May 29, 2025 – A respected name in beverage alcohol production for nearly 25 years joins Whiskey Thief Distilling Company. CEO and Owner Walter Zausch announces the hiring of Lisa Roper Wicker as Director of Distilling. Wicker’s role comes at a time of growth for the Kentucky-based brand. In 2024, the distillery hosted over 54,000 visitors, up from 8,000 in 2021 when Zausch became the owner, and the brand’s second location – a tasting room in the popular NuLu area of Louisville – opened in October.
Whiskey Thief is Kentucky’s first distillery to offer every visitor a unique straight-from-the-barrel, uncut and unfiltered tasting and thieving experience. Distilling for nearly 13 years on a 127-acre working farm in Franklin County, Whiskey Thief celebrates single-barrel bourbons and whiskeys distillated from grain grown on-site.
“Lisa is someone we’ve known for a while, and are excited to bring her to Whiskey Thief to grow distilling, both in production quantity and quality, and be part of the team to develop the future of the brand,” says Zausch. “Her experience is not only with large distilleries, but craft handmade pot distillation, as well as even farming heirloom grain, which we farm in Franklin County. Lisa is a natural fit for Whiskey Thief. We are also excited for her to help us inform and grow our product strategy.”
Wicker’s impressive background began in farm wineries in Indiana and Kentucky where she worked as an apprentice winemaker and built a winery with an established vineyard in Ky. She moved into distilling with Limestone Branch Distillery, then with Starlight Distillery, and Preservation Distillery.
In 2017, Wicker founded Saints & Monsters Consulting. Her client work focused on product development and distillery startups, and blending American and Canadian whiskey. Her consulting work with spirit company Samson & Surrey led Wicker into transitioning into Director of Distilling with all of the portfolio brands before being named President and Head Distiller with Widow Jane.
Wicker’s additional roles have included:
- CEO of Alltech Beverage in Ireland and Kentucky, the portfolio included two breweries and two distilleries.
- Consulting Distiller for George Washington’s Distillery at Mount Vernon where she was commended as an “Icon of Whiskey”.
Additionally, Wicker is often a keynote speaker and panelist at industry conferences; a judge for notable awards including the World Whisky Awards; and her expertise is featured in top media outlets including The New York Times, Forbes, and Whisky Magazine. Wicker was named a Kentucky Colonel in 2024 and resides in Bardstown.
“I’m impressed by the brand, distillery & tasting room, and the reputation Walter has built for Whiskey Thief in only five years as owner and CEO. Add in a team of great people, delicious whiskey thieved straight from the barrel, goats, and live music; it’s a privilege to join this authentically Kentucky team. I am excited to start,” adds Wicker.
About Whiskey Thief – Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is the first Kentucky distillery to offer every visitor a unique, straight-from-the-barrel Bourbon tasting and thieving experience, uncut and unfiltered. Distilling for over a decade on their 127-acre working farm in Franklin County, Kentucky, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. celebrates single-barrel bourbons and whiskeys distillated from grain grown on-site. Guests at the farm and the new tasting room in Louisville are invited to fill their own bottle of Kentucky Bourbon and rye whiskey straight from the barrel, at barrel strength.
