Whiskey University has Instructors in the Bardstown Metro Area:

Our faculty currently serves areas in Hardin County, Kentucky (111,607); Nelson County, Kentucky (47,098); Breckinridge County, Kentucky (20,651), LaRue County, Kentucky (14,867); Grayson County and Hart County, Kentucky in the Elizabethtown/Bardstown Area.


Whiskey University’s Faculty

  • Col. Jim Silliman

  • Lt. Col. Kathleen Byrne

  • Maj. Don Howard

  • Sgt. Steven Dowling

Whiskey University is also currently looking for Instructors In the Elizabethtown/Bardstown area

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Col. Jim Silliman

Email Address:  JSilliman@WhiskeyUniv.com

Whiskey University Recruiter

Jim has the following “Designations” & Credentials:

Kentucky Colonel

Chartered Master Whiskey Taster

(from the Whiskey University)

Executive Bourbon Steward

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

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FOR LIFE

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Band Of Rebels, Rebel Yell Association

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Lt. Col. Kathleen Byrne

Email Address:  KateByrne@WhiskeyUniv.com

Lt. Col. Kate Byrne has been a member of Whiskey University since late 2022. In 2016 Whiskey University began offering Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees. Kate earned her Bourbon Diploma on January 17th, 2023 after passing ten classes. 

Kate retired from health care in 2010, after many years as manager of Radiology Departments, Teaching of Radiology Products and Medical Sales, including a stint as International Applications Specialist for a leading healthcare company. During that time, she spent two years living in Brussels, Belgium, covering forty-four countries. After returning to the United States, she worked for SenoRx, teaching their state-of-the-art equipment, with her territory being most or all of eight Western states. SenoRx was sold in 2011 and Kate moved on.

After a year of loafing, Kate returned to Europe, this time Ireland, for an intense year of study, obtaining her MFA in Creative Writing. Spirits have always been an interest, wine initially. When settling in Bardstown, KY and working as a tour guide at Four Roses and Preservation Distilleries, that focus solidly changed to bourbon. Kate is currently employed as a tour guide at the Independent Stave Company, Lebanon, KY.

Kate is a graduate of the Spring Class of 2023,  graduating from Whiskey University on April 11th, 2023, where she has earned her Associate of Science degree with 20 classes, and the title of "Certified Bourbon Taster." Byrne completed her 30th course, earning his Bachelor’s of Science degree and the rank of First Lieutenant in the Bourbon Brigade on June 21st, 2023.

Kate has completed Majors in the “Bourbon Capital Region, Bluegrass Capital, Mid-Atlantic Rye Region, World Whisky and Craft Whiskey” as she continues to expand his studies. Byrne became a “Chartered Master Whiskey Taster” with the rank of Colonel in the Bourbon Brigade after taking his 60th class and earning his Master of Arts Degree on November 20th of 2023.

Kate has the following “Designations” & Credentials:

Chartered Master Whiskey Taster

(from the Whiskey University)

Certified Bourbon Steward

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

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Maj. Don Howard

Email Address:  DonHoward@WhiskeyUniv.com

Don has the following “Designations” & Credentials:

Chartered Master Bourbon Taster

(from the Whiskey University)

Certified Bourbon Steward

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

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Band Of Rebels, Rebel Yell Association

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Sgt. Steven Dowling

Steven has the following “Designations” & Credentials:

Journeyman Bourbon Taster

(from the Whiskey University)

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Cities or towns in this service area for Bourbon and Whiskey Tasting Classes include Elizabethtown, KY; Fort Knox, KY; Radcliff, KY; Sonora, KY; Upton, KY, Vine Grove, KY; West Point, KY; Cecilia, KY; Rineyville, KY; Glendale, KY; Eastview, KY; Big Clifty, KY; Bardstown, KY; Boston, KY; Cox’s Creek, KY; New Haven, KY; Bloomfield, KY; New Hope, KY; Hardinsburg, KY; Cloverport, KY; Irvington, KY; Harned, KY; Falls of Rough, KY; Westview, KY; Hudson, KY; Garfield, KY; Custer, KY; Webster, KY; Union Star, KY; Stephensport, KY; Hodgenville, KY; Magnolia, KY; Buffalo, KY; New Haven, KY; Mount Sherman, KY; Leitchfield, KY; Clarkson, KY; Caneyville, KY; Millwood, KY; Olaton, KY; Munfordville, KY; Horse Cave, KY; Bonnieville, KY; Cub Run, KY; and Hardyville, KY.