David has the following “Designations” & Credentials:

”Chartered Master Whiskey Taster”

(from Whiskey University)

”Associate Bourbon Steward“

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

‍ ‍* * * * * * * * * * *

Whiskey Enthusiast • Educator • Collector • Community Ambassador

Whiskey Colonel 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 January 2025 through Whiskey University. After completing the 12 introductory courses and earning his Whiskey Diploma in Basic Whiskey Studies on June 25th, 2025, he was hooked. Barnette went on to become an Alumni of Whiskey University when he attended his Associate Degree Graduation on August 19th of that same year after 24 courses in Intermediate Whiskey Studies concentrating in Distilleries.

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 in 1998 introduced him to his wife Kim, who later joined him in Florida and became his lifelong partner in both dance and whiskey adventures. David and Kim both majored in the Bourbon Capital Region for their Bachelor of Science Degree and followed that up by Double Majoring in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky for their Bachelor of Arts Degree which they earned after 48 courses on January 13th, 2026.

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. Barnette wouldn’t stop there and continued his relentless education and went on to earn both his Master of Science and his Master of Arts Degree with a Double Major in the Mid-Atlantic Rye Region in his Maryland and the Whiskey Row Region of Louisville, Kentucky in June 2026. This accomplishment earned his the Title of Chartered Master Whiskey Taster. 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.

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. David continued to study long past the highest Degree at Whiskey University and completed three more Majors for a total of seven and was named an Honorary Whiskey Colonel early on in 2027 after completing ninety courses and is and is currently pursuing the distinguished rank of Commodore of all Majors.