In Memory of Al Young

Floor Speech

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Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Mr. Al Young of Lexington, Kentucky. Mr. Young passed away on December 25, 2019 at the age of 77. Mr. Young was an icon in the bourbon business, one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky's signature industries.

Mr. Young was born in Louisville, Kentucky on June 20, 1942. Following his graduation from Western Kentucky University and later Southern Illinois University, he began his career in the distilling industry in 1967. He served in a variety of roles and became Distillery Manager of Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky in 1990. He was named Brand Ambassador for Four Roses in 2007, where he served until his passing. Mr. Young was a part of the Four Roses family for over fifty years.

Mr. Young was inducted into the Kentucky Distillers' Association Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2011. He was one of the KDA's official historians due to his extensive knowledge of the industry. He was also inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame in 2015. He authored the book Four Roses: The Return of a Whiskey Legend. Mr. Young was passionate for the industry and was well known by bourbon fans around the world.

Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers' Association, said ``Al was an ambassador for Kentucky bourbon long before the job was even invented. The thing I'll remember most is that Al was always smiling. Always. You just knew he loved his job, his family, and his life. We were lucky to share in his spirit.''

Mr. Gregory is survived by Gretchen, his wife of 52 years, their three children Marc, Heather, and Christine, and four grandchildren.

It is my honor to acknowledge the life of this accomplished man, Mr. Al Young, before the United States Congress.

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