Distiller’s Spotlight: Zack Wildrick
Production Lead Zack Wildrick is one of the newer members of our distilling team, but he’s made quite an impact since joining us in December of 2021. Zack is a true student of distilled spirits: he holds several prestigious certifications including Executive Bourbon Steward from the Stave & Thief Society, Rummelier from the Royal Rum Society, and Certified Specialists of Spirits from the Society of Wine Educators. We can’t wait to see where his talent and passion take him next!
In advance of our Distiller’s Select Collection arriving on September 14th, we sat down with Zack to talk about picking his own barrel, his favorite part of working at our distillery, and more. Read on below!
Walk us through your barrel selection process. What qualities stood out about the barrel you chose?
When picking my barrel, my mindset was finding the barrels that looked like they’d been through the wringer. As we all know, tough times build stronger people. My philosophy is that the same might be true for barrels. After tasting through a handful, I found barrel 2156. It looked a little beat up, and you could tell this barrel had a few stories to tell. I popped the bung, pulled a sample, then sat there and listened to it for hours. This one pairs well with great company & a lifetime full of friendships!
Has your job as a distiller impacted the way you enjoy food and drinks in your day-to-day life?
Absolutely. Having a career as a distiller teaches you to live more in the moment. Sensory evaluation is our biggest tool, and really that just means actually spending with what and who’s in front of you.
What’s the most rewarding part of working at St. Augustine Distillery?
The optimistic team and the opportunities they help you develop.
Aside from your own Distiller’s Select release, what is your favorite St. Augustine Distillery spirit you’ve helped to create?
One of my favorites has to be our Barrel Finished Gin. Think you don’t like gin? This one may change your mind.
Do you prefer your bourbon neat or on the rocks?
Neat and in a Glencairn, please!
Give us your favorite bourbon fun fact!
I think my favorite fact about bourbon is that it can be made outside of Kentucky.
How do you celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month?
By drinking more bourbon– I mean, making more bourbon.
