A Bourbon Birthday in St. Augustine.

There are birthdays… and then there are experiences. This year, for Tammy—my wife, my partner in every sense, and the center of my world—I wanted to give her something that felt worthy of the life we’ve built together. Something beyond a bottle, beyond a dinner—something we could experience side by side. For a bourbon girl at heart, the answer revealed itself easily: dive headfirst into the spirit she loves.

So we packed our curiosity (and a healthy respect for oak) and made our way to the storied streets of St. Augustine—a place where history lingers in the air as tangibly as the sea breeze. Our destination? The remarkable St. Augustine Distillery. Our mission? To earn the coveted Certified Bourbon Steward designation through the Stave & Thief Society.

A Sunday Morning Worth Savoring

At precisely 10:00 AM on a Sunday—yes, Sunday—we began our journey. Now, before anyone raises an eyebrow, let’s be clear: this wasn’t about indulgence. This was about education, discipline, and a deep reverence for one of America’s most iconic spirits.

The course, led by Executive Bourbon Steward Brian (a man whose passion for whiskey is matched only by his ability to make it approachable), immediately set the tone. No pretension. No gatekeeping. Just storytelling, science, and sensory exploration.

And for the next five hours… we were all in.

Breaking Down Bourbon (Without Breaking the Magic)

The beauty of the Certified Bourbon Steward program lies in its balance. It respects bourbon’s rich legacy while demystifying it for enthusiasts at every level.

We explored:

• The legal framework that defines bourbon (more nuanced than most realize)
• The importance of mash bills and grain composition
• Fermentation and distillation techniques
• Barrel aging—arguably where bourbon earns its soul
• Flavor identification using the Stave & Thief sensory framework

Brian didn’t just teach—he connected dots. Suddenly, caramel wasn’t just caramel. It was the result of char levels, lignin breakdown, and time. Vanilla wasn’t just a note—it was a story.

And yes… there were tastings.

Strategically placed. Purpose-driven. Eye-opening.

Where Craft Meets Community

There’s something undeniably special about learning bourbon inside a working distillery. The St. Augustine Distillery isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the curriculum.

The aroma of grain, the quiet hum of production, the visual poetry of barrels resting in anticipation—it all reinforces what you’re learning in real time. You’re not just hearing about process—you’re standing inside it.

It’s immersive in a way that no classroom could ever replicate.

Earning the Title

After five hours of deep diving, note-taking, nosing, and tasting, it all came down to the final exam.

There’s a moment—right before you begin—where the weight of what you’ve just learned settles in. Not in a stressful way, but in a “this actually matters” kind of way.

Because it does.

This certification isn’t about memorization. It’s about understanding.

And when we completed that exam and earned the title of Certified Bourbon Stewards through the Stave & Thief Society… it felt exactly right.

A fitting end to an unforgettable day.

Why This Experience Matters

In the world of wine and spirits, it’s easy to fall into patterns—regions we know, styles we trust, bottles we reach for without thinking.

This experience challenged that.

It reminded us that:

• There is always more to learn
• Every spirit has a story worth understanding
• Education deepens appreciation in ways consumption alone never can

And perhaps most importantly—it gave us a shared experience. One that we’ll carry into every future pour of bourbon, every conversation, every recommendation.

Gratitude Where It’s Due

A heartfelt thank you to:

• Brian, our instructor, for his authenticity, patience, and undeniable passion
• The incredible team at the St. Augustine Distillery for creating a space where education and craftsmanship thrive
• The Stave & Thief Society for elevating bourbon education and making it accessible, structured, and meaningful

Final Pour

Would we recommend this experience?

Without hesitation. Without qualification.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast, an industry professional, or someone just beginning to explore the world of bourbon—this course delivers something rare: clarity, confidence, and a deeper connection to the spirit in your glass.

And for Tammy—this bourbon birthday wasn’t just a celebration.

It was a milestone 🥃

SOMM&SOMM Recommendation:
If you love bourbon, don’t just drink it—understand it. The journey is worth every minute… and every sip.