Summer Cocktails with the Trace

Bill Whitlow’s experience with food and beverage started with bar backing at an early age. He developed a strong introduction to the industry and continued to learn from his experiences. Bartending from the age of 21 years old, Bill has continued to pursue growth learning with every opportunity since.

In 2011, he began working at the illustrious Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, KY. This position enhanced his perception and encouraged Bill to pursue leadership roles in the industry. After being promoted to Beverage Supervisor at the hotel, he desired to try his hand experiencing different specialties within the industry. Bill then helped develop the Wiseguy Lounge brand for Goodfellas Pizzeria.  Five years, four locations in four cities later, Bill finally decided to step out on his own.  Whitlow opened Rich's Proper Food & Drink in 2018 in the Madison District of Covington, KY.  Since then, Rich's Proper has been named a Top 100 Bourbon Bar in America!

Bill has been active in the competitive bartending realm.  Bill is a two-time winner of the Woodford Manhattan Experience, national champion for Ole Smoky Moonshine, and most recently, winner of the best Mint Julep in Kentucky for 2019!