Whiskey University has Instructors in the Florence Metro Area:

Check on the pages in the Left Nav. Bar in this Section to find Faculty listed Geographically.

Our faculty currently serves areas in Limestone County, Alabama (103,570); Lauderdale County, Alabama (93,564); Colbert County, Alabama (57,227); Lawrence County, Alabama . (33,073); Franklin County, Alabama (32,113) and Winston County, Alabama (23,540) in the Florence Metro Area.

Whiskey University presents its Faculty in Florence Metro Area:

1.) Professor Lt. Col. John Rector

2.) Lt. Skip Nichols

3.) Lt. John Greaves

4.) 1st Lt. Robert Pomerenk

Professor Lt. Col. John Rector

Email address:   1Juice@WhiskeyUniv.com

Whiskey University Partner

Member of the Board of Directors

Whiskey University Recruiter

John Rector started his official studies with Whiskey University in late 2020. He has been proudly learning, tasting, testing, and making his way up the ranks to a proud Master Bourbon Taster, Bourbon Steward, and Captain in the Bourbon Brigade. In 2016 Whiskey University began offering Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees. John earned his Bourbon Diploma on January 24th, 2021.

John is a native of Tennessee but has called Northern Alabama his home for the last 22 years. Born in Chattanooga and raised in Franklin Tennessee, he stayed in God’s Country to earn his Mechanical Engineering degree from Tennessee Technological University way back in 1991. He challenged himself by working in the Automotive Industry, but now presently works in Extreme Long-Haul Transportation Systems around the Moon.

He continues to enjoy spending time with his “Back Table Friends” from college - sharing a bourbon (or two), stories, and cherished laughs. He designs and produces Hi-Fi speaker systems out of vintage luggage or whatever object is presented to him. Creativity is unlimited, like a bottomless Glencairn.

Rector earned his Associate Degree after passing 15 classes on March 30th, 2021. On July 13th, 2021, John earned his Bachelor of Science Degree with 24 classes, at Whiskey University and the title of "Adjunct Master Bourbon Taster." On September 7th, 2021 Captain Rector advanced to earn the Title of “Master Bourbon Taster” by earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree and the rank of Captain in the Bourbon Brigade. John is pursuing his a Graduate Degree currently.

Captain Rector encourages everyone to sip, experience, and savor the flavors of whatever is presented to you. There is no wrong answer to your flavor profile or what you taste. Every whiskey journey is exciting and personal, but hopefully shared with friends and family every chance you get. He looks forward to sharing a glass with you.

John has the following Designations and Credentials:

1.) ”Chartered Master Bourbon Taster”

(from Whiskey University)

2.) ”Certified Bourbon Steward”

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

3.) Maker’s Mark Ambassador

4.) Tennessee Squire With Jack Daniel’s

5.)Coopers Club with Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

6.) Sagamore Spirits Ambassador; A Whiskey Thief

7.) Member of the King’s Circle with M.G.P./Remus

8.)Bardstown Whiskey Society Member With Heaven Hil

9.) Whiskey Baron From Wyoming Whiskey

10.) Band of Rebels Member with LuxCo/Rebel Yell

Lt. Skip Nichols

Email address: Skip@WhiskeyUniv.com

Skip has the following Designations and Credentials:

1.) “Certified Bourbon Taster”

(from Whiskey University)

2.) ”Certified Bourbon Steward“

(from Stave & Thief Society)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

3.) Maker’s Mark Ambassador

4.) Blade and Bow’s Five Keys Club Member

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

5.) Sagamore Spirits Ambassador; A Whiskey Thief

6.) Member of the King’s Circle with M.G.P./Remus

7.) Family Tree Ambassador at Wilderness Trail

8.)Bardstown Whiskey Society Member With Heaven Hill

9.) Whiskey Baron from Wyoming Whiskey

10.) Alchemist Ambassador with Jefferson’s Bourbon

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

11.) Member, Shoals Bourbon & Whiskey Club

Lt. John Greaves

John has the following Designations and Credentials:

1.) “Certified Bourbon Taster”

(from Whiskey University)

2.) ”Certified Bourbon Steward“

(from Stave & Thief Society)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

3.) Maker’s Mark Ambassador

1st Lt. Robert Pomerenk

Email Address:  RobertP@WhiskeyUniv.com

Robert Pomerenk's journey with Whiskey University began in September of 2023. In December of that year, he earned his Associate of Science degree, gaining the title of "Certified Bourbon Taster". Robert continued his studies and in March 2024, he achieved his Bachelor of Science degree, earning him the distinguished rank of "Master Bourbon Taster" and the commensurate officer rank of 1st Lieutenant in the "Bourbon Brigade."

A lifelong resident of West Tennessee until recently, Robert now calls Northern Alabama home after relocating a few years ago. His professional career lies in the field of cybersecurity within the healthcare sector.

On a personal note, Robert has been married to his wife Paige for 8 years. When not working, he enjoys reading, watching Alabama football, rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, and cheering on the Nashville Predators hockey team. Robert's academic background includes a B.A. and M.A. in History from the University of Memphis.

It was Michter's bourbon that first opened Robert's eyes and palate to the wonders of the bourbon world, and to this day, it remains his favorite distillery. As he continues his whiskey education, Robert looks forward to exploring and savoring new expressions while sharing his passion with friends, family, and fellow enthusiasts alike.

Robert has the following Designations and Credentials:

1.) “Master Bourbon Taster”

(from Whiskey University)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

2.) ”Certified Bourbon Steward“

3.) Sagamore Spirits Ambassador; A Whiskey Thief

4.) Maker’s Mark Ambassador

5.) Blade and Bow’s Five Keys Club Member

6.) Member of the King’s Circle with M.G.P./Remus

7.) Family Tree Ambassador at Wilderness Trail

8.) Whiskey Baron from Wyoming Whiskey

9.) Band of Rebels Member with LuxCo/Rebel Yell

We teach Bourbon Classes, Bourbon Experiences, Bourbon Tastings, Bourbon Education, and Bourbon Events as well as Whiskey Classes, Whiskey Experiences, Whiskey Tastings, Whiskey Education, and Whiskey Events. We teach a total of 96 different classes.

Our faculty currently serves areas in Limestone County, Alabama (103,570); Lauderdale County, Alabama (93,564); Colbert County, Alabama (57,227); Lawrence County, Alabama . (33,073); Franklin County, Alabama (32,113) and Winston County, Alabama (23,540) in the Florence Metro Area.

Cities or towns in this service area for Bourbon and Whiskey Tasting Classes include Athens, AL; Ardmore, AL; Elkmont, AL; Lester, AL; Mooresville, AL; Decatur, AL; Eva, AL; Falkville, AL; Hartselle, AL; Priceville, AL; Somerville, AL; Trinity, AL; Tuscumbia, AL; Cherokee, Leighton, AL, Muscle Shoals, AL; Littleville, AL; Muscle Shoals, AL; Sheffield, AL; Tuscumbia, AL; Moulton, AL; Courtland, AL; Hillsboro, AL; Moulton, AL; North Courtland, AL; Town Creek, AL; Russellville, AL; Hodges, AL; Phil Campbell, AL; Red Bay, AL; Russellville, AL; Vina, AL; Haleyville, AL; Addison, AL; Arley, AL; Double Springs, AL; Double Springs, AL; Haleyville, AL; Lynn, AL; and Natural Bridge, AL.