About Us
Our Story
Barrel King isn’t just a business—it’s our answer to a world that often forgets what really matters. We created this brand right after our 6 year old daughter Claire was diagnosed with cancer. Faced with the reality of how precious time is, we made the decision to change everything—our jobs, our focus, and our purpose. We didn’t build Barrel King to follow trends; we built it to stand for something true— something that endures beyond trends and surface-level appeal.
What’s inside the bottle is undoubtedly exceptional. But what’s outside it? That’s what truly defines Barrel King. Our community-driven, direct-to-member model isn’t just about convenience. It’s about breaking free from traditional methods to bring us closer to the people who value what we value: relationships, authenticity, and quality. Each member is an essential part of our story.
We see ourselves in every bottle, every pour, every shared experience. We see Claire, whose fight taught us what it means to live with purpose and treasure each experience. We honor her legacy by making every moment, every connection, and every bottle count.
Barrel King is more than a brand. It’s our legacy, and it’s built with love. So, when you share Barrel King, you’re not just drinking a damn good whiskey— you’re joining a community that’s committed to something far deeper. You’re helping us tell a story that’s filled with love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to living life fully.
Welcome to Barrel King.
Rachael and Jarrod Record
Meet the Barrel King Team
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Rachael Record
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Rachael graduated with her MBA in 2011 and worked primarily in higher education until October 2020 when her daughter, Claire, became ill and she had to step down from her role to care for her. Opening and operating the distillery allowed Rachael to be with Claire during her 31 month battle with brain cancer. The time she was able to spend with her daughter, her husband's love for bourbon and the fact they reside in Bourbon made the idea of opening Old Road Craft Spirits a no-brainer. Rachael handles the financial side of the business as well as socials.
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Jarrod Record
Co-Founder
Jarrod found his passion for bourbon in 2017 and explored every brand and mash bill he could find in bottles ranging from $20 to $2000. When his daughter became ill in 2020 he had to pivot professionally in order to stay home and assist in her care. Opening and operating the distillery combined his interest in bourbon and the ability to be home every night. Jarrod handles all operations of the distillery and is now an aspiring master blender.
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Matt Porter
Chief Tasting Officer & Master Blender
Originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Matt Porter now resides with his family on Colorado’s Western Slope. Known for his YouTube channel “ADHD Whiskey”, Matt is a Judge for Fred Minnick’s ASCOTS, earned the title of “World’s Top Whiskey Taster” in 2020 and is a national two-time Blending Champion.
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Roxann Cochran
Director of Operations
Roxann has an undergrad degree in education and graduate degree in leadership and administration from Southwest Baptist University. She is a former business owner, educator, fitness and nutrition coach, hobby photographer, and writer. With the heart of an adventurer and a soul for sunsets, people, and good conversation, she is full of life and passion.
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Sidney Vassallo
Client Experience Manager
Sidney joined our team in August of 2022 and has become quite the whiskey connoisseur. She has moved into the role of Client Experience Manager and achieved her credential as Certified Bourbon Professional. You can also still find her behind the bar sharing her knowledge and experience, ensuring you have a great time when you visit our tasting room!
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Matt Bunch
Distillery Manager
Matt has been part of the Barrel King family as a GOLD member since nearly the beginning. With over 25 years of invaluable experience in manufacturing and process efficiencies, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our distillery. He also has played a part in previous blend releases and barrel picks, specifically batches 31, 64 and the forever famous, BETA.
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Dottie Zimmerman
Art Director
Dottie brings 20 years of graphic design experience and a lifetime of creativity to her collaborations with non-profit and commercial clients. As a Barrel King OG since the company’s inception, she has worked behind the scenes with Rachael and Jarrod to create engaging branding, packaging, and web design.
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Lauren Rogers
Operations Assistant
Lauren resides in Bourbon, MO, and is happily married with 2 amazing kids. As a busy mom, she loves every second of cheering on her kiddos during their dirtbike adventures, football games, and competitive cheer, dance, and gymnastics. She enjoys fishing, spending time on the river, and being outdoors. Traveling, exploring new places, and meeting new people are her passions. She's a creative soul who is positive and optimistic.
With over 10 years of experience in customer service and relations, Lauren also served as a special education paraprofessional in a life skills classroom. She obtained her real estate license in 2023 and has enjoyed dipping her toes in the world of land real estate. Meeting members from all over in the tasting room has been a joy, and she's fascinated by the natural process and change that occurs during the creation of Barrel King whiskey spirits.
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Reya Bristow
Content Coordinator
Reya Bristow is the Barrel King Content Coordinator. She joined the team in June 2023 part time but moved into this role in August 2024. She is excited to embrace this new role, where she can deepen her knowledge of photography and video—two passions she already holds close. Outside of work, Reya enjoys powerlifting, dedicating her free time to building strength and pushing her limits in the gym.
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Stephanie Alexander
Personal Executive Coordinator
Stephanie was born in St. James, MO and brings motivation, creativity, and curiosity to her role. She enjoys learning new things and finding fresh ways to grow both personally and professionally. When she’s not at work, Stephanie is a devoted single mom who enjoys exploring the outdoors, discovering new interests, and caring for her family. She values connection, growth, and balance, and she carries that same dedication into her professional life.
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Gabby
Pawject Superviser
Gabby is not your average four-legged friend – she's the ultimate greeter and tail-wagger in our tasting room! 🐶👋 With a nose for quality and a heart full of warmth, Gabby ensures every visitor feels right at home.
Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Gabby is here to make your experience unforgettable. Her skills include expert cuddles, tail-wagging consultations, and an uncanny ability to sense when you need a little extra love.
Join us in the tasting room and let Gabby's wagging tail guide you through a delightful tasting adventure. Every sip is better with a furry friend by your side! 🐾🥃
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Robert Vossmeyer
Acting Head Distiller & All-Knowing
Rob, a St. Louis native, is an award-winning distiller with experience at Koval, Grand Ten, Tom’s Town, and 1220 Artisan Spirits. He has created acclaimed spirits, including StrongArm Vodka, and earned multiple industry awards. Since 2020, he has led Voss & Co., a spirits consulting firm, and is a founding member of the Missouri Craft Distillers Guild.