Marlene Holmes, Master Distiller at Milam & Greene Whiskey has made history. At a ceremony on February 13th in Lousiville, Kentucky, Holmes became one of the first American women and the only female distiller in the U.S. to be inducted into Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame. 

Her work at Milam & Greene has been consistently celebrated, with the Texas-based operation garnering fans across the country. Marlene Holmes joins legendary industry figures such as Jimmy Russell (Wild Turkey), Elmer T. Lee (Buffalo Trace), and Parker Beam (Heaven Hill) in the Hall of Fame. 

“Marlene’s induction into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards is a win for not only Marlene but for Milam & Greene Distillery and the Texas whiskey industry,” said Marsha Milam, founder of Milam & Greene Whiskey. “Her influence reaches far beyond distilling. She’s inspiring the next generation of whiskey makers while drawing in new consumers with her fearless spirit, ensuring that her legacy will endure for years to come.”  

This honor comes just six months after Holmes was named ‘Master Distiller of the Year’ at the Women of Whiskey Awards in 2024. 

Marlene Holmes’ Whiskey Journey

Holmes, a Kentucky native, began her whiskey journey at Jim Beam in 1990 under the mentorship of legendary Master Distiller Booker Noe. This formative experience equipped her with exceptional skills in distilling, cutting, and whiskey-making. In 2018, she brought her expertise to Milam & Greene Whiskey in Texas.

At Milam & Greene, Marlene has refined her craft, mastering both small copper pot stills and large column stills to produce high-quality whiskey. She has pushed innovation through bespoke mash bills, unique yeast strains, and tailored maturation programs. Her leadership in forging partnerships in Kentucky has played a key role in expanding Milam & Greene’s reach to 19 states across the U.S.

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