Master Taster
Melissa Rift
Master Taster, Old Forester
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- Master Taster
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i. Biography
Melissa Rift is Master Taster for Old Forester, Brown-Forman's founding bourbon brand, a role she took up in November 2022. A Louisville native, she started in the industry as a distillery tour guide and previously ran the single barrel program at Bulleit Distilling Co. and held a leadership role at Beam Suntory. She is among the first openly queer women in a top-tier bourbon leadership role, and was named to Wine Enthusiast's Future 40 Tastemakers list.
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