Oral History Interview with Kevin Smith

Partial Transcript: Tell me a little bit about Beam Suntory? What is this entity, and what are some of the brands associated?

Segment Synopsis: Kevin Smith explains that Beam Suntory is the third largest spirit company in the world; they are a part of Suntory Holdings. He lists the various brands associated with Beam Suntory. He states that they are a global company, and describes the various distillery locations across the country.

Keywords: Beam Suntory; Jim Bean; Maker's Mark; Suntory Holdings

Partial Transcript: Smith talks about the history of the bourbon industry.

Segment Synopsis: Smith states that the main focus of Beam Suntory is the manufacturing of bourbon. He talks about the bourbon industry as intertwined with Kentucky's history and its natural resources. His company tries to be as involved in the community it resides in as much as possible, an he believes this is why Beam Suntory was involved in the Kentucky 225 Commission.

Keywords: Beam Suntory; Kentucky 225 Commission

Subjects: Distillers--History; Distillers--Kentucky; Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Could you tell us about your position in the company?

Segment Synopsis: Smith has been involved in the bourbon industry for the past thirty years, but his current position is the Vice President of Kentucky Beam Bourbon Affairs. His job is about influencing public involvement, and how to be a good corporate partner in the communities the company is situated in. Smith briefly details his previous work experience and mentions his time spent at Maker's Mark where he was the Master Distiller for twelve years, and helped to develop the Maker's 46 Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. He briefly describes the consolidation of many bourbon companies joining other corporations. Smith also works with the Kentucky Distillers Association.

Keywords: Kentucky Distillers Association; Maker's 46; Maker's Mark

Partial Transcript: Could you talk to us about being Master Distiller?

Segment Synopsis: Smith states that when it comes to being a Master Distiller, one usually has to have a family name of one of the big bourbon companies. He was in the right place at the right time when he was the Master Distiller at Maker's Mark. He gives a brief description of how he got to the position of Master Distiller. He states that there are now many training programs to becoming a Master Distiller. There is a lot of science, both chemical and biological, that goes into creating good bourbon. Beyond the science that goes into the creation of whiskey, you have to know what good bourbon looks and tastes like. He cannot take credit for making the the bourbon, those where the individuals who worked with the equipment and physically made the substance on a daily basis. Smith states that his job was more about quality control, and making sure that at the end of the day, he could check off the product and acknowledge that it was, in fact, Maker's Mark bourbon whiskey.

Keywords: Indiana University; Jim Beam; Maker's Mark

Partial Transcript: You said you helped build some distilleries?

Segment Synopsis: Smith discusses how he was a part of the project team to build a new distillery for Heaven Hill outside of Louisville, Kentucky. He helped expand the Maker's Mark distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Smith also would like to be a part of other distillery construction projects in the future, because it is a passion of his.

Keywords: Heaven Hill

Partial Transcript: How did you get involved with the Kentucky 225 Commission?

Segment Synopsis: Smith states that he is on the executive board and the board of directors for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. He became a part of the Commission because of his bourbon background. He was brought on to the Commission to build connections between various businesses in Kentucky and to build connections between the various distilleries throughout this commemorative year. The 225 Commission was important, because Kentuckians need to think about who they are today, to create a snapshot in time. It was his duty on the Commission to come up with creative ideas and encourage others - especially those in the Kentucky Distiller's Association - to initiate some ideas and events for this celebration.

Keywords: Kentucky 225 Commission; Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

Partial Transcript: Smith speaks about the Kentucky 225 logo that was put on a special edition Jim Beam bottle.

Segment Synopsis: Smith discusses how Jim Beam used the Kentucky 225 etched logo on the Jim Beam Black bottle. He comments on the various ways distilleries attempted to get people involved in the 225 celebration, such as reduced rates on tours and admission prices.

Keywords: Jim Beam; Jim Beam Black; Kentucky 225 Commission

Partial Transcript: What is the legacy of this Commission, in your opinion?

Segment Synopsis: Smith talks about the quality relationships he formed with the Commission members. This Commission generated some energy in some Kentucky communities.

Partial Transcript: Describe your status as a Kentuckian.

Segment Synopsis: Smith states that he is a Texan by birth, a Hoosier by education, and a Kentuckian by choice. Smith describes his childhood; he was an army brat. He was born in Fort Hood, Texas. His father began working at Fort Knox, and his family settled in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He attended Indiana University. His family moved to Bardstown, Kentucky, when he began working at Maker's Mark. Smith states that Kentucky is home.

Keywords: Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Indiana University

Partial Transcript: To you, what makes Kentucky, Kentucky that is positive, that we can be proud of?

Segment Synopsis: Smith states that he was a Kentucky Colonel twice, once under Governor Martha Layne Collins, and once under Governor Steve Lynn Beshear. He is a graduate of the Leadership Kentucky program.



To Smith, what makes Kentucky, Kentucky is the people. He did not realize that people in the region were so friendly; although, Kentucky has stereotypes they need to overcome.



Smith states that another factor that makes Kentucky, Kentucky is the natural beauty of the state. Kentuckians have an excellent quality of life, because of the natural resources that are available to them when it comes to both recreation and manufacturing.



He states that the culture is very rich.

Keywords: Beshear, Steven Lynn; Collins, Martha Waye; Kentucky Colonel; Leadership Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Could you go into further detail about the challenges Kentuckians face?

Segment Synopsis: Smith states that protecting the natural environment of Kentucky is very important. Education in the state has to improve, and schools have to prepare students for their future careers. The population has to figure out ways to encourage "life-long learning." Smith mentions the substance abuse issues that plague the state of Kentucky, and states that the Commonwealth needs to look back into how those addictions began, and how they can improve those negative situations in the future. Smith expresses that one of the biggest challenges that the state faces today is the budget crisis that is occurring currently in the spring of 2018.

Partial Transcript: What is your vision for Kentucky in the next twenty years?

Segment Synopsis: Smith wants to see Kentucky as a leader in social responsibility. He expresses that the state has the potential to be known for expertise in craftsmanship, engineering, and manufacturing. He wants Kentucky to become a tourist destination, to enjoy the leisure activities that the region has to offer.

Partial Transcript: Is there anything that you would like to add? A final comment?

Segment Synopsis: Smith states that he does not want people to take his word for it, but wants individuals to come see and experience Kentucky for themselves.