David Pickerell
San Francisco, California,United States
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David Pickerell (1956-2018) was a towering figure and a true legend in the American whiskey industry, often affectionately dubbed the 'Johnny Appleseed of Craft Distilling.' A graduate of West Point and holding a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Louisville, Pickerell applied his scientific knowledge and disciplined approach to the art of distillation. He served as the Master Distiller for Maker's Mark for 14 years (1994-2008), playing a crucial role in its growth and steadfastly upholding its quality. After his tenure at Maker's Mark, he became one of the most sought-after consultants in the burgeoning craft spirits movement, mentoring and guiding countless new distilleries. He co-founded WhistlePig Farm Distillery, where he championed rye whiskey and helped popularize super-premium aged rye. Pickerell was also instrumental in the historical reconstruction of George Washington's rye whiskey distillery at Mount Vernon. His unparalleled expertise, passion for whiskey, and generous spirit left an indelible mark on the industry.
Professional Summary
David Pickerell's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:
Notable Achievements
Master Distiller at Maker's Mark
Served as Master Distiller from 1994 to 2008, overseeing production, innovation, and quality control during a period of significant expansion for the iconic bourbon brand.
Co-founder & Master Distiller of WhistlePig Whiskey
Co-founded WhistlePig Farm Distillery in Vermont, focusing on creating and promoting high-end, aged rye whiskeys, significantly influencing the rye category's resurgence.
Pioneer in Craft Distilling
Known as the 'Johnny Appleseed of Craft Distilling,' he provided invaluable consultation and mentorship to numerous craft distilleries across the United States, helping to shape the modern craft spirits landscape.
Reconstruction of George Washington's Distillery
Led the efforts to research and accurately reconstruct George Washington's rye whiskey distillery at Mount Vernon, successfully producing whiskey based on historical records.
Lifetime Achievement Award - American Distilling Institute (ADI)
Posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Distilling Institute in 2018 for his profound and lasting contributions to the distilling industry.
Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame Inductee
Posthumously inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame in 2019, recognizing his legendary status and impact on the global whisky scene.
Educational Background
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Political Science and Government
Harvard University - Year 2010
German Swiss International School | 德瑞國際學校 - Year 1995
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Company Overview
GigSafeGigSafe is a booking platform designed for the live entertainment industry, aiming to protect both artists (like musicians, comedians, DJs) and event planners from the financial and logistical impact of preventable cancellations. It achieves this by streamlining the booking process, securing payments, and offering features like cancellation protection, thus providing greater peace of mind and reliability for gigs.
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