Whiskey University has Instructors in the Huntsville Metropolitan Area:
Our faculty currently serves areas in Madison County, Alabama (395,211); Limestone County, Alabama (114,654); Etowah County, Alabama (103,436); Marshall County, Alabama (97,612); DeKalb County, Alabama (71,608); Jackson County, Alabama (52,579); and Cherokee County, Alabama (25,666); in the Huntsville Metropolitan Area
Whiskey University presents its Faculty in Huntsville Metropolitan Area:
Lt. Col. Jeff McKeel
Lt. Col. Robert Pomerenk
Lt. Col. Daniel Komm
Lt. Col. Shannon Komm
Lt. Col. Matthew Ferrara
1st. Lt. Bob Gossett
Whiskey University is also currently looking for Instructors In the Huntsville Metropolitan area
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Lt. Col. Jeff McKeel
Email address: JeffreyMcKeel@WhiskeyUniv.com
Jeff McKeel started his official studies with Whiskey University in the spring of 2022. He has been proudly learning, tasting, testing, and making his way up the ranks to a Master Bourbon Taster, Bourbon Steward, and Captain. In 2016 Whiskey University began offering Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees. Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science in Bourbon Tasting in December 2022.
Jeff is a native of California but has called Northern Alabama his home for the last 10 years after a 33-year career in Aerospace and Defense in numerous assignments and locations around the country before retiring as Director, Business Development for Missile Defense Programs in Raytheon’s Washington DC office.
He continues to enjoy spending time water skiing, hunting and metal machining and tool restoration.
McKeel earned his Associate Degree after passing 15 classes in August of 2022. In December of 2022, Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science Degree with 24 classes, at Whiskey University and the title of "Master Bourbon Taster" and the rank of Captain.
Jeff is presently pursuing his Master of Science Degree.
Jeff encourages everyone to experience and savor each expression presented to you. It’s fun to explore and find each expression’s unique characteristic while expanding your palette. There is no wrong answer to your flavor profile or what you taste. Every whiskey journey is exciting and personal, but most importantly, shared with friends and family every chance you get. Jeff looks forward to sharing a glass with you.
Jeff has the following Designations and Credentials:
“Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”
(from Whiskey University)
”Certified Bourbon Steward”
(from the Stave & Thief Society)
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Member, Monte Sano Bourbon Club
Member, Rocket City Bourbon Club
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Lt. Col. 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:
”Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”
(from Whiskey University)
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”Certified Bourbon Steward“
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Band of Rebels Member with LuxCo/Rebel Yell
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Lt. Col. Daniel Komm
I’m a proud husband to my wife, Shannon—who somehow manages to be both my better half and a fellow faculty member at Whiskey University—and a dad to two amazing kids, Asher and Ashlyn, who keep life equal parts fun and chaotic. Since moving to the Huntsville area in 2021, I’ve fully embraced the community and can honestly say it didn’t take long for it to feel like home.
My whiskey journey also kicked off in 2021, thanks to a visit to Jack Daniel’s and a memorable introduction to their barrel proof lineup. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a full-blown passion (some might say obsession, but I prefer “dedication”). Ever since, I’ve been fascinated by the depth, history, and incredible variety found across whiskies, bourbons, and spirits. There’s always something new to discover—and I’m more than happy to volunteer for that responsibility.
Since joining Whiskey University in January 2025, I’ve earned my Master of Arts degree and am currently working toward my Commodore certification while completing all majors. Along the way, I’ve also earned my Executive Bourbon Steward certification through the Stave & Thief Society and have been named a Certified Bourbon Professional by the Council of Whiskey Masters. In other words, I’ve spent a lot of time studying… and sampling… purely in the name of education, of course.
My all-time favorite pour is the “King”—King of Kentucky Single Barrel. It’s bold, complex, and lives up to the name every time. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in several barrel picks with different groups, and I genuinely enjoy both the process and the thrill of the hunt—there’s nothing quite like finding that one exceptional barrel and knowing you’ve struck gold (or at least really good bourbon).
Outside of whiskey, I’ve spent my entire professional career working in the nuclear power industry after graduating from Mississippi State University in 2003 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. By day, I focus on precision, safety, and keeping things running smoothly. By night (and weekends), I apply that same level of attention to detail to a good pour—though the stakes are admittedly a lot more enjoyable.
