Interview with Ronnie Eddins, Leonard Riddle, October 16, 2008

Interview Summary

In this interview, Leonard Riddle and Ronnie Eddins talk about their families and early lives and explain how they came to work at Buffalo Trace. Leonard Riddle grew up in Frankfort and began working in the warehouses at Buffalo Trace in 1964. Ronnie Eddins grew up on a farm outside of Frankfort and also came to work at Buffalo Trace in the 1960s.

Riddle and Eddins describe life at the distillery in the 1960s and compare the work environment of the 1960s to the present. They also discuss government regulation of the bourbon industry through the years. Riddle and Eddins also share the story of their first meeting at work and talk about the relationship they have since developed. In addition, Riddle and Eddins list the types of bourbon produced at Buffalo Trace and explain the process of aging, discussing the different kinds of warehouses, barrels and aging conditions. They also reflect on the legacies they hope to leave at Buffalo Trace when they retire.

Interview Keyword

Farm life. Liquor laws--United States Whiskey in Kentucky Childhood Families. Quality of products. Quality control.

Interview LC Subject

Bourbon whiskey Buffalo Trace Distillery Distillation Distilleries -- Kentucky Eddins, Ronnie--Interviews Distillers. Alcohol--Taxation--United States. Riddle, Leonard--Interviews Whiskey Whiskey industry--Kentucky Alcohol--Law and legislation

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.