MOREHEAD, KY., (August 2, 2024) – Eastern Light Distilling, a locally owned and operated distillery being built in Morehead, KY, today announced that Jason Helmkamp has officially joined the team as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Helmkamp is the first addition to Eastern Light’s executive team since the new distillery was first announced in June 2023, joining Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder Cordell Lawrence and Master Distiller and Co-founder Caleb Kilburn.
“I’m honored and excited to join the founders of Eastern Light and look forward to helping them bring this innovative new distillery to life,” said Jason Helmkamp. “Eastern Light has great potential to bring transformative change to the Bourbon space thanks to Caleb and Cordell’s vision and veteran leadership. I’m glad to be part of such a great team from the beginning.”
Jason Helmkamp has more than 25 years of experience in the financial space across a broad range of sectors, including the Bourbon industry. He has provided thoughtful, partnership-focused services for multinational corporations, private equity-owned businesses, and family-owned operations, perfectly preparing him for his new role with Eastern Light. Finally, Jason was raised in Kentucky and graduated from the University of Louisville. Having spent significant time in Eastern Kentucky, Jason shares Caleb and Cordell’s local knowledge and passion for the Commonwealth and its signature Bourbon industry.
“I’m thrilled to have Jason join us as the first new member of our executive team at Eastern Light,” said Cordell Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder at Eastern Light. “As we gear up for our bright future ahead, Jason will offer incomparable guidance and expertise to help ensure our success. I know that his skillset will prove invaluable in making our vision a reality.”
“In selecting a Chief Financial Officer, it was important for us to choose a teammate who not only shared our love for Eastern Kentucky and Bourbon, but who could also offer diverse new perspectives and knowledge,” said Caleb Kilburn, Master Distiller and Co-founder at Eastern Light. “Jason fits that bill perfectly and I could not be more excited to forge ahead with him by our side.”
On July 2, 2024, Eastern Light Distilling broke ground on its 230-acre campus in Morehead, KY. Expected to complete the first phase of construction and open to the public by late 2025, the distillery will grow to consist of 50,000-square-foot full-service distillery, nine rickhouses with an average capacity of 33,000 barrels each, a full bottling facility, and a unique Bourbon tourism experience. Employing more than 50 full-time staff, the distillery will deliver an unmatched Bourbon contribution to Eastern Kentucky, producing upwards of 97,000 barrels per year.
Eastern Light’s innovative concept will bring the state’s signature Bourbon industry to Eastern Kentucky like never before, generating significant new investment, jobs, and tourism opportunities to the region. In the coming months, Eastern Light will continue to make significant and visible strides in the development of their new distillery campus, including massive construction progress, gradual hiring, and ultimately an incomparable contribution to the economy of Eastern Kentucky.
