Kentucky Distillers’ Association

#1 Rally on increase on Alcohol Tax
Over a weekend, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association had to mobilize the entire liquor industry to protest a sudden tax proposed increase on alcohol. I was brought in to help with the media aspects. Understanding the cynicism of political reporters, I knew I had to come up with something spectacular for a press conference. So I had the distillers pouring their product on the steps of the Capitol. Reporters said that they almost cried at the sight of high price Bourbon being “wasted” – many asked if they could just lick the steps. To this day, this press conference remains one of the most talked about media events ever put on.

#2 Lt. Colonel Hooker
KDA turned to me for their story that was right out of central casting: soldier going off to war, his family surprises him with a family motorcycle trip, touring the distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. He becomes the 1000th to do so and is honored at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival with all the distilleries presenting him gifts and the Governor presenting him with a Kentucky Colonel. As this was a closed event that was also unreachable by the news outlets, I hired a photographer so that post event photos could be distributed to the news media. I also worked with the Governor’s office on talking points, proclamation language and program agenda.

#3 100 year anniversary of Taft Decision
A closed event at the Governor’s Mansion, marking the 100th Anniversary of the Taft Decision that standardized Bourbon. My photographer got Master Distiller Kevin Smith of Maker’s Mark presenting First Lady Jane Beshear with a special signed Christmas bottle as well as the usual photos that were picked by the area’s news media.