Whether I’m teaching, learning, or just sharing a great bottle with friends, I’m always excited to talk whiskey and help others find their own path into this endlessly interesting world.
Daniel has the following “Designations” & Credentials:
”Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”
(fromWhiskey University)
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”Executive Bourbon Steward”
(from the Stave & Thief Society)
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Member: Four Roses Mellow Moments Club
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Lt. Col. Shannon Komm
Shannon Komm began her journey with Whiskey University in January 2025 and quickly distinguished herself as a passionate student of the craft. By October, she had earned her Bachelor of Arts in Tennessee Whiskey, and today she proudly serves as a Master Whiskey Taster and a Captain in the Bourbon Brigade.
A native of Georgia, Shannon has called Madison, Alabama home since 2021. She and her husband, Daniel, have been married for 19 years and share two children together. Outside of whiskey, Shannon is an avid Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Falcons fan, and she enjoys expressing her creativity through singing and playing guitar and piano.
When it comes to bourbon, Shannon’s appreciation runs deep. Her favorites include Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year and King of Kentucky, while her go-to daily pour is Leiper’s Fork Double Oak Bourbon.
Shannon has the following “Designations” & Credentials:
”Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”
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”Executive Bourbon Steward”
(from the Stave & Thief Society)
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Member, Band of Rebels with LuxCo/Rebel Yell
Member, Hillsboro Society with Leiper's Fork
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Lt. Col. Matt Ferrara
Lt. Col. Matt Ferrara joined Whiskey University in January 2025 and quickly progressed through the academic programs. He earned his Whiskey Diploma in March, followed by his Associate Degree and Certified Bourbon Taster designation in April. After continuing his studies, he completed the Bachelor of Science in Whiskey Studies in July and became a Master Bourbon Taster. In August, he earned the Bachelor of Arts and achieved the designation of Master Whiskey Taster. He completed the Master of Arts in Whiskey Studies after attending 72 courses in January 2026 and earned the designation of “Chartered Master Whiskey Taster.”
He also holds the Executive Bourbon Steward certification from the Stave & Thief Society.
Matt is a Kentucky native but spent most of his teen years in Tennessee, where he developed an early appreciation for both bourbon and Tennessee whiskey. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Virginia Commonwealth University. He currently resides in Huntsville, Alabama with his wife and two children.
Lt. Col. Ferrara is a senior cybersecurity manager with nearly 30 years of experience leading technical teams and supporting the security of critical systems. He holds multiple certifications in information security, risk management, and network defense and is recognized for his ability to translate complex subject matter into clear, practical instruction. He brings this same approach to whiskey education.
His interest in American whiskey includes visiting distilleries and studying production methods and history. In 2015, he toured the Kentucky Bourbon Trail on Harley Davidsons with his father, visiting all nine distilleries on the Trail at that time. In 2024, he completed visits to all 47 Kentucky Bourbon Trail member distilleries. In 2025, he and his wife began working through the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.
Matt also enjoys sharing his interest in whiskey by leading tastings and discussions with friends and fellow enthusiasts.
Matthew has the following “Designations” & Credentials:
”Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”
(fromWhiskey University)
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”Executive Bourbon Steward”
(from the Stave & Thief Society)
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1st. Lt. Bob Gossett
Bob has the following “Designations” & Credentials:
”Master Bourbon Taster”
(from Whiskey University)
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Cities or towns in this service area for Bourbon and Whiskey Tasting Classes include Huntsville, AL; Gurley, AL; Harvest, AL; Hazel Green, AL; Madison, AL; Meridianville, AL; Moores Mill, AL; New Hope, AL; New Market, AL; Owens Cross Roads, AL; Redstone Arsenal AL; Guntersville, AL; Albertville, AL; Arab, AL; Boaz, AL; Douglas, AL; Grant, AL; Union Grove, AL; Scottsboro, AL; Bridgeport, AL; Dutton, AL; Hollywood, AL; Hytop, AL; Langston, AL; Paint Rock, AL; Pisgah, AL; Pleasant Groves, AL; Section, AL; Skyline, AL; Fort Payne, AL; Henagar, AL; Rainsville, AL; Collinsville, AL; Crossville, AL; Fyffe, AL; Geraldine, AL; Valley Head, AL; Mentone, AL; Ider, AL and Sylvania, AL.