Conference, doesn’t want to get complacent.
“We’re not interested in just existing,” Stoops said. “I’m not here, I’m not coaching, I’m not back for the 12 years just to exist. We want to find a way to improve, use these rules, whatever it is, to make changes, to make that jump to get to the next level. It’s extremely challenging. I don’t have to tell you all that.”
Under Stoops, the Wildcats have reached the postseason an unprecedented eight consecutive seasons and have won 10 or more games twice in the past six years. Since 2018, only three schools in the conference have compiled more victories than the Wildcats.
“That’s not nothing — we want more, but the consistency that you have to have in this league, it’s difficult,” Stoops said. “There’s some great schools, some great programs that have been up and down, and we’ve been relatively stable. Again, that’s not good enough.”
Stoops admitted a 38-35 setback to Clemson in the Gator Bowl last year and a shutout loss to Iowa in the Music City Bowl weren’t the way he wanted his past two teams to end the season.
“We had an opportunity last year or two to wrap up the season with two ranked wins, and we let one slip away in the bowl game against Clemson,” he said. “No more ifs and buts — we lost. They made the plays and we didn’t. That’s the motivation to go find the ways to do that.”
Stoops credits his longevity at Kentucky to the administration, led by Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart and coaches who have “come and gone” and “worked tirelessly to put us in this position.
“I feel very fortunate, very blessed,” he said. “I want to continue to succeed.”
Kentucky players credit Stoops for his ability to adapt to the changing and challenging times and like Stoops’ ability to be honest on and off the field.
“He is like the uncle you always wished for,” Kentucky defensive lineman Deone Walker said. “He is a great coach and a great person. He is a big loyalty guy. I’m a big loyalty guy. He is not going to lie to you. He is going to tell you the truth no matter if it’s happy, sad, going to make you mad, if it’s mean because he knows -- everybody knows that he is saying it from a point of I want you to be the best version of yourself.”
Transfer Brock Vandagriff takes over as Kentucky quarterback -- Keith Taylor photo
OFFENSE
Stoops knows what he wants from new offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan, who comes to Kentucky from high-scoring Boise State.
“We are looking for that balance and you are going to be able to create explosive plays if you are able to run the ball better,” the Kentucky coach said. “That’s just the nature of the beast. I like what Bush is doing. I like the way he mixes it up. He does a very good job of window dressing. He does a very good job of cutting off the defense with deception and with motions.”
Hamdan will be Kentucky’s sixth offensive coordinator in Stoops’ 12 years as coach of the Wildcats. Last year Kentucky’s offense ran 714 plays, ranking last in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The Wildcats struggled with numerous delay of game penalties, which limited Kentucky’s ability to gain rhythm and tempo within the team’s offense.
“We have to be more physical, we have to be able to get tough yards. You know, we were at our best or doing some really good things when the entire stadium knew we were going to run the ball and we still ran the ball for some success,” Stoops said.
While Hamdan plans to install a no-huddle scheme, it doesn’t mean Stoops will be seeking a style similar to Josh Heupel at Tennessee and Lane Kiffin at Mississippi.
“That is a different style and it’s very difficult to defend and they do it very well,” Stoops said. “That’s just we can’t be that overnight and I just don’t want to staff it with two and three and four seconds on the play clock as well. I like to see more snaps. There needs to be a balance there. We are not trying to be in a complete hurry. We are just trying to be more efficient, get in a rhythm, and get some more plays.’
Hamdan agrees with Stoops and is seeking more consistency.
“We always want to be somewhere in the middle, and what that means is, have the flexibility depending on how the game is going to do whatever it takes to win the football game,” said Hamdan. “I know everybody wants to play fast. It always comes back to execution with us. I think the thing that we want you guys to know is we are going to have the ability to play fast and keep people on their feet.”
DEFENSE
Stoops is counting on his team’s experienced defense, with 10 starters returning from last year. But despite that solid nucleus of returnees, Stoops wants the Wildcats to improve in a variety of areas and spend less time on the field.
“We want to continue to get off the field,” said Stoops. “We did a decent job at times, but we have to get better at third down and executing, and get some more three and outs. Get off the field.
“I’d like to see the offense have more possession more plays,” Stoops added. “We’ve talked about that with the tempo and the offense, but that goes hand-in-hand. The defense needs to play well and get off the field. When we have opportunities get off the field, we have to do that.”
Kentucky defensive coordinator Brad White also wants his unit to fare better on third-down situations than they did last season.
