Heilmann is retiring May 1, and McKee will be elevated to Master Distiller and Distillery Manager Matt Bell will become Distiller.
When the 2019 bottling of Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon goes on sale this May, it will mark the final Michter’s release during Heilmann’s tenure as Master Distiller.
“After we hired Pam, she brought over Dan with her from her prior company. It quickly became apparent that he was extraordinarily talented and would someday be an outstanding Master Distiller,” said Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco.
“Pam’s contributions to Michter’s have been incredible. She is a truly great distiller, and a truly great person. We’re all thrilled that she has agreed to stay on in a part-time capacity as a Master Distiller Emerita, and I know Dan and Matt will be terrific in their new roles,” Magliocco added.
McKee and Heilmann have worked together for over a decade, first at Jim Beam and then at Michter’s. Heilmann commented, “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Michter’s, and I’m very proud of what we have done here. One of the favorite parts of my job has been coaching and training younger people as they come up in the industry. Dan is a brilliant distiller, and I am confident that with him and Matt Bell at the helm, our production is in great hands.”