Charles E. Ballard Straight Corn Whiskey

Charles Ballard’s story takes off where Lee Sinclair’s ends in many ways. Born in nearby Hillham, Ballard began his career as a pin-setter at West Baden Springs Hotel by Lee Sinclair. Ed eventually went on to build a massive business and philanthropic empire, that included ownership of the West Baden Springs Hotel following Lee Sinclair’s death. In 1915, Ed and his wife, Dolly, built their family home Beechwood. Decades later in 1995, the Doty’s began the French Lick Winery in the same Beechwood Mansion.