“When you look back and you self-scout yourself, look at what you need to do better, that’s obviously third-down defense.,” said White. “And specifically, third-and-long situations, especially extra-long, was an area that, historically, if you look we have been really good, and we were not. Not anywhere close to the standard that we need to be at and it cost us. When you give up third-downs, you extend drives and extended drives leads to points, it leads to less opportunities for the offense. So obviously, that is going to be a primary focus. Again, the year before – 2022 – that was our best year ever in third-down defense, and there is a correlation to how well we played as a defense. We need to get back there.”
CHANGES
Things have changed along the conference landscape during Stoops’ tenure in Lexington. The league added Texas A&M and Missouri in 2015, and Texas and Oklahoma will make their conference debut this season.
“With Oklahoma and Texas joining our great conference, just makes it that much stronger,” Stoops said. “It’s kind of interesting for me because, as I go to the SEC meetings and we’re down in Destin spending some time, you run into so many good friends, so many good people. I’m so familiar with both Texas and Oklahoma. We welcome Oklahoma and Texas and hope that makes us that much stronger. It’s difficult, but we embrace that.”
Stoops hopes to keep building on the foundation he’s produced during the past 12 years. “I’ve been grinding at Kentucky for a long time, and very proud of that and want to continue to do that,” Stoops said. “Again, we want more, but that’s not nothing. The SEC has been around a long time with a lot of very good football coaches.”
New offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan headed the offense at Boise State last season -- Keith Taylor photo
Louisville defensive ace Ashton Gillotte (No. 9) flies in low and fast to bring down a North Carolina State quarterback. Gillotte has been named a first team preseason Associated Press All-America. -- Louisville Athletics photo
WITH SHOUGH RUNNING THE SHOW, CARDS’ AIR ATTACK COULD EXPLODE
By RUSS BROWN • Photo by Louisville Athletics
During successful stints at Western Kentucky and Purdue, Jeff Brohm became known for his prolific offense, a reputation he brought with him when he succeeded Scott Satterfield as Louisville’s head coach at the end of the 2022 season. The trademark of that offense was a quick-strike and productive air attack.
In his final two seasons at Purdue, the Boilermakers had the No. 5 passing offense in the country and were No. 17 in 2022. However, adjusting to the personnel in his debut season at UofL last year, Brohm relied heavily on a strong ground game because quarterback Jack Plummer was inconsistent and throwing an accurate deep ball wasn’t his forte. Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo combined to run for 2,418 yards and 25 touchdowns.
As a result, the Cards’ average of 236.6 yards passing per game stood out as the lowest of Brohm’s 10 seasons as a head coach and No. 56 nationally, while their average of nearly 179 yards rushing was the second-best of his career, which includes three teams that averaged less than 85 yards on the ground. In its final seven games, UofL passed for over 200 yards just three times, and in five games threw for 151 yards or less.
With the arrival of Texas Tech transfer Tyler Shough at quarterback, along with a group of more talented wide receivers, Brohm expects the Cards to excite fans with what is commonly referred to in football terminology as “airing it out,” which translated means throwing the ball downfield for explosive big gains.
“I like our quarterback room, where we continue to improve there and add depth behind Tyler,” Brohm said prior to the opening of fall camp. “The receiver room, I think, has talent. We’ve just got to put it all together and be more efficient and better in the passing game and find ways to create big plays, throw the ball vertically and get it in our receivers’ hands. And they’ve got to be consistent each and every week.”
UofL’s inability to hit big plays last season was reflected in its scoring, with the Cards’ average of 30.7 points per game ranking just 43rd overall and fifth in the ACC. That’s not bad by any means, but Brohm wants more, much more.
“In general, we believe in trying to score as many points as we can, creating big plays,” he says. “Utilizing the passing game to be effective doing that, with great quarterback play and efficient receivers and tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. Making it an exciting brand of football, I think that’s one of our goals as well, an exciting brand that people want to watch and people want to play in, that can score points quickly.”
Although he has been injury prone at Oregon and Texas Tech, Shough has all the tools to make that happen and the wide receiving corps should be vastly improved with a year of experience by Chris Bell, Jaden Thompson, Jimmy Calloway, Cataurus Hicks and Jahlil McClain, plus a trio of highly-regarded transfers in Alabama’s Ja’Corey Brooks, Caullin Lacy from South Alabama and Tuskegee’s Antonio Meeks. Four-star prospect Joseph “JoJo” Stone and three-star Shaun Boykins Jr. from North Hardin High in Radcliff, Ky. could also factor in the rotation.
Shough, who is married and will turn 25 in September, is in his seventh year of college football after starting games at both Oregon and Texas Tech. He has thrown for 4,625 yards and 36 touchdowns in 27 career games while completing 63.2 percent of his passes. He has also run for 710 yards and 14 TDs.
