LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has honored Brown-Forman master distiller emeritus Chris Morris with a rare lifetime board designation and established a University of Kentucky scholarship in his name.
Morris, 68, is the eighth person to receive the association’s lifetime honorary board member distinction. The recognition comes as he celebrates 50 years in the bourbon and distilled spirits industry and steps down from the KDA board after two decades of service.
The newly endowed KDA Chris Morris Distillation Excellence Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student in the Distillation, Wine and Brewing program at UK’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Preference will go to students pursuing spirits research or showing an interest in the history of bourbon, spirits and distillation — subjects closely associated with Morris’ work as an industry historian, educator and mentor.
“Chris has dedicated his career to sharing his knowledge, championing innovation and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders,” said KDA board chair Gigi DaDan, vice president of Angel’s Envy and D’USSÉ. “This scholarship is a fitting tribute to his legacy and a way to ensure his passion for Kentucky’s distilling heritage continues to inspire future generations.”
The KDA board unanimously adopted a resolution honoring Morris during a special meeting earlier this month at Brown-Forman’s Louisville headquarters. Company executives, fellow master distillers and other industry leaders attended the ceremony.
Fellow lifetime honorees Bill Samuels Jr. of Maker’s Mark and John Rhea of Four Roses presented Morris with a gold-framed copy of the resolution. UK representatives presented a vase recognizing the scholarship.
KDA President Eric Gregory credited Morris with helping guide the association through a period of significant change for Kentucky’s signature spirits industry.
“Chris has been a steady, trusted leader and a respected voice on our board for two decades,” Gregory said. “His calm demeanor, thoughtful perspective and collaborative approach have made him someone people turn to for guidance.”
Morris said representing Brown-Forman on the board had been an honor. During his tenure, he said, the association expanded its membership, strengthened the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and helped modernize state spirits regulations.
“This has been accomplished by the member companies working together for the good of all,” Morris said.
Morris first became involved with the KDA in 1991, joining a marketing committee that later oversaw creation of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. He was appointed to the board as Brown-Forman’s representative in April 2007.
He is the only person this century to serve three terms as KDA board chair, according to the association. He also served in every other board leadership role, including vice chair, secretary, treasurer and immediate past chair.
During his terms as chair, the association added craft distillers to its membership and pursued tourism reforms and the phaseout of Kentucky’s barrel tax. Morris also helped establish the Order of the Writ — Spirit of Kentucky Bourbon Society in 2015.
Brown-Forman Board Chair Marshall Farrer said Morris’ influence extends beyond the whiskey he has helped create.
“Over his five decades of dedication, he has set the standard for craftsmanship, stewardship and visionary leadership,” Farrer said. “His commitment to protecting and expanding Kentucky Bourbon’s global presence while lifting up the next generation of distillers reflects the very best of our industry.”
Morris was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2017 and received the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. His other honors include induction into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame and recognition as a Keeper of the Quaich.
Elizabeth McCall, Morris’ protégé and successor as Brown-Forman master distiller, closed the ceremony with a toast to her mentor. “Your legacy is found not only in the whiskey you’ve created, but in the people you’ve inspired,” McCall said.
