Whitney Spence

Whitney Spence serves as Master Distiller at Coal Pick Distillery, where he has been involved since the very beginning—helping build the distillery from the ground up and shaping every step of the process from first dirt to final barrel.

Born and raised in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky—once the largest coal-producing county in the world—Whitney’s roots run deep in the region. Growing up in Central City, he developed an early passion for working with his hands, spending countless hours in the garage with his father learning the fundamentals of building, fixing, and problem-solving. That foundation naturally evolved into a career centered around craftsmanship, leading him to earn a degree in Industrial Maintenance and ultimately into the world of distilling.

At Coal Pick, Whitney is hands-on in every phase of production. From grinding grain and cooking mash to fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging, and bottling, he oversees a fully integrated process that ensures every drop of bourbon is produced on-site. The distillery’s commitment to never sourcing spirits reflects his belief in authenticity, control, and long-term quality.

His approach to distilling blends technical precision with respect for tradition. Whitney has spent years studying the craft—visiting distilleries, learning from other master distillers, and continuously refining his process. For him, bourbon is both science and legacy: a balance of ingredients, timing, and patience that results in something meant to be enjoyed for generations.

What makes Coal Pick unique is not just the process, but the place. Situated on thousands of acres of Kentucky land, the distillery operates in a setting surrounded by elk, buffalo, whitetail deer, and Scottish Highland cattle—many of which are fed spent mash from production. The rickhouse itself features a distinctive all-steel construction, allowing efficient access to aging barrels while supporting long-term maturation strategies.

Whitney’s journey has been defined by hard work, persistence, and a willingness to learn from everyone around him. He credits the relationships built along the way—from industry veterans to fellow craft distillers—as a key part of Coal Pick’s success.

Outside of the distillery, he spends his time with his wife and two sons, enjoys duck hunting, and values the same hands-on, outdoors-driven lifestyle that shaped him growing up.

Looking ahead, Whitney remains focused on continuing to refine Coal Pick’s portfolio, with new small batch, single barrel, and wheated bourbon releases on the horizon—all built with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship that started it all.