Who is the CEO of Wilderness Trail Distillery?

Answered by Andrew Fritz

The CEO of Wilderness Trail Distillery is Shane Baker. Shane is not only the CEO, but he is also the Co-Founder and President of Ferm Solutions, a company that provides consulting and education services to the distilling industry. He is also the Master Distiller for Wilderness Trail.

Shane was born in November 1970 in Danville, Kentucky. He grew up in a family that had a deep appreciation for and the art of distilling. His parents, James and Linda Baker, instilled in him a love for the craft, and he has been involved in the industry for most of his life.

Shane's journey in the distilling world began when he and his business partner, Dr. Pat Heist, founded Ferm Solutions in 2006. They recognized a need for scientific expertise in the distilling industry and set out to fill that gap. Ferm Solutions provides services such as propagation, process optimization, and quality control to distilleries around the world.

In 2012, Shane and Pat decided to take their expertise a step further and open their own distillery. They founded Wilderness Trail Distillery in Danville, Kentucky, with a focus on producing high-quality and other spirits. Shane's role as the CEO of Wilderness Trail involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of the distillery, as well as guiding its overall vision and strategy.

As the Master Distiller for Wilderness Trail, Shane is responsible for developing and executing the distillery's recipes and production processes. He has a deep understanding of the science and art behind distillation, and he uses that knowledge to create spirits that are both innovative and true to tradition.

One of the things that sets Shane apart as a distiller is his commitment to research and education. He has a background in biochemistry and a passion for understanding the science behind distilling. He has conducted extensive research on yeast propagation and fermentation, and he regularly shares his findings and insights with others in the industry.

In addition to his work at Wilderness Trail, Shane is also involved in various industry organizations and initiatives. He is a member of the Kentucky Distillers' Association and serves on the Technical Advisory Committee for the American Distilling Institute. He is also a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events, where he shares his knowledge and experiences with others.

Shane Baker is a highly respected and influential figure in the distilling world. His expertise, passion, and commitment to quality have helped establish Wilderness Trail Distillery as a leader in the industry.