Whiskey University has Instructors in the Knoxville South Metropolitan Area:

Map of Tennessee with several counties highlighted in red, located in the eastern part of the state.

 Our faculty currently serves {Southern Half of} Knox County, Tennessee (475,609); Blount County, Tennessee (135,280); Loudon County, Tennessee (54,063) and Roane County, Tennessee (53,382) in the Knoxville Metro Area.

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Whiskey University’s Faculty

  • Commodore Hal Buddenbohm

  • Lt. Col. Bob Seiter

  • Lt. Col. Stephen Lowery

  • Pvt. Johnny Graves

  • Pvt. Bradley Bishop

  • Pvt. Merrill Roseberry


Whiskey University Is Also Currently Looking For Instructors In Maury County, Tennessee (101,590)Marshall County, Tennessee (33,683) in the Columbia Metro Area.

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Commodore Hal Buddenbohm

Email:  MrWhiskey@whiskeyuniv.com    

Whiskey University Recruiter

A man in a suit holding a glass, standing in front of framed whiskey university certificates on a desk and a wall.

Professor Hal Buddenbohm has been a member of Whiskey University since late 2021. In 2016 Whiskey University began offering Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees. Hal earned his Bourbon Diploma from Whiskey University on January 11th, 2022.

Lt. Colonel Buddenbohm is a Global Account Manager at a major Contract Manufacturing Company.  He’s currently working from home for many of his functions but travels frequently to customers and his company’s manufacturing facilities around the world. Hal was born in August 1959 in Kansas and he grew up in Clarendon Hills, IL.  After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana, IL he moved West to start his career as a rocket scientist at Rocketdyne (then part of Rockwell International).  He now lives in Farragut, Tennessee and his wife’s name is Susana.

After frequent trips to Guadalajara, Mexico and Glasgow, Scotland, Hal developed a passion for tequila and scotch whisky and has a considerable collection of each.  His interest transitioned to whiskey and bourbon after he relocated to Tennessee in 2022 and took his first class at Whiskey University.  In just a few months time, Hal catapulted to earn his Associate Degree after passing 16 classes on April 5th, 2022. 

He taught his first class on July 9th, 2022, which was “Bourbon 201” which was a private class for 15 of his friends and neighbors.   On June 1st, 2022, Hal earned his Bachelor of Science Degree with 25 classes, at Whiskey University and the title of "Adjunct Master Bourbon Taster" and the rank of First Lieutenant in the Bourbon Brigade. On September 28,2022, Captain Buddenbohm advanced to earn the Title of “Chartered Master Whiskey Taster” by earning his Master of Arts Degree and the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Bourbon Brigade.

Hal has the following “Designations” &Credentials:

Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”

(from Whiskey University)

Executive Bourbon Steward

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

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A parody certificate titled 'Whiskey University' awarded to Hal Buddenboom for a Master of Arts Degree with a Double Major in the Bourbon Capital Region and Bluegrass Region. It grants the honorary title of 'Senior Chartered Master Bourbon Taster' with a rank of Lt. Colonel in the Bourbon Brigade, dated September 28, 2022. The certificate features images of whiskey bottles around the border, and a gold seal with the initials 'WEU', and a signature at the bottom.
Six gray circles with black text inside listing names of social organizations and indicating 'NOT ENROLLED' for each.

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Mellow Moments Member, Four Roses

Band of Rebels Member, LuxCo/Rebel Yell

Alchemist Ambassador with Jefferson’s Bourbon

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Gold-colored framed graduation plaque reading "Master of Arts Degree ++".
Six light gray circles with black text inside. The first circle says 'MAKER'S MARK NOT ENROLLED'. The second circle says 'TENN SQUIRE NOT ENROLLED'. The third circle says '5 KEYS CLUB NOT ENROLLED'. The fourth circle says 'COOPERS CLUB NOT ENROLLED'. The fifth circle says 'ROAMING MAN NOT ENROLLED'.

Lt. Col. Bob Seiter

Bob Seiter has been a member of Whiskey University since 2024.  In 2016, Whiskey University began offering Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees.  Bob obtained his Tennessee Whiskey Certificate in October 2024 and went on to earn his Whiskey Diploma at 12 courses from Whiskey University on December 18th, 2024.

