David Mandell is currently the co-founder and CEO of Whiskey House of Kentucky, which is the largest, most flexible, and sophisticated custom whiskey manufacturing facility in the United States. The project commenced in February 2022 and is scheduled to begin operations in 2024 in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
Prior to founding Whiskey House, Mandell was the co-founder and former President & CEO of The Bardstown Bourbon Company, (“BBCo”). At BBCo, Mandell created, launched, and managed the company’s Napa-valley bourbon distillery destination experience in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Mandell led the development and operation of what is now one of the largest and most sophisticated whiskey distilleries in the United States – -producing custom rye, whiskey, and bourbon for prominent brands including Jefferson’s, High West, Belle Meade, Hirsch, and many others through its one-of-a-kind Collaborative Distilling Program. Mandell was also responsible for the development and launch of the Company’s bourbon brands, full-scale restaurant and bar, and visitors center.
During his tenure at BBCo, Mandell served on the Board of the Kentucky Distillers Association, and the Bourbon Capital Community Alliance, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival Board of Directors. Mandell achieved a successful exit when the Company was sold to Pritzker Private Capital in March 2022.