In 2023, a simple frustration sparked an innovative solution for the spirits industry. While building the bourbon brand Party Horses, Chris Wiedmar encountered a challenging reality: sourcing quality bourbon barrels was unnecessarily complex, with no transparency around pricing or availability. This experience led Chris to envision a better way – a digital marketplace that would bring clarity and efficiency to barrel transactions.
Chris shared his vision with longtime friend Beau Beckman, whose deep roots in bourbon history provided unique insight into the industry’s needs. As a sixth-generation descendant of Col. Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., the “father of the modern bourbon industry,” Beau brought not just heritage but hands-on expertise from his role managing the Single Barrel Select program at Sazerac.
Together, they founded Hogshead – the premier online marketplace for bulk spirits. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Hogshead brings transparency, innovation, and a human touch to an industry steeped in tradition, connecting buyers and sellers of barrel-aged spirits through a platform that honors the past while embracing the future.
Our Team
Chris Wiedmar
Cofounder and CEO
Chris Wiedmar combines his entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for both technology and whiskey. With over 15 years of leadership experience, Chris recognized the need for innovation in barrel sourcing while developing Party Horses bourbon. His vision for Hogshead stems from firsthand understanding of the challenges facing brands, distillers, and investors in the spirits industry. When not reshaping the future of spirits sourcing, Chris enjoys a pour of Party Horses bourbon, mentoring startups, and coaching his kids’ sports teams.
Beau Beckman
Cofounder and Chief Barrel Officer
Born into one of America’s preeminent bourbon families, Beau Taylor Beckman brings bourbon heritage and modern innovation together at Hogshead. As the sixth-generation descendant of Col. Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., Beau transformed Buffalo Trace’s Single Barrel Select program into an international phenomenon, expanding it to 30 brands across four countries and achieving triple-digit growth in annual barrel sales. His creation of SingleBarrelSelect.com laid the groundwork for modernizing barrel sales while maintaining the industry’s essential personal touch. A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, Beau ensures Hogshead maintains the “utmost class” his ancestor was known for while bringing barrel trading into the digital age.
Chris Gleim
Chief Product Officer
Chris Gleim brings a unique blend of software engineering, product development, and entrepreneurial success to Hogshead. Before joining as Chief Product Officer, Chris co-founded GoWild, a thriving social community for outdoor enthusiasts, where he pioneered innovative approaches to community building and e-commerce. His experience developing scalable applications at Coca-Cola, combined with his startup success, enables him to create technology solutions that respect tradition while embracing innovation. At Hogshead, Chris leads product development with a focus on creating exceptional user experiences that make barrel trading more accessible and efficient for everyone in the spirits industry.
Contact us
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell barrels, build a new brand, or just want to learn more about Hogshead, we’re here to help. Our team is based in Louisville, Kentucky – the heart of bourbon country.
700 Distillery Commons
Louisville, KY 40206