Additions further strengthen company’s capabilities.
ATCHISON, KAN., April 23, 2019—MGP Ingredients (Nasdaq: MGPI), a leading distiller of premium American Whiskies, Vodkas and Gins, is proud to announce the awarding of its Master Distiller designation to three internal candidates and the naming of two new Master Blenders. The art and science of fermentation, distillation and blending are the foundation of the company’s distilled spirits business, and the addition of these individuals into the Masters rank ensures that MGP has the necessary talent to continue to create exceptional products.
Due to the size and complexity of its distillery operations, MGP relies on a team of highly trained Master Distillers and Master Blenders. Individuals are awarded the master designation after a robust certification process. This process includes education, experience, specialized training, and concludes with oral examinations by other masters and the completion of a dissertation.
“Because of the size and scope of our business, we need a very deep and broad pool of talent to operate successfully,” said President and CEO Gus Griffin. “Our development of Masters-level experts provides additional assurance of our ability to consistently deliver unique and high quality whiskies, vodkas and gins.”
MGP is pleased to announce that the following employees recently completed the certification process to earn their Master Distiller designation: Matthew Greeno; Josh Slawski; and Mike Templin.
Griffin noted that blending also plays a crucial role in MGP’s business, as expert blenders create custom formulations to help set brands apart. The ongoing need for this important skill led to the development of a similar Master Blender certification process. MGP’s newly certified Master Blenders are R.J. Laws and Sam Schmeltzer.
“We are extremely proud of our new Masters,” Griffin said. “Earning this designation is a testament to their dedication to their craft.”
About MGP
Founded in 1941, MGP (Nasdaq: MGPI) is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches. Distilled spirits include bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins and vodkas, which are carefully crafted through a combination of art and science backed by decades of experience. The company's proteins and starches are created in the same manner and provide a host of functional, nutritional and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products. MGP additionally is a top producer of high quality industrial alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The company is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, where distilled alcohol products and food ingredients are produced. Premium spirits are also distilled and matured at the company’s facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.