Jade Thomas Peterson is an accomplished distilling executive and entrepreneur based in Louisville, Kentucky. As the Chief Operating Officer and Master Distiller of Kentucky Artisan Distillery (KAD) since 2015, Peterson has overseen every aspect of production—from grain processing and fermentation to blending, barreling, and large-scale bottling operations. Under his leadership, KAD expanded from pot stills to column distillation, scaled to more than 6,500 barrel equivalents annually, and built capacity for over 35,000 barrels across four rickhouses.

He has guided product development and brand partnerships with nationally recognized clients such as Jefferson’s Bourbon, Pinhook, Cream of Kentucky, WhiskeyRow, and Buzzards Roost. Peterson also helped launch the KAD ARTISAN SERIES of bourbons, ryes, and Single malts that are available at the KAD gift shop and a bottled-in-bond line set to hit distribution in the spring of 2026.

In 2022, Peterson founded Just A Distiller Enterprises LLC, launching Trackside Distilling Company with a Kentucky-focused bourbon portfolio. Trackside’s debut releases—the Founders Release in spring 2025, High Proof 107 in fall 2025, and Oldham County Estate High Rye bourbon in the spring of 2026—reflect his vision of combining craft authenticity with regional culture. In addition to brand building, he serves as a consultant and ambassador across the spirits industry, offering expertise in troubleshooting, product design, and operational strategy.

Peterson’s entrepreneurial background extends beyond distilling. He has founded and operated businesses in equipment rentals, hospitality, property management, and facilities services, demonstrating financial discipline and growth execution. He also serves on the Kentucky Distillers Association Board of Directors and Technical Committee, and holds a board seat with Copperhead Distillery Company.