Cordell Lawrence
| Director, Global Marketing and Strategy,
Peerless Distilling Co.
There are a handful of Kentuckians who can trace their lineage to the days before statehood was established in 1792, to the days when Kentucky was still considered a county of Virginia. Cordell Lawrence’s family has been in Kentucky for nearly 250 years, so it’s no surprise his pride for the state runs deep. As does his pride for Kentucky’s signature industry: distilling.
Cordell’s great-grandfather was a doctor who graduated from the University of Louisville in 1913 and lived within walking distance of what is now the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company. In those days, doctors made house calls and patients sometimes bartered for services. One such patient paid Cordell’s great-grandfather with a handmade still. It’s been passed down through the generations and today is proudly displayed in Cordell’s office at Peerless.
“I grew up touring local distilleries with my father and grandfather, so I’ve always had a passion for whiskey and bourbon,” said Lawrence. “My personal connection to distilling and my career experience in the industry ultimately led me to Peerless, where I’m proud to be part of a family-owned brand with an incredible heritage here in Kentucky.”
After earning his business degree from Transylvania University in Lexington—America’s 16th oldest college—Cordell brought his marketing and communications acumen to the distilling world. He worked with iconic brands like Jack Daniels and Southern Comfort before joining the Peerless team. Cordell instantly felt a connection with the Peerless story as told by the man himself, Corky Taylor. Corky’s authenticity and ingerity were what inspired Cordell to join the Peerless team. He strives to share the Peerless experience with people across the world.
“Cordell’s depth of marketing experience at some of the world’s most recognizable spirits brands has helped bring global attention to what we’re doing at Peerless,” said Peerless proprietor Corky Taylor. “As a key member of our team, Cordell shares our family’s passion for handcrafted quality.”
Today, as director of global marketing and strategy for Peerless, Cordell brings the Peerless story to distributors and consumers around the world and oversees the brand’s expansion into new markets.