Whiskey University has Instructors in the Chattanooga Metropolitan Area:
Our faculty currently serves Hamilton County, Tennessee (371,662); Bradley County, Tennessee (109,071); Marion County, Tennessee (28,575); Bledsoe County, Tennessee (14,913); Sequatchie County, Tennessee (14,876); and Van Buren County, Tennessee (6,686) in the Chattanooga Metropolitan Area.
Whiskey University’s Faculty
Commodore Dennis Jones
Whiskey Col. Willo Conlon
Whiskey Col. Jon Smith
Lt.Jr.Grd Claire Ross
Pvt. Douglas Ford
Pvt. Matt Loesche
Whiskey University is also currently looking for Instructors In the Chattanooga Metropolitan area
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Commodore Dennis Jones
Whiskey University Partner
Member Of The Board Of Directors
Email address: DennisJones@WhiskeyUniv.com
Commodore Dennis Jones has been a member of Whiskey University since late 2020. In 2016 Whiskey University began offering Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees. Jones is rapidly working his way through the entire seven-degree program at warp speed. He is currently a “Chartered Master Bourbon Taster” and has earned his Master of Science Degree from Whiskey University with a Double Major in The Tennessee Whiskey Region and The Whiskey Row Region on March 6th, 2022.
Jones is a Critical Care Paramedic & College Instructor in Emergency Medical Services Program, an Emergency Management Director, & a Security Guard at a music venue. Dennis Jones was born in January, 1966, upon the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee. A former public schools’ educator he has over 25 years of teaching experience at differing levels. Dennis enjoys sharing his love of Bourbon with his friends by sharing the Bourbon Spirits he finds & the Spirit of Friendship with them.
Dennis earned Bourbon Diploma on January 24th, 2021 and his Associate Degree after passing 16 classes on June 15th, 2021. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree with 25 classes on August 10th, 2021. Jones earned the title of the "Master Bourbon Taster," the rank of Captain in the Bourbon Brigade with his Bachelor of Arts Degree on October 13th, 2021.
Looking to gain more knowledge about the history of Bourbon, Dennis found the Whiskey University website & since he has a background in education, he contacted Whiskey University about learning more about Bourbon & Whiskey University. He enjoyed it very much and soon took three more and he was invited to join the “Train the Trainers” contingent. The courses speak to both his love of history and his love of bourbon. Originally a Makers Mark drinker from his college days, but as he tried different bourbons. Eventually he became a Knob Creek devotee. Today his tastes are much broader encompassing many brands, but he prefers higher proof expressions. His home bar includes over 250 bottles, mainly bourbon! Dennis was awarded the title of “Chartered Master Bourbon Taster” and the rank of Major in the Bourbon Brigade when he passed his 40th credit course on March 6th, 2022.
Dennis Has The Following “Designations” & Credentials:
”Chartered Master Bourbon Taster”
(from Whiskey University)
”Certified Bourbon Steward”
(from Stave & Thief Society)
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Alchemist Ambassador With Jefferson’s Bourbon
Rare Breed Society Member With Wild Turkey
Member: Four Roses Mellow Moments
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Whiskey Col. Willo Conlon
Email Address: Willo@WhiskeyUniv.com
Willo is currently a “Chartered Master Whiskey Taster” and has earned both her Master of Science and Master of Arts Degree from Whiskey University with a Double Major in The Tennessee Whiskey and The Bourbon Capital Region. She enjoys visiting distilleries and meeting many distillers to help understand their story so she can share it with others. Willo believes that there is always something new to learn and discover about the history of bourbon and whiskey and happy she found Whiskey University.
She earned her Bourbon Diploma in October of 2022, her Associate Degree in November of 2022, her Masters of Arts and Masters of Science degrees in 2024. In November of 2025, Willo achieved the title of "Chartered Master Whiskey Taster” with the rank of Whiskey Colonel in the Bourbon Brigade.
Mrs. Conlon retired from full time work in December of 2024. She works part time at the local Middle/High School. Willo was born in May, 1970, in Selma Alabama and joined the Army at age 17. She is a “Roll Tide” Bama Football Fan and “Go Army Beat Navy” Army West Point sports fan. Willo earned her Commission from Marion Military Institute and is a former Army Officer with over 30 years of Leadership experience. She was an Instructor at the Command and General Staff College, in Kansas, and also the Army Management Staff College, in Virginia. Willo and her husband Kevin, who is West Point Class of 81 graduate, now reside in Signal Mountain, Tennessee with their twin teenagers and 4yr old Goldendoodle.
Her interest in the history of bourbon and whiskey began when she was introduced to many Irish history stories shared by her grandfather. From that moment on, Willo wanted to continue his legacy and share those same stories and gifts of friendship with others. Her studies speak to both her love of patriotism, travel, friendships, and a passion for sharing the history of bourbon and whiskey. Today, her tastes and stories are much broader and she prefers higher proof expressions and ryes. Willo welcomes others to share a pour with her anytime. One of her Favorite quotes is, "Good Bourbon and good friends are two of life's greatest pleasures, and when shared with history, they make for an unforgettable experience." Fred Minnick.
