Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskeys announced the appointment of Laura Coomes as General Manager of its new Whiskey Row Experience, slated to open later this month.

Coomes brings deep experience in the Kentucky tourism and hospitality industry to her new role with Buzzard’s Roost. Most recently, she ran retail and operations at a distillery on Whiskey Row and prior to that, she worked in public relations, marketing and brand management for Creative Alliance and Sazerac. In addition to her business experience, Coomes has a wealth of knowledge about Louisville and Kentucky folklore, history and architecture.

“I’ve never been more excited about a job,” says Coomes. “What I love about Buzzard’s Roost is the integrity of the brand and the people behind it. I love being part of a growing brand that takes innovation and quality seriously. The art and science of our proprietary barrels makes every bottle special.”

Coomes also notes how Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience in Louisville stands out. “This is not your traditional distillery tour,” she says. “We go deep into how whiskey is made, the science of bourbon, what happens in the barrel. People are going to leave the Buzzard’s Roost Whisky Row Experience with new-found knowledge that they can share with friends.”

Buzzard’s Roost Co-founder and CEO Judy Hollis Jones is thrilled to have Laura on the Buzzard’s Roost team. “This is a big step for us, and Laura’s experience coupled with her passion for our brand is going to help make the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience a huge success.”

The Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience is located at 624 W. Main Street. The 6,000-square foot space will offer a full 360-degree experience, housing a still that will produce up to seven barrels of new-make bourbon or rye per week, complementing Buzzard’s Roost’s sourced whiskies, which currently are re-barreled and bottled at Bardstown Bourbon Company. There also is a large bar, tasting room and retail space to welcome visitors.

Unique to Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience is a diverse menu of whiskey education classes designed by acclaimed expert and author Susan Reigler and cocktail classes by mixologist and author of “Bourbon is My Comfort Food,” Heather Wibbels (aka “The Cocktail Contessa”).

Visitors to the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience will be able to sample from Buzzard’s Roost’s portfolio of bourbons and ryes in guided tastings. The retail shop will also offer exclusive bottlings of small-batch bourbons and ryes several times a year.

Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey is currently distributed in 11 states. Select products are also available online.