Interview with Even Kulsveen, April 8, 2018

Interview Summary

Even Kulsveen, the owner of Willett Distilling Company (otherwise known as Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd.), discusses his life in the alcohol industry and the trials of owning a family business. He talks about coming to the United States of America from Norway after traveling throughout Europe and serving in the Norwegian Merchant Marines. He discusses meeting John David Willett, through which he met the woman he would marry and have his family with, as well as how he came to buy the Willett Distilling Company from several companies that bought it at auction from Thompson Willett. He also gives some advice for his grandchildren, tells his favorite memories of the old Willett house, and tells the story of how he bought a column still that was used in a distillery in Mexico.

Interview Keyword

Willett Distilling Company Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd. Schenley Distillers Corporation Vindum Engineering Bourbon whiskey Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD) Willett Distillery whisky whiskey

Interview LC Subject

Family businesses Distilleries--Kentucky Whiskey industry Family-owned business enterprises.;
Alcohol industry Distillers

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

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