1st. Lt. Jill Thomas Aviles

For Jill Thomas-Aviles, whiskey is more than just a spirit—it’s a journey, a passion, and a way of connecting with people and places that matter most. Her adventure began in October 2024 when she joined Whiskey University, curious to learn more about the craft she had grown to appreciate while traveling with her husband on bourbon hunting trips. What started as a shared hobby quickly became a deep exploration into the history, artistry, and taste of whiskey.

Jill’s progress through Whiskey University has been nothing short of remarkable. Just weeks after enrolling, she earned her Rye Whiskey Certificate in November 2024. From there, she dove in wholeheartedly—earning her Whiskey Diploma and the title of Journeyman Whiskey Taster in February 2025, followed by her Associate Degree as a Certified Bourbon Taster that spring. By July, her dedication paid off again with her Bachelor of Science Degree, earning her the distinction of Master Bourbon Taster. Most recently, in September 2025, Jill achieved her Bachelor of Arts Degree and was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the Bourbon Brigade. Today, she continues her studies, proudly pursuing her Master of Arts Degree while savoring her favorite—rye whiskey.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Jill still calls her hometown home. She and her high school sweetheart—now her husband of 25 years—have built a life together filled with love, adventure, and family. The couple has raised two grown sons and enjoys traveling whenever they can, especially to National Parks and whiskey distilleries across the country.

Professionally, Jill brings the same energy and commitment to her career as she does to her studies. She serves as a Senior Product Manager for a cloud-based digital banking platform, drawing on more than 28 years of experience in financial services. Over the years, she has also been deeply involved in her community, serving on numerous nonprofit committees and lending her skills to causes close to her heart.

Jill’s academic background laid a strong foundation for both her career and her passion projects. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Services before earning herMaster of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Phoenix.

Today, Jill blends her professional expertise with her growing whiskey knowledge, but at the heart of it all, she remains a lifelong learner who values connection, exploration, and shared experiences. Whether she’s working, volunteering, traveling, or savoring a pour of rye, Jill is always embracing new adventures with curiosity and joy.