A whiskey titan

We meet inductee number 76

Garvin Brown Brown-forman

This year’s inductee, and the latest American whiskey industry legend to join the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame, is part of Kentucky’s legacy. His grandfather and namesake, George Garvin Brown, founded Brown-forman in 1870 – the company that would go on to become one of the largest wine and spirits companies in the industry.

Although Garvin spent his childhood in Montreal, his mother’s hometown, along with his brother, they would spend the summers at his grandmother's farm in Louisville, Kentucky.

After undertaking a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in political science, Garvin worked in New York at Parliamentarians for Global Action before taking a step towards the family business. He knew he wanted to work in business, and after gaining his MBA from London Business School in 2001, Garvin fully embraced life as part of Brown-forman.

Upon his return to the fold in 2001, Garvin began working as a business analyst, then in 2002 became director to the o ce of the CEO. After two years in that role, he spent four years as vice president, Jack Daniel’s brand director for Europe and Africa, and two years as senior vice president, managing director of Western Europe and Africa. It was at this point, in 2007, that he took on his greatest role as chairman of the board of directors for Brown-forman. In this role, Garvin helped to create a ‘family engagement’ committee, which has helped to avoid con icts that have been the downfall of other familyowned rms.

Garvin, we would like to take this moment to wish you a very warm welcome to the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame.