FOUNDER + MASTER DISTILLER + BRICOLEUR

Gate 11 Distillery is the brainchild and distilled spirits playground of distilling visionary Bill Lee. It is a unique small batch distillery intentionally built to create and share many wonderful new tastes and flavors.

Equal parts entrepreneur and mad scientist, this Sequatchie Valley native, grew up around Chattanooga during his formative years. Bill built a successful career as research chemical engineer for two different Fortune 500 food companies. before becoming a pioneering and innovative leader in the US biofuels and bioenergy industries.

Along the way he developed a side gig that has now morphed into a full-time passion – Craft Spirits. Bill developed the spirits that became Shakers and Prairie Organic Vodka during his Minnesota biofuels days. Since returning home in 2009, he has helped good friend Scott Bush design and build the Foundry craft whiskey distillery in Des Moines and has supported whiskey production at Sugarlands, Old Forge and other Tennessee distillers with consulting and gas chromatography testing.

Bill leads product development at Gate 11 as the team continues to explore and develop new distilled spirits products and present them in exciting ways at the cocktail bar.

DISTILLER + BUSINESS MANAGER

Wanda left the peaceful life of a retired schoolteacher to join husband Bill in developing Gate 11 Distillery and her contributions to the company have been profound.

First and foremost is her role as botanical formulator and distiller of Gate 11 Dry Gin. This highly awarded spirit has become our flagship product and its success is a direct result of her keen insights and fine palate. Wanda also distills our Absinthe spirits and assists with whiskey and agave distillations.

Wanda continues to play a major role in new product development at Gate 11. She was the driving force behind our ventures into Absinthe and Agave spirits challenging and pushing partner Bill to undertake what turned out to be significant investments in time and resource. Importantly, her fine-tuned taste buds continue to help us differentiate between new product alternatives.

In addition to distilling duties, Wanda manages the business side of Gate 11 and is responsible for cocktail bar and retail operations. Her background in education and theatre has prepared her well for fronting retail and bar operations.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, BRAND STRATEGIST, AND MINORITY OWNER

With over 30 years of expertise in brand development and creative leadership, Tavis Salazar brings a visionary approach to Gate Eleven Distillery. His work spans every facet of the distillery’s identity, reflecting his passion for storytelling, craftsmanship, and the art of connection.

At Gate Eleven, Tavis has spearheaded the development of the distillery’s individual spirit brands, including Patois Rum, Salazar Agave Spirits, Infame Absinthe, Larken Bridges Whiskeys, and the award-winning core spirits, Gate Eleven Gin and Vodka. His contributions include everything from packaging and label design to brand strategy, product naming, and development. Tavis also plays a critical role in Gate Eleven’s private label program, helping partner brands bring their unique visions to life.

Tavis’s journey is steeped in creativity—from his early days as a musician and poet to his lifelong love of culinary arts. These artistic sensibilities now drive his work at Gate Eleven, where he has crafted a lineup of spirits and experiences that are as innovative as they are memorable. His expertise in brand building has positioned Gate Eleven as a standout in the craft spirits industry, seamlessly blending authenticity with forward-thinking strategy.

As a cocktail aficionado and dedicated collaborator, Tavis is instrumental in curating Gate Eleven’s identity as both a creative destination and a purveyor of high-quality spirits. Through his leadership, the distillery continues to grow as a beacon of artistry and innovation, capturing the imagination of consumers and partners alike.

Whether designing a label, creating a new brand, or expanding Gate Eleven’s reach, Tavis Salazar’s work ensures the distillery remains synonymous with quality, creativity, and connection.