Frank August announced the appointment of Jessica Osborne as the company’s new Brand Director. Osborne, a fifth-generation bourbon industry professional, brings a wealth of experience and  a deep passion for American whiskey to this pivotal role. 

Osborne’s journey in the bourbon industry began in 2014 at Willett Distillery, where she quickly  rose from Assistant Manager to become the Global Brand Ambassador and Whiskey Educator within just two years. Her career reflects her dedication to preserving rich traditions of bourbon while educating audiences worldwide about its evolving narrative. 

“Growing up in the bourbon industry has given me a profound respect for its legacy,” Osborne said in a news release. “While my entire family has worked for Maker’s Mark, I took a unique path, stepping outside that tradition to carve my own journey, first at Willett and now at Frank August. I’m honored to bring my experience and vision to a brand that seeks to reshape how we think about bourbon and its identity as America’s Spirit.” 

Osborne’s expertise extends beyond her professional roles. As an Executive Bourbon Steward, she possesses  an incredible depth of knowledge about the craft of whiskey-making. She credits early career influences,  including working alongside industry luminaries like Denny Potter, Steve Nally, Dave Pickerell, Kevin Smith, and her father, as instrumental in shaping her approach and appreciation for the craft of bourbon. However, her most profound influence has been Drew Kulsveen, whose mentorship further deepened her understanding of bourbon’s artistry and its legacy. 

Bourbon runs deep in Osborne’s family roots. As the first in her family to step outside the Maker’s Mark  legacy, she has paved the way for the next generation of whiskey enthusiasts, including her two daughters, who also work in the industry at Willett Distillery. This generational commitment to bourbon is a testament  to her dedication to the craft and her desire to inspire others to honor its traditions while pushing its  boundaries. 

In her new role, Osborne will oversee Frank August’s sales, distribution, education, and consumer engagement as the company continues its mission to redefine bourbon’s identity as America’s Spirit. 

“We are beyond excited to welcome Jessica Osborne to the Frank August family,” Johnathan Crocker, CEO and co-founder of Frank August, said. “Her extraordinary background, dynamic vision, and unmatched passion for bourbon perfectly align with our mission of uniting tradition with modernity. With Jessica joining  the brand, we are confident that Frank August will continue to make its mark as an innovator in American  whiskey.” 

Read more: Frank August Launches New Take on Double-Oaked Whiskey

About Frank August 

Frank August is an American whiskey brand that exists to evolve the identity of bourbon by uniting authenticity with modernity, while at the same time reconsidering its identity as America’s Spirit. For more information, visit https://thefrankaugust.com/.