David Pickerell leaves Maker’s Mark
April 15th, 2008After 14 years of working at Maker’s Mark, most recently as Distillery Manager and VP of Operations, David Pickerell has left Maker’s Mark. It was announced in a press release which I just received.
I have known many distillery managers over the past 20 years. Dave knows more about distilling than just about anyone else. (He also knew a lot of “dirt” about what was going on at other distilleries, which I always found amusing.) The release did not say where Dave was headed to next.
Dave is being succeeded by Kevin Smith. Kevin joined Maker’s Mark in 1998 as assistant VP of Operations and Master Distiller-in-training.
April 15th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I never met Mr. Pickerell, but no one I have spoken to over many years ever had anything but the highest respect for him. As evidence of his skill, you need look no further than where Maker’s stands in the industry now versus 14 years ago. There are distilleries that could certainly use his extensive expertise, and I hope that one of them brings him aboard. Perhaps, as an independent consultant, he could be of benefit to multiple operations. Hats off, Dave!
April 15th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Yes, let’s hope he lands somewhere within the whiskey-making world. It would be a great loss if he didn’t. If I find out where he’s going, I’ll post it up.
April 15th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Wow… I have a trip planned to Kentucky next month, and was going to have lunch with Dave Pickerell; I was looking forward to meeting him! Oh well, best of luck to him!
April 15th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Hopefully you will still be having lunch with him: just at another distillery.
April 16th, 2008 at 8:20 am
for a second, I thought that was kevin smith of view askew films and “clerks” fame. would have been interesting, though…
May 7th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Dave’s presence will be missed certainly. I’ve got a link to his background in case anyone wants to read more. http://www.zoominfo.com/Search/PersonDetail.aspx?PersonID=65442174
cheers,