Mr. Even Kulsveen, a pioneer, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died in Lexington, Ky. on September 23, he was 79. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ms. Martha Willett Kulsveen. Together, they built a life and legacy defined by love, perseverance, and an enduring commitment to family and tradition. He established a legacy in American Whiskey after resurrecting the Willett Distillery and became a pioneer in the renaissance of American Whiskey; helping sustain and then grow the category throughout the 1980s and 90s.

From Norway to America.

Born in Hamar, Norway, Even grew up along the banks of Lake Mjøsa. He emigrated alone to the United States, beginning a journey that would take him sailing as a merchant marine, honing his culinary skills as a chef, making homemade bloody mary mix behind the bar, and working as a fine decanter craftsman. These experiences nurtured his appreciation for artistry, craftsmanship, and worldliness—qualities that would later define his approach to bourbon.

Marriage and Shared Vision

In 1972, Even married Martha Willett, a Kentucky native and descendant of the Willett distilling family. Their marriage represented both a union of love, heritage, and vision. After the Willett Distillery closed in the late 1970s amid industry decline, Even and Martha saw an opportunity to revive it. In 1984, they purchased the property and founded Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd. Together, they leveraged existing bourbon stocks, embraced creative packaging, and opened export markets, sustaining the family business during a period when American whiskey struggled amid growing diversification in beverage alcohol.

A Legacy Reborn

Even’s perseverance paid off as bourbon’s fortunes rebounded throughout the 1980s and 90s. In resurrecting the family and distillery legacy, he returned distilling to the family property in 2012, alongside his daughter, Britt, President and Chief Whiskey Officer of Willett Distillery and his son, Drew, Master Distiller and Chief Operations Officer. The family’s business philosophy balanced respect for tradition with an openness to innovation, ensuring that Willett’s whiskeys resonated with both connoisseurs and new generations of bourbon drinkers.

Recognition and Community

The bourbon community widely recognized Even’s contributions. In 2019, he was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and received the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Upon induction, his peers acknowledged a principled work ethic, keen business sense, and ability to foresee global demand well before the bourbon boom took hold.

Beyond business, Even was admired for his humility, warmth, and generosity. In later years, he could often be found at The Bar at Willett, sharing stories through his singular dry Norwegian humor to the many visitors to Bourbon Country over cheesecake.

Likewise, Even and the family supported charitable causes close to their hearts, including veterans affairs, cancer research, and more. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and the Willett Distillery family.

Public visitation will be Friday, September 26 at Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home in Bardstown from 5pm-8pm. Mass in honor of Mr. Even will be held at 11:00am Saturday morning at St. Joseph Cathedral in Bardstown.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Mr. Even’s honor to the Medicinal Whiskey Charity https://www.medicinalwhiskeycharity.org/ and the American Cancer Society

Industry Quotes:

Eric Gregory, President, Kentucky Distillers Association, regarding Even Kulsveen:

“From revitalizing Willett Distillery to inspiring countless distillers, his leadership shaped not only a brand but an entire industry. The Kentucky Bourbon community has lost a guiding light, and we are grateful for the profound mark he leaves behind.”

Max Shapira, Executive Chairmen, Heaven Hill Brands, regarding Even Kulsveen:

“Even was a true steward of Kentucky bourbon, combining vision, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for family tradition. His work at Willett helped revitalize the industry and inspired all of us who shared his passion for this craft. He leaves behind not only remarkable whiskeys, but a legacy of integrity, perseverance, and family that will endure for generations.”