It’s the end of an era for Joseph Head and The Century Bar. I got the heads up last night and this morning he made it official by posting this on his Facebook Page:
“So it’s official I’ve left the Century. I leave with no anger or hatred. I’ve run my race. Time changes people change. I will never regret my 27 years there. I met my wife there. I became a Kentucky Colonel. I’ve grown to be a much better person. However the bar business behind the scenes is terrible and unhealthy. It’s just simply time for me to say goodbye no regrets. I’ve been preparing for this transaction in life for a bit. Edye (his wife) has been more than supportive in my decision. I love the Century. That being said, letting something you love go, some time is best for everyone. Thank you all for supporting me. I want nothing more for the Century to thrive.”
Once a rough-around-the-edges, long-haired arrogant youth, Head credits Diane Spitzig, The Century’s longtime owner, with taking a chance on him and eventually making him the bar’s manager. In 2011 Joe started to have a vision, and began researching bourbons and proposed the concept of changing the bar into a bourbon house. Together, the pair transformed the Century into one of the most raved-about bourbon houses in the nation for the past 13 years. Joe once described Th Century as a bar for professionals to enjoy a cocktail, with no tv’s, where you actually put your phone in your pocket and actually talk to people.
2012 was the first year The Century Bar was named to The Bourbon Review list of Best Bourbon Bars in America and it continued make the list year after year. In 2015 Men’s Journal magazine’s website declared The Century one of the “10 Best Bourbon Bars in America” describing it as “a small bar with a huge bourbon list, The Century is as devoted to the whiskey as any other place in America.”
Joe told me he’s been working at a farm in Carlisle and enjoys working the land. We wish him the best on his next chapter and thank him for educating so many of us about bourbon and for bringing Dayton so much attention in the national media.
“Joe was made a Kentucky Colonel in 2016 for contributions to bourbon and Kentucky. He helped ring in new bourbon drinkers every year.” – Grant
