An industry icon and the previous Master Distiller for Makers Mark, Dave directs Hillrock’s production and operations as Master Distiller. Dave has over 20 years of distillery industry experience and is respected world wide as one of the top Master Distillers and spirits experts in the industry. Dave graduated top in his class in chemical engineering at the University of Kentucky and also holds a BS in Chemistry from West Point. During his 14 years at Makers Mark, Dave oversaw an 80 person staff and was responsible for all aspects of production from selection of grains to choosing of barrels, distillation and final tasting. Prior to Makers Mark, Dave was Senior Project Manager for Ro-Tech and provided engineering consultation for beverage alcohol facilities around the world. Dave was also a Board Member and Past Chair for the Kentucky Distillers Association and recipient of the “best distillery visitor attraction in the world” designation by Whiskey Magazine. Dave is also recognized as one of the industry’s top spirits judges. Dave provides Hillrock with unmatched industry experience in the areas of product development, business planning, system design, production, staffing/training, operations management and sales.