Whiskey University has Instructors in the St. Augustine Metropolitan Area:

Our faculty currently serves areas in St. John’s County, Florida (273,425); Flagler County, Florida (115,378); andPutnam County, Florida (73,321) in the St. Augustine Metropolitan Area.

Whiskey University’s Faculty:

Lt. Col. David Barnette
Lt. Col. Kim Barnette

Whiskey University Is Also Currently Looking For Instructors In The Daytona Beach Metropolitan Area

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Lt. Col. David Barnette

David has the following “Designations” & Credentials:

”Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”

(fromWhiskey University)

”Associate Bourbon Steward“

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

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Whiskey Enthusiast • Educator • Collector • Community Ambassador

David Barnette’s whiskey journey began years ago in the West Coast Swing dance community, where late‑night conversations and shared pours sparked an early appreciation for Crown Royal and Jameson. What started casually evolved into a deep passion once he returned home to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida—an area known for its exceptional whiskey bars. His “home bar,” Julep, named one of the Top 100 Whiskey Bars in the United States, became the place where his palate truly expanded. Under the guidance of bar manager and close friend Grey Miller III, David explored bottles and styles he never would have discovered on his own, igniting a lifelong enthusiasm for whiskey exploration and collection.

David formally entered the academic side of whiskey in March 2025 through Whiskey University. After completing the introductory courses, he was hooked. He earned his Master of Arts in May 2026 and is currently pursuing the distinguished rank of Commodore. He credits much of his success to his wife, Kim—affectionately known as his “spreadsheet queen”—who supports both his studies and their growing whiskey collection.

Born just outside London, England, David moved to the United States as a young child and grew up in Maryland and Florida. He has lived in the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach area since 1963, settling permanently in Ponte Vedra Beach in 1983. A chance meeting at a Nashville dance competition 28 years ago introduced him to his wife Kim, who later joined him in Florida and became his lifelong partner in both dance and whiskey adventures.

Professionally, David brings more than 43 years of experience in the insurance industry. He began his career working alongside his father before transitioning to a major corporate firm for a decade. In 2005, he founded his own insurance agency, where he continues to serve clients with integrity and expertise.

Today, David is committed to expanding his whiskey knowledge, contributing to the whiskey community, and sharing his passion with others through education, tastings, and mentorship.

Lt. Col. Kim Barnette

Kim has the following “Designations” & Credentials:

”Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”

(fromWhiskey University)

”Associate Bourbon Steward“

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

*‍ ‍** * * * * * * * * * *

Whiskey Enthusiast • Educator • Collector • Community Ambassador

Kim Barnette was introduced to the whiskey world by her West Coast Swing dance community in the late 1990s, where sharing a pour of Crown Royal after competitions became a tradition that sparked lifelong friendships. As her interest grew, she explored Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach whiskey bars, especially Julep—a top‑100 whiskey bar in the U.S.—where bar manager Grey Miller III encouraged her to dive deeper into whiskey. Through the Jacksonville Bourbon and Whiskey Society, Kim met the local state leader for Whiskey University, and her formal whiskey journey began.

Kim started her studies with Whiskey University in March 2025, quickly immersing herself in the history, production, families, and artistry of whiskey. She earned her Bourbon Whiskey Certificate in April 2025, followed by her Whiskey Diploma and the title of Journeyman Whiskey Taster in July. That fall, she completed her Associate Degree as a Certified Bourbon Taster. By November 2025, she had earned her Bachelor of Science Degree as a Master Bourbon Taster and soon after completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree, becoming a commissioned Master Whiskey Taster. Most recently, Kim earned her Master of Science Degree in March 2026 and her Master of Arts in April 2026, achieving the title of “Chartered Master Whiskey Taster” with the rank of Whiskey Colonel in the Bourbon Brigade. She is currently pursuing the rank of Commodore through completion of all ten Whiskey University majors.

Born in Lynchburg, VA and raised in Staunton, VA, Kim met her husband of 28 years, David Barnette, at a dance competition in Nashville, TN. After a year of long‑distance dating, she relocated to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Kim and David continue to enjoy dancing, traveling, and exploring whiskey communities around the world.

Professionally, Kim has worked in critical care medicine for 41 years—22 years at the bedside as a pediatric and neonatal respiratory therapist, and 19 years as a Research Administrator for the Division of Neonatology at UF Health in Jacksonville, FL. Her scientific background and lifelong love of learning complement her whiskey studies, bringing structure, curiosity, and analytical depth to her approach.

Today, Kim blends her professional expertise with her whiskey education, valuing the connections, shared experiences, and sense of community that whiskey brings. Whether she’s working, traveling, or sharing a pour, she is always looking forward to the next great adventure.