Jade Peterson

Jade Thomas Peterson is an accomplished distilling executive and entrepreneur based in Louisville, Kentucky. As the Chief Operating Officer and Master Distiller of Kentucky Artisan Distillery (KAD) since 2015, Peterson has overseen every aspect of production—from grain processing and fermentation to blending, barreling, and large-scale bottling operations. Under his leadership, KAD expanded from pot stills to column distillation, scaled to more than 6,500 barrel equivalents annually, and built capacity for over 35,000 barrels across four rickhouses. He has guided product development and brand partnerships with nationally recognized clients such as Jefferson’s Bourbon, Pinhook, Cream of Kentucky, WhiskeyRow, and Buzzards Roost. Peterson also helped launch the KAD ARTISAN SERIES of bourbons, ryes, and Single malts that are available at the KAD gift shop and a bottled-in-bond line set to hit distribution in the spring of 2026.

In 2022, Peterson founded Just A Distiller Enterprises LLC, launching Trackside Distilling Company with a Kentucky-focused bourbon portfolio. Trackside’s debut releases—the Founders Release in spring 2025, High Proof 107 in fall 2025, and Oldham County Estate High Rye bourbon in the spring of 2026—reflect his vision of combining craft authenticity with regional culture. In addition to brand building, he serves as a consultant and ambassador across the spirits industry, offering expertise in troubleshooting, product design, and operational strategy.

Peterson’s entrepreneurial background extends beyond distilling. He has founded and operated businesses in equipment rentals, hospitality, property management, and facilities services, demonstrating financial discipline and growth execution. He also serves on the Kentucky Distillers Association Board of Directors and Technical Committee, and holds a board seat with
Copperhead Distillery Company. Peterson recently spoke on a panel at the
International bulk wine and spirits conference in San Francisco.

An active professional learner, Peterson has completed certificates in Brewing and Distilling Science, Organizational Leadership, Emergency Management, Food & Beverage Safety, and finished his B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies at Western Kentucky University in 2024. He
also holds professional credentials from the Institute of Brewing & Distilling and the Stave & Thief Society.

With a career spanning hands-on production, brand development, and executive leadership, Peterson brings a real-world perspective into the classroom. His experience building, scaling, and stewarding spirits brands within a highly regulated environment equips students with practical insight into decision-making, risk management, and sustainable growth in the beverage alcohol industry.

The Kentucky Artisan Distillery – Crestwood, KY, January 2015 - Present
Master Distiller/ Chief Operating Officer

• Responsible for leading daily distillery operations, such as blending, distillation, grain processing, fermentation, operational logistics, product filtration, basic lab functions, bottling, warehousing, barrel processing, and new product development
• Lead tours, tasting, and barrel selections for customers and industry professionals
• Developed KAD’s first house brand with 12 SKUs
• Aid in the rebranding and opening of the “Clubhouse” tasting room and cocktail bar
• Generate production schedules to meet customer needs and profitability
• Directly communicate with customers on product and brand development
• Develop and evolve standard operating procedures
• Work as a team to constantly seek process improvement, compliance, and implement solutions
• Oversee the production increase of 12 x over 10 years- peak 6500 barrel equivalent
• Reduce costs and increase efficiencies through build-out and process improvements.
• Lead distillery expansion from Pot stills to Column
• Help design and layout 4 barrel houses housing over 35,000 barrels
• Work with the team to install and design a 100,000-plus cases a year bottling line
• Clients included but were not limited to: Jefferson's Bourbon, Pinhook, Corner Creek, Kentucky Owl, Whiskey Row, Cream of Kentucky, Jackson Morgan, Barrell Bourbon, Kentucky Par, Final Reserve, Saltwater Woody, Coalition, Final Reserve, Legends 78, Billy Goat Strut, Dancing Panda, and Trackside.
• Started as part-time bottling labor

Just a Distiller Enterprises LLC - Louisville, KY, Fall 2022 - Present
Owner-operator

• Launched TRACKSIDE DISTILLING COMPANY
• Founders release Spring 2025
• High Proof release Fall 2025
• Spirit industry consultant
• Brand Ambassador
• Industry Troubleshooting

Refresh Services LLC - Louisville, KY, December 2014 –April 2018
Owner-operator / Sold

• Commercial pressure washing and Facilities maintenance
• Contractor for Kellermeyer Bergensons Services
• 50 locations serviced in 3 states
• Locations included: Meijer, Kohl's, JCPenney, and Turkey Hill gas stations
• 3 teams scheduled and maintained

UPS at Louisville International Airport - Louisville, KY, December 2014 –January 2015, Ramp

• Hired for a management training program (moved to ramp)
• Aided in the logistics of loading aircraft to specifications
• Maintain the security of the aircraft and the work area

• Kentucky Distillers Association - 2023-Current
• Kentucky Distillers Association technical committee 2021-Current
• Copperhead Distillery Company - 2023-Current

• SE Rentals- forklift and equipment rental company 2005
• Daisy’s Sports BARN & GRILL- sports bar 2008-2010
• Peterson Management Company - property rental 2007-2024
• Refresh Services- facilities management & cleaning 2014-2018
• Just A Distiller Enterprises LLC.- spirits industry consulting / Brand Development 2022-present

• Western Kentucky University, Undergraduate certificate, Emergency Management, May 2025
• Western Kentucky University, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Science, December 2024
• Michagain State University, Undergraduate certificate in Food & Beverage Safety, 2024
• Kentucky Distillers Association Leadership Academy, November 2024
• Institute of Brewing and Distilling, Sensory evaluation- 2024
• Western Kentucky University, Undergraduate certificate, Organizational Leadership 2023
• Western Kentucky University, Undergraduate certificate, Brewing and distilling science, completed in 2022
• Executive Bourbon Steward 2021
• Institute of Brewing and Distilling, General Certificate in Distilling 2019
• Certified Bourbon Steward 2019
• Kishwaukee College, Malta, Illinois, graduated with an AS in 2008
• Certified Paraprofessional 2008
• Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, Business Core attended 2002-2005
• Elgin Community College, Elgin, Illinois, attended in 2002
• Certified forklift
• Star Certified
• Tips Certified
• Proficient in driving commercial vehicles (NON-CDL)