SPARTA, KY (July 16, 2025) – Mixologist Molly Wellmann, named “Best Bartender/Owner in the Nation” by a leading on-premise spirits media outlet, is joining the Hidden Barn Whiskey team as its Master Taster. In her new role, Wellmann will be helping with the batching and single barrel selections of Hidden Barn Whiskey, as she builds on the tasting profile and batching style developed by Master Blender Emeritus Jackie Zykan.
“Jackie got us into a great place with the creation of a style and profile that myself, Bekah Neeley and the Team at Neeley Family Distillery will continue to replicate and build upon,” said Royce Neeley, president and master distiller, Neeley Family Distillery. “The addition of Molly provides a valuable outside tasting perspective, as well as on-premise consumption knowledge, and cocktail crafting expertise from one of the most respected mixologists in the industry. As Hidden Barn moves into its 20th state for distribution, Molly’s knowledge in these areas will be invaluable to help us build brand sales.”
Neeley notes visitors can expect to see Wellmann interacting at the Neeley Family Distillery in Northern Kentucky, signing bottles, tasting with fans, and maybe even jumping behind the bar. She’ll also be visiting some markets with the Neeley team as they expand, sharing her expertise and bourbon history storytelling.
“I’m excited to join the team at Hidden Barn, having known Royce and Bekah Neeley and Jackie Zykan for years,” said Wellmann, master taster, Hidden Barn Bourbon. “One of the things that drew me to working with the Neeley team is Royce’s ‘old school’ distillation techniques, using pot still distillation with his family’s mash recipe they’ve used for generations. Like Royce, I’ve immersed myself in the history of old whiskey, as I’ve used that knowledge in crafting cocktails and curating historically accurate cocktail menus. It seems like the perfect pairing for us to share our love of historic distillation to help Hidden Barn Bourbon expand even further.”
About Molly Wellmann
Molly is a self-taught mixologist based in Cincinnati who has immersed herself in the rich world of classic cocktails and fine spirits, particularly American whiskey. Her passion for mixology is rooted in extensive research into the history and proper preparation of cocktails.
Throughout her career, Molly has had the honor of working at numerous popular restaurants and bars across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. She is the former owner of several establishments, including Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, Myrtles Punch House, The Annex, Neons, Melt, and Japp’s. Currently, she operates Molly Wellmann Consulting & Entertainment, where she consults on various bar programs in the Cincinnati area and offers specialty bartending for major events, cocktail classes, cocktail creation, and bourbon tastings.
Molly’s expertise has been featured in several publications, including Midwest Living, Cincinnati Magazine, the Cincinnati Enquirer, People Magazine, Cincinnati Business Courier, and CityBeat, as well as in various well-read blogs. She has made guest appearances on numerous podcasts and has served as a mixology contributor for Bourbon+ Magazine. Additionally, she is a regular speaker at Moonshine University in Louisville and has been a spirit judge for the American Distilling Institute, The Ascot Awards, and The New Orleans Spirit Competition. Molly is also an Executive Bourbon Steward through Stave and Thief.
Her talent has been recognized by her peers, as she has been voted Best Mixologist/Bartender by CityBeat magazine from 2010 to 2018 and again in 2020 through 2022. In 2019, she was recognized as the Best Bartender/Owner in the Nation by Nightclub and Bar Media.
She is the author of “Handcrafted Cocktails” and is currently working on her second book.
About Hidden Barn Bourbon Whiskey
Hidden Barn’s name harkens back to the local communities who painted their barns black in solidarity with distillers during Prohibition. This sense of community is continued today through the passion for quality whiskey and camaraderie shared by its three founders, Jackie Zykan, Royce Neeley and Nate Winegar, and continues with Molly Wellmann joining as Master Taster and Zykan moving to Master Blender Emeritus. Previous Hidden Barn Series releases have earned Best of Class in the Small Batch Bourbon Up to 5 years by The Tasting Alliance, Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023 and 2024, and Best Small Batch, 1st Place at the 2023 New Orleans Bourbon Festival. Hidden Barn Bourbon is owned by Neeley Family Distillery. The brand is available online and in select states. For more information visit hiddenbarnwhiskey.com.