“I think Tyler’s talent jumps off the screen,” UofL offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brian Brohm said. “He’s got a big arm, an NFL type of frame. He’s athletic, he can run the football, and that was intriguing to us. So was the depth of experience he has, the way the ball jumps out of his hand. He’s had a string of injuries that have kind of slowed him down a little bit, but his talent upside is very high.”
Of course, the high expectations for the passing attack doesn’t mean Brohm is abandoning the running game. He likes the Cards’ stable of running backs, even though Jordan and Guerendo both departed for the NFL. In their absence, look for returnees Maurice Turner and Keyjuan Brow, along with Miami transfer Donald Chaney Jr., to move to the forefront.
“Defenses improve and change every year,” Brohm said. “They adjust. They adapt. So you’ve got to be able to run the ball effectively and throw the ball effectively. You’ve got to be able to do both. There’s gonna come a point in time where you’re gonna have to do one, because the team’s going to take away the other. So we’ve got to get really good at both. But if you can create big plays, then you can do some great things.
“The quicker the drives are for touchdowns, the higher chance you have of scoring and winning in my opinion. So we’ve got to be able to back people off, stretch the field vertically and create room to do things like running the ball and throwing it underneath to the tight ends or running backs.”
Senior offensive guard Michael Gonzalez, considered the Cards’ best lineman, likes the versatility in Brohm’s offensive sets.
“It’s a home run offense,” Gonzalez said. “You can get a home run or you can run the ball 15 plays down the field to score a touchdown. We can do whatever. I really enjoy playing in this offense.”
A key to making all of this click is an offensive line that will have to replace three starters -- center Bryan Hudson, who was the 2023 Jacobs Blocking Trophy recipient, and tackles Eric Miller and Willie Tyler. Renato Brown, a fifth-year senior, was granted a waiver for another year after suffering a season-ending injury at Pittsburgh after starting the first six games. Elsewhere, Brohm stocked up from the portal, including one of the largest players ever to suit up for Louisville in Yale transfer Jonathan Mendoza, who checks in at 6-foot-9, 310 pounds. He allowed only one sack and 14 quarterback pressures in 337 pass block snaps and 662 blocking snaps overall last season, but will be taking a big step up from the Ivy League to the ACC.
“I feel like we’ve built depth on both the offensive and defensive lines, which is extremely important,” Brohm said. “How you play in the trenches really determines if you can win football games or not. I think we’ve added valuable depth, and hopefully we can see quite a few guys playing on both sides of the line and have great competition.”
It might take awhile to judge how well all of these working parts come together because Louisville’s early schedule doesn’t present much of a challenge. The Cards opened with Division II Austin Peay on Aug. 31, to be followed by Jacksonville State of CUSA and Georgia Tech, predicted to finish in the bottom half of the ACC, all in L&N Stadium. So UofL’s first major test won’t come until a Sept. 28 trip to Notre Dame.
The Cards finished 10-4 last season and made their first appearance in the ACC championship game. But they finished with a three-game losing streak after falling to Kentucky for the fifth straight time, Florida State in the title contest and to Southern Cal in the Holiday Bowl.
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos by Hadley Miller Photography
How did the proposal happen? Was it a surprise, or did you see it coming?
The proposal was a surprise for me, I knew it would probably happen soon but not exactly when. The proposal was in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. I had surprised Brady, with a trip to Charleston, he thought we were just visiting our friend who lived there but I had arranged for all our friends to be there to celebrate his graduating from PT school and we stayed at a beautiful house in Kiawah right on the river. One night we all dressed up as various “famous” doctors because Brady had just become one, we had Dr. Pepper, Dr. Phil, Dr. Scoll’s, among other characters and I was dressed as Doc from the Seven Dwarfs. I knew things were getting fishy when he insisted on making a toast on the dock at sunset. His toast turned into a proposal, and I was still dressed as Doc. Shortly after I ran up to the house with some of my friends to try to piece together a white outfit and those pictures we shared. I think if I had seen it coming I would not have been dressed as a seven dwarf but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. His surprise party turned into our engagement party with all our friends and it couldn’t have been more perfect!
How did you choose your wedding venue? Which vendors did you use?
Our wedding ceremony was at the Cathedral of Assumption and our Reception was at The Henry Clay. I knew we would have many out-of-town guests since many of our friends are not local and Brady’s family is from Michigan. So, I wanted to pick a location that would Showcase Louisville, there would be lots of things for guests to do within walking distance and it would keep us all close. Logistically, Downtown made the most sense for us, The hotel which most of the guests stayed in was right beside The Henry Clay and provided a kind of home base for everyone. In the days leading up to the wedding, it was fun to get to the lobby and see at least one person we knew and we enjoyed showing our family and friends the city. Once we settled on downtown we started looking at venues within that boundary and both the venues have so much history and character which I really wanted, once we walked into both of them we didn’t really consider any others.
