Marianne Eaves

Marianne Eaves is recognized as Kentucky's first female bourbon master distiller since Prohibition, a distinction that marks a significant milestone in the American spirits industry. Eaves began her career after an early experience in art consignment, ultimately pursuing a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Louisville. She also holds an MBA from Indiana University Bloomington. Starting as an intern at Brown-Forman, Eaves demonstrated a strong aptitude for flavor analysis and quickly advanced within the company. She trained under Chris Morris, master distiller of Woodford Reserve, and achieved the title of master taster in a notably short period.

Eaves later joined a startup that revitalized the historic Old Taylor Distillery, which became Castle & Key Distillery. At age 28, she was appointed as Castle & Key's first master distiller, overseeing the creation of vodkas, gins, and whiskeys at the Frankfort facility, which had been dormant since 1972. Her appointment drew attention within the bourbon industry, with some questioning the legitimacy of her title. Despite this, Eaves played a key role in the early development of Castle & Key and its bourbon and rye whiskies.

Eaves has been recognized in Whiskey Advocate Magazine as part of "the Next Generation" for the bourbon industry. She has been honored by Forbes in the Food & Drink 30 Under 30 list and by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as one of America's Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers. Her blend "Sweetens Cove," created for clients Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick, received a double gold at the New York Spirits Competition. Eaves has also been named a Next Wave Award honoree. She has delivered a TEDx Talk exploring the parallels between bourbon and Broadway, emphasizing the intersection of science, art, and risk in both fields.

After her tenure at Castle & Key, Eaves became a spirits consultant, working with a diverse range of producers, including Sweetens Cove and a whiskey distillery in China. Her project "Forbidden Bourbon" offers a new approach to American whiskey, referencing the historical barriers women faced in the industry. "Forbidden" is crafted from a mashbill of 75 percent white corn, 12 percent white wheat, and 13 percent malted barley, and is fermented at low temperatures, reflecting Eaves's innovative approach to whiskey production. She is also involved with Big Sky Stillhouse in Montana as co-owner, where she explores the effects of high-altitude aging on single malt, rye, wheat whiskey, and bourbon.

Beyond distilling, Eaves is committed to expanding access and opportunity within the spirits sector. She established the Eaves Foundation, which supports education, mentorship, and scholarships for underrepresented communities in the beverage industry. Eaves also leads "Eaves Blind," an educational, membership-based tasting program for bourbon enthusiasts. Through her consulting, public speaking, and hands-on production, Eaves continues to influence the evolution of American whiskey and the broader spirits industry.