Willo has the following “Designation”s & Credentials:
”Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”
(from Whiskey University)
”Certified Whiskey Steward”
(from the Stave & Thief Society)
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Whiskey Colonel Jon Smith
Whiskey University Partner
Member of the Board of Directors
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Lieutenant Colonel Jon Smith joined Whiskey University in March of 2022. In 2016 Whiskey University began offering Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees. Smith earned his Bourbon Diploma after successfully completing ten classes on May 17th, 2022.
Jon is the Founder of Veteran Horizons LLC, providing results focused consulting, interim executive and board services for companies of all sizes. Smith is also a retired U. S. Naval Officer with 20+ years of leadership experience during his service in the U.S. armed forces. His personal commendations include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Medal and numerous unit and campaign awards. He earned his undergraduate degree in Ocean Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, is a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Executive Leadership Program, earned a Masters Degree from Central Michigan University (Business) and is a Graduate of the U.S. Naval War College in Strategic International Studies.
Smith earned his Associate Degree in Intermediate Bourbon Studies after finishing 18 classes on July 24th, 2022, earning him the title of “Certified Bourbon Taster.” He followed that up on September 14th, 2022, when Jon earned his Bachelor of Science Degree Majoring in the Bourbon Capital Region with 27 classes completed and the title of “Master Bourbon Taster” at Whiskey University.
Jon and his wife have 3 children and one grandchild. They live in Elkhorn, Nebraska just outside Omaha. He is passionate and active in sports, arts, and outdoor activities, while carrying an FAA pilot certification, participates in Porsche Racing/Track events/training and of course BOURBON! He also sits on the boards of several non profits centering on children facing life threatening illness and Veterans.
His passion to learn and teach the history and personalities in bourbon and whiskey lore, landed Jon with Whiskey University. He has been a student of the 19th and early 20th centuries for many years. While at a tasting event just after leaving the military, he began to research the background and history of individual distilleries and names in the industry. He routinely visits distilleries across the country to investigate process or rick house differences, as well as gaining an appreciation of how the master distiller’s influence affects the taste and experience of great bourbon and whiskey. His collection of fine bourbons and whiskeys is one of the finer in the region, and he always enjoys the opportunity of “cracking a fine bottle” with friends.
Jon earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree and taught several classes in the process completing it on October 11th, 2022. Jon then finished his Masters of Science Degree and the accompanying title of a “Chartered Master Bourbon Taster” on December 6th, 2022. Smith then obtained Whiskey University’s highest honor by achieving his Master of the Arts Degree on March 5th, 2023 and the title of “Chartered Master Whiskey Taster” and the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Bourbon Brigade.
Jon Has The Following “Designations” & Credentials:
”Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”
(from the Whiskey University)
”Executive Bourbon Steward”
(from the Stave & Thief Society)
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”Band Of Rebels”, Rebel Yell Association
Alchemist Ambassador with Jefferson’s Bourbon
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Lt.Jr.Grd Claire Ross
Email address: Claire@WhiskeyUniv.com
Claire has the following “Designations” & Credentials:
”Certified Bourbon Taster”
(from Whiskey University)
”Certified Bourbon Steward”
(from the Stave & Thief Society)
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Band Of Rebels Member With LuxCo/Rebel Yell
Rare Breed Society Member With Wild Turkey
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Pvt. Douglas Ford
Douglas has the following “Designations” & Credentials:
“Apprentice Whiskey Taster”
(from Whiskey University)
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Pvt. Matt Loesche
Matt has the following “Designations” & Credentials:
“Apprentice Whiskey Taster”
(from Whiskey University)
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Cities or towns in this service area for Bourbon and Whiskey Tasting Classes include Chattanooga, TN; East Ridge, TN; Soddy-Daisy, TN; Red Bank, TN; Collegedale, TN; Sale Creek, TN; Signal Mountail, TN; Lookout Mountain, TN; Ooltewah, TN; Cleveland, TN; East Cleveland, TN; South Cleveland, TN; Hopewell, TN; Charleston, TN; Wildwood, TN; Jasper, TN; South Pittsburg, TN; New Hope, TN; Whitwell, TN; Kimball, TN; Orme, TN; Powell’s Crossroads, TN; Sequatchie, TN; Dunlap, TN; Signal Mountain, TN; Palmer, TN; Graysville, TN; Dayton, TN; Graysville, TN; Spring City, TN; Decatur, TN; Ten Mile, TN; Dalton, GA; Cohutta, GA; Tunnel Hill, GA, Varnell Buckle, GA, Rocky Face, GA; Ringold, GA, Fort Ogelthorpe, GA; Lakeview, GA; Lafayette, GA; Chicamauga, GA, Chattanooga Valley, GA; Fairview, GA; Lookout Mountain, GA; Rossville, GA and Trenton, GA.