Other vendors include:
Photography – Hadley Miller Photography
Caterer – The Bristol Bar and Grille
Flowers – Susan’s Florist
Cake – Adrienne and Company
Photobooth – Rivertown Photobooth
Dress – Rebecca’s Bridal
Hair and Makeup – Glow To Beauty
Men’s Ware – Sam Meyers
Rings – Royal Jewelers
DJ – Complete Weddings and Events
What was your favorite part of the ceremony? Did you incorporate any unique elements or traditions into your wedding?
We had a traditional Catholic ceremony so I am not sure anything unique comes to mind. I loved that we had our friends be the readers and eucharistic ministers, I think it helped relax me a little more seeing them up there. We had our nieces and nephews all five and under be the flower girls and ring bearer, the flower girls did great and the ring bearer had a little bit of a meltdown but they were so cute and genuine I loved looking at all the pictures, and videos of them afterward. Lastly, I walked down the aisle by myself and had my parents meet me halfway and walk me towards Brady. I liked having that final moment to myself just to focus on my feelings but when I got to my parent’s arms they got to slow me down and talk to me which I needed and then they got to hand me off to Brady, it was probably my favorite part of the ceremony.
Where did you go for your honeymoon? What was the highlight of your trip?
We went to Costa Rica for our honeymoon! We spent the first half at an all-inclusive resort by the coast in Guanacaste and the latter part in the rainforest in La Fortuna. It is such a beautiful country and the people there are so friendly, I seriously didn’t want to leave! I work at a local park, so experiencing their diverse ecosystems and wildlife was the highlight for me, we swam with a sea turtle and saw all types of animals like howler monkeys, sloths, poison dart frogs, toucans, and pit vipers just to name a few. It felt like everywhere you turned there was some amazing creature to see! A close second highlight for both of us would be the people there, there was not one person we met there who wasn’t extremely kind and welcoming. I would recommend Costa Rica to anyone who gets the chance to go, it is so beautiful!
What was your favorite moment of the wedding day?
Picking just one moment is so hard! The whole day you’re overwhelmed with a feeling of love and support because you’re surrounded by literally everyone who cares about you all. In our friend group, it is pretty much tradition that the bride and groom get hoisted into the air at some point on the dance floor. As Brady and I were put onto our friend’s shoulders together, I understood why they do that all the time at weddings. You get to see all your guests in that room celebrating you all and singing with you and I just remember thinking how lucky we were to be surrounded by such amazing people and how beautiful it is that we all get to build this life together, it’s a great memory for me!
Carla Sue Allgeier Broecker
Sep 18, 1938 - Aug 9, 2024
Carla Sue Allgeier Broecker passed peacefully at her lifelong home, Running Water Farm in Louisville, on Friday morning, August 9th. Carla Sue was born on September 18, 1938, just missing her 86th birthday and their trip to Barcelona.
Carla Sue wrote the “Party Line” column for The Voice-Tribune Newspaper for nearly 50 years. Her first article was published when she was 10. She relished covering all the parties and having the inside scoop. She was passionate about “her” city and served on many Boards including the Louisville Deaf Oral School, the Salvation Army, Memorial Auditorium, Kosair Hospital, The Fillies, the Kentucky Derby Festival, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Woman’s Club, to name a few. Carla Sue and Joann Gammon opened and managed Fabulous Finds, a resale shop that benefitted the Louisville Deaf Oral School (Heuser Hearing & Language Academy) for more than twenty years, raising several million dollars. In 2018, Carla Sue and Brad were recognized as Philanthropists of the Year.
Carla Sue and Brad, her husband of 62 years, traveled the world, leaving no continent untouched or un-shopped. She was a collector extraordinaire. He was her knight in shining armor and together, they led an amazing life. Carla Sue is pre-deceased by her parents Irene and Carl Allgeier and her daughter Amy. She is survived by her husband Bradley, her daughter Leslie and her wife Marty Bybee, her grandchildren, Christopher and Caroline Kessler and their father Herman Kessler III, sisters-in-law Lynne Anderson and Linda Broecker, the best nieces and nephews and so many amazing friends.
Carla Sue was once asked, “If heaven exists, what would you like God to say when you arrive at the pearly gates? She replied, “Actually, I’d rather be the one to ask him a question. I’d say, “Where is everyone? Where’s the party?”
Visitation was held 4pm-7pm Thursday, August 15 at Pearson’s, 149 Breckenridge Lane. Private funeral at a later date. The family requests no flowers and that expressions of sympathy be directed to the Heuser Hearing & Language Academy, 111 E. Kentucky Street, Louisville KY 40203.
Arrangements under the direction of Pearson’s, “Where Louisville Goes to Remember”.
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