As far back as she can remember, Joyce has had a passion for chemistry. She earned a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, and for 15 years worked as a process engineer in industrial scale distillation. She then spent a decade teaching high school chemistry and physics before her passion for the distillation process was reignited—and the rest, as they say, is history.

Victoria Eady Butler is a relatively new face in the spirits world, but whiskey is definitely in her blood. The great-great-granddaughter of Nearest Green, the first African-American master distiller on record, Butler is the Master Blender of the award-winning Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey where she oversees the blending process of its 1884 Small Batch Whiskey as well as the selection of all 1820 Single Barrels.

Peggy Noe Stevens in both career and personal life has devoted herself to 30 years of hospitality, entertaining and developing spirit brand destinations. A Master Bourbon Taster who is also a certified etiquette, image and professional speaker, she produces one-of-a-kind experiences for both people and places. Because of her signature style, expertise and creativity, she is retained by companies to seek out the strategic essence of image and brand culture and was inducted into the 2019 Bourbon Hall of Fame and 2020 Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame for those efforts.

Ariel Jahn is the Woodinville Development Manager for Woodinville Whiskey Co. In her role, she is responsible for managing a team of Brand Ambassadors, implementing yearly marketing programs, and supporting sales efforts in the market. She will support regional program managers (MHUSA) in execution and implementation of the brand’s strategy of driving awareness, education and engagement with both the trade and consumers alike.

Co-Founder and Master Blender, Ashley specializes in warehouse profiling, flavor profile projections, blending, product development and quality control. Ashley judges for the American Distilling Institute and American Craft Spirits Association spirits competitions, using her knowledge and experience to critique and provide educational feedback to craft distillers.