Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Step inside the University of Kentucky’s groundbreaking journey into the world of spirits. In this behind-the-scenes feature, discover how students in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment created the first-ever bourbon brand at the university—WildCask.
Guided by honorary professor Herb Heneman at the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, students took part in every aspect of brand development—from naming and label design to bottling and distribution. The course didn’t just teach theory—it gave students real-world experience in building a brand from the barrel up.
With support from industry legends and donations of bourbon valued at nearly $40,000, the class blended heritage, creativity and marketing strategy to bring WildCask to life. Sales from the inaugural release support student success, research and programming at the Beam Institute.
Read full story here: https://news.ca.uky.edu/article/behind-scenes-look-university-kentucky’s-first-ever-bourbon-release
Written by: Grace Sowards
Contact: grace.sowards@uky.edu
For media inquiries: Martin-Gatton CAFE Communications, ce.huffman@uky.edu
This project exemplifies the land-grant mission in action—connecting innovation, education and community impact across Kentucky and beyond. Learn more about the Beam Institute and the Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies Certificate at https://beaminstitute.ca.uky.edu.
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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
Step inside the University of Kentucky’s groundbreaking journey into the world of spirits. In this behind-the-scenes feature, discover how students in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment created the first-ever bourbon brand at the university—WildCask.
Guided by honorary professor Herb Heneman at the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, students took part in every aspect of brand development—from naming and label design to bottling and distribution. The course didn’t just teach theory—it gave students real-world experience in building a brand from the barrel up.
With support from industry legends and donations of bourbon valued at nearly $40,000, the class blended heritage, creativity and marketing strategy to bring WildCask to life. Sales from the inaugural release support student success, research and programming at the Beam Institute.
Read full story here: https://news.ca.uky.edu/article/behind-scenes-look-university-kentucky’s-first-ever-bourbon-release
Written by: Grace Sowards
Contact: grace.sowards@uky.edu
For media inquiries: Martin-Gatton CAFE Communications, ce.huffman@uky.edu
This project exemplifies the land-grant mission in action—connecting innovation, education and community impact across Kentucky and beyond. Learn more about the Beam Institute and the Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies Certificate at https://beaminstitute.ca.uky.edu.
-----
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