 Bob has worked in the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry for 40 years.  He began his Tennessee Whiskey Journey in 2018 after multiple visits to Distilleries across the state. During the Covid pandemic Bob was able to jump on several Zoom calls held by Whiskey University instructors that just created a greater interest in the industry.   It was through the Tennessee Whiskey Trail that Bob signed on with Whiskey University.  The History of American Whiskey, the Rise of Bourbon, the effects of Prohibition on the economy and the explosion of “Craft” Producers have heightened his need for knowledge.  Bob’s wife Emily jokingly calls him the “Whiskeypedia”.  Whiskey University has been a perfect fit for him to expand his knowledge across multiple categories of Whiskey.  Bob earned his Associate Degree after passing 24 courses on February 25th, 2025.

 Bob grew up in Chattanooga TN and was one of seven kids raised by Charlie and Ginger Seiter.  On April 14, 2025, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree with 36 courses completed at Whiskey University, the title of "Master Bourbon Taster" and the rank of First Lieutenant in the Bourbon Brigade. On June 11, 2025, he advanced to earn the Title of “Master Whiskey Taster” by earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree at 48 courses and the rank of Captain in the Bourbon Brigade.

 The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is just a short drive away, so he is always eager to take day trips or plan a weekend.  Work often takes Bob to West TN and Old Dominick Distillery is a favorite stop while in Memphis.   His favorite “Bottle” is a Jim Beam 1978 Corvette Indy Pace Car Decanter that his wife purchased for him.  It’s a replica of the Indy Pace Car he owns and was his dream car growing up.

 Bob has gone on to earn Whiskey University’s two highest degrees at the Graduate Level, earning his Master of Science Degree after 60 courses on August 1st, 2025, and the Title of Chartered Master Bourbon Taster.  Mr. Seiter reached the pinnacle of education at Whiskey University when he was honored with his Master of Arts Degree after 72 courses on December 3rd, 2025, earning him the prestigious title of “Chartered Master Whiskey Taster.”

Bob has the following “Designations” &Credentials:

Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”

(from Whiskey University)

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A graduate receiving a master's degree in arts, wearing a black gown and hat, holding a certificate, in a formal ceremony.
A certificate from Whiskey University awarded to Bob Seiter, conferring the title of 'Chartered Master Whiskey Taster.' The certificate features decorative borders, ribbons, and a gold seal with the Whiskey University logo.

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Member: Rebel – Band of Rebels

Member: Crown Royal – Royal Circle

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A series of six circles with the names of poker players and their status as 'Not Enrolled' or the amount they owe, including Maker's Mark, Tenn Squire, 5 Keys Club, Coopers Club, and Roaming Man.
Six large, gray circles with black text inside, arranged in a row. The text on each circle reads from left to right: 'WHISK THIEVES NOT ENROLLED,' 'KINGS CIRCLE NOT ENROLLED,' 'WHIS SOCIETY NOT ENROLLED,' 'FAMILY TREE NOT ENROLLED,' 'WHISK BARON NOT ENROLLED,' and 'HIGH WEST NOT ENROLLED.'

Lt. Col. Stephen Lowery

Email: TheBourbonSnob@WhiskeyUniv.com

Whiskey University Recruiter

A man in a striped suit with an orange bow tie holding a glass of whiskey and standing next to a framed whiskey university certificate.

Major Lowery has been a member of Whiskey University since mid 2020. In 2016, Whiskey University began offering Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees. Stephen earned his Bourbon Diploma from Whiskey University on October 18th, 2020.

Stephen is self-employed. He began his bourbon journey in 2010 with a trip to the bourbon trail. Being a fan of craft beer Stephen never really tried bourbon until then. He instantly fell in love with Bourbon history and began to do more research on the brands and created a Facebook page under the name The Bourbon Snob.  He wanted to know more about bourbon and its influence on American culture.  “Whiskey University has been a perfect fit for him. His mother was a teacher and now I understand her passion for education. Teaching others about whiskey and how its timeline runs parallel to Americas is fun and exciting for those attending the classes.” Lowery earned his Associate Degree after passing 18 classes on March 30th, 2022.

