Batch #1

Edward Callico

Toastmaster, Bourbon Brotherhood

Edward Callico is part of the leadership team of the Bourbon Brotherhood, serving as the Bourbon Brotherhood Toastmaster. He’s been a business owner and also an educator, who currently consults businesses on employee recruitment, retention, and mentorship programs. He is also a member of the Bourbon Snobs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Felicia Chism

Founder, Thorns and Roses Bourbon and Cigars

Felicia Chism spent nearly three decades in the insurance industry before embarking on a new path after joining a bourbon tour with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Group (KBBG) six years ago. What began as a chance experience quickly grew into a passion for bourbon and an active role within KBBG, where she has helped organize and lead events. Felicia later turned that passion into entrepreneurship by founding Thorns and Roses Bourbon and Cigars, a business offering distinctive bourbon tastings paired with cigars. Through her work, she encourages others to explore bourbon beyond the top shelf and discover that an exceptional pour is not always the most expensive or prominent bottle.

Maggie Kimberl

Content Editor, American Whiskey Magazine

Maggie Kimberl is a Kentucky Colonel, a ninth-generation Louisvillian, and was named Spirits Writer of the Year by the Bourbon Women Association in 2025. She’s the Content Editor of American Whiskey Magazine and the Chair of the World Whiskies Awards. She focuses on whiskey culture in the United States, though she considers herself to be ‘geographically blessed’ to live in the epicenter of the bourbon world, Louisville, Kentucky. When she’s not covering bourbon you can find her collecting vinyl with her kids or growing tomatoes. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook @LouGirl502 and her blog at LouGirl502.com.

Himanshu Mallick

General Manager, The Pour House

Himanshu Mallick is the General Manager and Bourbon Barrel Pick Specialist at The Pour House in Lexington, Kentucky, where he has spent more than five years working in the spirits retail industry. His passion for bourbon has led him to select numerous single barrels and collaborate with distilleries and brands, with several of his selections gaining recognition and being sought after by bourbon enthusiasts across the country. Himanshu enjoys the process of identifying unique and exceptional barrels and bringing distinctive bottles to his customers, while continuing to build relationships throughout the bourbon community and sharing his passion for the spirit.

Kenny Mills

Co-host, The Mash Up Bourbon Podcast

Kenny Mills shares his enthusiasm and knowledge of bourbon as co-host of The Mash Up Bourbon Podcast every Tuesday and Friday, with reviews and spirited discussions on all the trends and topics in the bourbon world.

Chris Rose

Co-founder, Lexington Bourbon Society

Chris Rose has lived most of his life in Kentucky and enjoyed a 30+ year career in sales, developing an appreciation for craft beer, cocktails, and spirits. His deeper interest in bourbon began, along with many others, at the start of the “Bourbon Boom” around 2012. Soon thereafter he co-founded the Lexington Bourbon Society and still serves on their Board of Directors as Membership Director, past Treasurer, and past VP. Chris is currently the VP of Brand Partnerships for American Whiskey & Whisky magazines.

Mark Rucker

Co-host, The Bourbon Life Podcast

Mark Rucker is co-host of The Bourbon Life podcast, the second most listened-to Bourbon podcast in the world. With avid listeners spanning more than 46 countries, Mark has made an impact on the global bourbon community. Mark earned his Master of Bourbon credential in 2023 from the Council of Whiskey Masters, one of only five such credentialed bourbon authorities in the world.

Tom Wilburn

Creative Bar Lead, Watch Hill Proper

Tom Wilburn is the Creative Bar Lead at Watch Hill Proper and one of its original team members. He has a culinary background with a passion for flavor and art. His background includes being a sous chef at a fine dining restaurant, working at a local bourbon distillery, and later leading distillery tours. Traveling is a huge inspiration to his craft. Tom hopes that one day, the world will taste one of his concoctions!

Brad Williams

Spirits, Liquor Barn

Brad Williams has worked in the adult beverage business for over 30 years — now for Gopuff, Liquor Barn and BevMo!. Brad primarily directs spirits efforts across Kentucky for Liquor Barn. He also pioneered the single barrel selection program for Liquor Barn back in 2009 and continues directing selections to this day.