WHO IS BARMAN’S
Barman’s is a bold, new craft spirits company founded by 30-year hospitality veteran Johnny Holder. He began as a busboy, worked through the kitchen, and found his place behind the bar, where he spent decades refining his craft and building a following through creativity and flavor. Driven to create, he developed his own infusions, syrups, tinctures, and bitters, eventually transitioning into a beverage director role where he built countless bar programs. Johnny searched for products that matched the quality and taste of his own creations, but none met his standards — and so, Barman’s was born.
Made with purpose—and a little attitude—Barman’s small-batch spirits are proudly produced and bottled in Illinois at Kennay Farms Distilling, a true grain-to-glass operation. Crafted from 100% soft red winter wheat, our flagship vodka is distilled with precision for an exceptionally clean, balanced profile—naturally smooth, subtly layered, and completely unfiltered.
Our natural infusions are built for both professional bar programs and home bartenders, using real fruit with no added sugar, chemicals, or coloring—delivering bold, authentic flavor without the extra work.
Barman’s is inspired by the people behind the bar—their creativity, energy, and craft. Each expression is tied to a real bartender, featuring their story and a cocktail that reflects their style. Built for performance and made for everyone, Barman’s brings a bartender’s standard to every bottle.
Built on Partnership
Barman’s was created by Johnny Holder and soon joined by early investors Josh Becker and Bob Whitehead, who brought years of firsthand experience some of which were working alongside Johnny. Having spent years building and operating hospitality concepts, their partnership is rooted in trust, shared vision, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed. Their continued involvement ensures Barman’s is not only thoughtfully crafted and grown, but built on real-world experience and long-standing collaboration.
Co-founder & Partner Josh Becker
Josh may not be featured on a label—yet—but he is a true Barman by trade and a key part of the inspiration behind the brand. Raised in a family-run restaurant, Josh learned the fundamentals of hospitality early and built his career from the ground up—serving, bartending, and eventually leading as both bar and restaurant manager. After years behind the bar in respected programs, he continues to stay hands-on today at some of the Chicagoland area’s top restaurants. Josh began working closely with founder Johnny Holder in 2023 while building a new beverage program in Schaumburg, Illinois—a partnership rooted in shared standards and experience that would ultimately lead to the creation of Barman’s. His influence is deeply woven into the foundation of the brand.
Co-founder & Partner Bob Whitehead
Bob brings over 50 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having spent decades running bars and restaurants while working closely with bar programs and menu development. While not a bartender by trade, his standards have always been shaped behind the bar—rooted in a deep understanding of what makes great food, great drinks, and great service come together. Bob operates with a simple philosophy: never offer something he wouldn’t stand behind himself. In his words—if Barman’s isn’t the smoothest, cleanest vodka you’ve ever had, your next drink is on him.
Created in Partnership
Barman’s Spirits is distilled by Adam “Mr. Wizard” Kennay, Head Distiller at Kennay Farms Distilling. With a background in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University and service in the United States Military, Adam brings precision, discipline, and technical expertise to every batch. As part of the Kennay family’s sixth-generation farming legacy, his work bridges generations of agricultural knowledge with modern distillation—resulting in a spirit defined by purity, consistency, and intention.
Barman’s is produced in partnership with Kennay Farms Distilling, led by Rick and Doris Kennay and their children, Kaleb and Aubrey—a sixth-generation farming family. The grains in every bottle are grown and milled at the Kennay family farm, ensuring a true grain-to-glass process from start to finish. This collaboration delivers a spirit defined by quality, consistency, and authenticity—crafted to perform behind the bar.