He was raised in South Mississippi with full flavored food such as fresh seafood and Cajun style cuisine, that’s exactly how he appreciates his whiskey.  On November 7th, 2021 Lowery earned his Bachelor of Science Degree with 26 classes, at Whiskey University and the title of "Master Bourbon Taster" and the rank of First Lieutenant in the Bourbon Brigade. On July 13th, 2022 Captain Jacobs advanced to earn the Title of “Master Whiskey Taster” by earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree at 34 classes and the rank of Captain in the Bourbon Brigade.

Some of Stehen’s favorite bourbons are the ones that just punch you in face from the first sip, full flavored and full bodied.” Stephen is the Main Admin for Knoxville Bourbon Society, helps spread the word about his favorite glass “The Neat Glass,” he is also a Brand Ambassador for Old Dominick Distillery. 

Stephen has gone on to earn one of Whiskey University’s highest degrees at the Graduate Level earning his Master of Science Degree after 42 classes on January 15th, 2023 and the Title of Chartered Master Bourbon Taster along with the Honorary Rank of Major in the Bourbon Brigade.

Stephen has the following “Designations” &Credentials:

Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”

(from Whiskey University)

Executive Bourbon Steward

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

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Certificate of completion for Whiskey University awarded to Stephen Lowery, Master of Arts Degree with a Double Major in the Bluegrass Region and Tennessee Whiskey Region, signed by Col. Craig Duncan, with images of various whiskey bottles around the border.
Four circles with black text: First circle says 'Maker's Mark' and 'Not Enrolled', second says 'Tenn Squire' and 'Not Enrolled', third says '5 Keys Club' and 'Not Enrolled', and fourth says 'Coopers Club' and 'Not Enrolled'.
Image showing six light gray circles with the names of different societies or groups, each labeled 'NOT ENROLLED'.

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Friends of Trace Member from Buffalo Trace

Mellow Moments Member, Four Roses

Band of Rebels Member, LuxCo/Rebel Yell

Wild Turkey’s Rare Breed Society Member

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A graduation cap and gown with a diploma and a banner reading "Master of Arts Degree".

Pvt. Johnny Graves

Johnny has the following “Designations” & Credentials:

Apprentice Bourbon Taster

(from the Whiskey University)

A blank bourbon certificate with a gray border and a black square space in the center for a photo, with the words 'Bourbon Certificate' in gray text at the bottom.
Whiskey University certificate awarded to Johnny Graves for general whiskey studies with the honorary title of Apprentice Bourbon Taster, signed and dated August 8, 2023, featuring two whiskey bottles on the bottom left and right corners.

Pvt. Bradley Bishop

Bradley has the following “Designations” & Credentials:

Apprentice Bourbon Taster

(from Whiskey University)

A digital image of a Bourbon Certificate that appears to be a placeholder or a sample, with a black square in the center and a gray border, and the words 'Bourbon Certificate' written at the bottom.
A whiskey university certificate awarded to Bradley Bishop for completing four classes in general bourbon studies, featuring two whiskey bottles, one Old Grand-Dad and one Beam's Eight Star, with the university emblem and signature.

Pvt. Merrill Roseberry

Merrill has the following “Designations” & Credentials:

Apprentice Bourbon Taster

(from Whiskey University)

A blank bourbon certificate with a black square in the center and the words 'Bourbon Certificate' printed below.
A bourbon certificate from Whiskey University for Merrill Roseberry, awarded for General Bourbon Studies, titled Apprentice Bourbon Taster, dated June 25, 2024. The certificate features two images of bourbon bottles: Old Grand-Dad on the left and Beam's Eight Star on the right.

Cities or towns in this service area for Bourbon and Whiskey Tasting Classes include Knoxville, TN; Corryton, TN; Powell, TN; Heiskell, TN; Mascot, TN; Maryville, TN; Townsend, TN; Walland, TN; Tallassee, TN; Friendsville, TN; Alcoa, TN; Louisville, TN; Rocford, TN; Gatlinburg, TN; Gatlinburg, TN; Pigeon Forge, TN; Pigeon Forge, TN; Pittman Center, TN; Sevierville, TN; Sevierville, TN; Seymour, TN; Loudon, TN; Lenoir City, TN; Philadelphia,TN; Greenback, TN; Maynardville, TN; Luttrell, TN; Sharps Chapel, TN and Washburn, TN; Harriman, TN; Kingston, TN; Kingston, Midtown, TN; Oliver Springs, TN; Rockwood, TN; Ten Mile, TN; Philadelphia, TN.