Whiskey University has Instructors in the Florence Metro Area:

Our faculty currently serves areas in Lauderdale County, Alabama (93,564); Colbert County, Alabama (57,227);Lawrence County, Alabama (33,073); Franklin County, Alabama (32,113); Marion County, Alabama (29,341) and Winston County, Alabama (23,540) in the Florence Metro Area.


Whiskey University’s Faculty:

  • Professor Lt. Col. John Rector

  • 1st. Lt. Ryan Averbeck

  • Lt.Jr.Grd John Greaves

  • Lt.Jr.Grd. Karen Richardson

  • Lt.Jr.Grd Larry Wright

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Whiskey University Is Also Currently Looking For Instructors In The Florence Metro Area

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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:

Chartered Master Bourbon Taster

(from Whiskey University)

Certified Bourbon Steward

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

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Alchemist Ambassador with Jefferson’s Bourbon

Member, Shoals Bourbon & Whiskey Club

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1st. Lt. Ryan Averbeck

Ryan is a Kentucky Colonel, Georgia Colonel, Alabama Lieutenant Colonel, and Commander in the Texas Navy and has the following “Designations” and Credentials:

Master Bourbon Taster

(from Whiskey University)

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Member, Edinborough Whiskey Academy

Band of Rebels Member with LuxCo/Rebel Yell

Member, Jeffersons Bourbon

Member, Michters

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Lt.Jr.Grd John Greaves

John has the following Designations and Credentials:

Certified Bourbon Taster

(from Whiskey University)

Certified Bourbon Steward

(from Stave & Thief Society)

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Lt.Jr.Grd. Karen Richardson

Karen has the following “Designations” and Credentials:

Certified Bourbon Taster

(from Whiskey University)

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Lt.Jr.Grd Larry Wright

Larry has the following Designations and Credentials:

Certified Bourbon Taster

(from Whiskey University)

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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.