Overview: On Oct. 12, 2026, Lofted Spirits announced the elevation of Nick Smith to Master Distiller at its facilities in Bardstown, Kentucky. The promotion marks a significant leadership transition within the company, which operates as the largest distiller of contract spirits in Kentucky and the seventh-largest supplier of American Whiskey.
The Full Story
Smith has been integral to the operation since its inception, joining Bardstown Bourbon Co. in 2016 after gaining experience at Jim Beam. He assumes the role from Steve Nally, a Bourbon Hall-of-Famer who takes on the title of Master Distiller Emeritus. For the past decade, Smith worked alongside Nally, honing leadership expertise while learning from over 50 years of industry experience.
Mark Erwin, CEO of Lofted Spirits, noted that Smith’s background makes him perfectly suited for the role, citing his operational precision and creative experimentation. Nally stated he will continue to serve as an ambassador across the United States with his wife Donna, a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member. The announcement highlights the company’s commitment to maintaining hallmarks of transparency, trust, and partnership while continuing to think differently about what’s possible in this space.
Production & Profile
The distillery is responsible for production at Bardstown Bourbon Company, Green River Whiskey, and Lofted Custom Spirits. Smith has helped build the operation from an ambitious startup to a leader in modern spirits. His work includes developing Bardstown’s signature High Wheat bourbon and pioneering small-batch experiments.
Additionally, Lofted Custom Spirits clients are distilling a range of spirits beyond American Whiskey, including rum. The company is responsible for production at these locations, guiding its growth from an ambitious startup to a leader in modern spirits today.
Brand & Industry History
Lofted Spirits expanded on the work started by Peter Loftin in 2016. Smith joined Bardstown Bourbon Co. in 2016 after working at Jim Beam. Nally has spent more than 50 years in the distilled spirits industry, including a long tenure at Maker’s Mark where he rose to Master Distiller before leaving to help launch Wyoming Whiskey. When Nally returned to Kentucky, he joined Bardstown Bourbon Company as employee number one.
Together with Smith, Nally helped shape Bardstown Bourbon Co. into one of the most innovative and technically advanced distilleries in the United States. The company reached a milestone of filling the one millionth barrel produced at Bardstown Bourbon Co. since it began distillation in September 2016. Lofted Spirits joined the PPC family of companies in 2022.
What This Means
This leadership change positions Lofted Spirits to continue its industry-shaking approach to custom contract distillation while developing some of the fastest-growing brands in American Whiskey. The company is built to lead the global spirits industry, delivering exceptional experiences through innovation and trust. As they continue to think differently about what’s possible in this space, the promotion ensures continuity in their hallmarks of transparency, trust, and partnership.
Consumer Takeaway
For the drinker, Lofted Spirits offers bespoke bourbon production and boundary-pushing brands where tradition meets transformation. The unified entity is built to lead the global spirits industry, crafting some of the world’s most desired and awarded whiskies through a world-class approach to custom contract distillation.
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