Lost Worlds Brewing – https://www.lostworldsbeer.com David Gonzalez (Director of Brewing, Lost Worlds Brewing) – David Gonzalez (DG) has over 25 years of professional brewing experience including tenures as the Head Brewer at NoDa, Foothills, and Riverman Brewing. A graduate of the Siebel Institute, his brews have been awarded over two dozen medals including multiple Greater American Business Festival (GABF) honors. In his first year as Director of Brewing at Lost Worlds, DG’s beers won 4 medals (including 3 Gold Medals) at the NC Brewers Cup. This was the highest total of any brewery in North Carolina. In addition, DG’s Emmer American Wheat was awarded a Silver Medal at the GABF. Dave Hamme (Founder) – Dave is a business consultant, author, and entrepreneur. His specialties include strategic planning, innovation management, and organizational efficiency. Dave  founded Lost Worlds Brewing in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. Additionally, Dave serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for American Foreign Research (www.goafar.org) and is a co-founder of Puzzles from the Past (www.puzzlesfromthepast.com) and Ephesus Consulting (www.ephesusconsulting.com). Dave’s book, Customer Focused Process Innovation (McGraw Hill, 2014), earned a Shingo Research & Professional Publication Award for its contribution to the field of innovation management. We look forward to Dave and David teaching us more about the world of craft brewing. Cheers.

Maggie Kimberl-President, Bourbon Women Assoc; Editor American Whiskey Mag Maggie Kimberl is the President of the Bourbon Women Association as well as the Content Editor of American Whiskey Magazine. She is a freelance spirits journalist focusing on whiskey culture in the United States, though she considers herself to be ‘geographically blessed’ to live in the epicenter of the bourbon world, Louisville, Kentucky. When she’s not covering the bourbon beat you can find her browsing through vintage vinyl with her kids or tending to her homegrown tomatoes. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and check out her blog. Content Editor at American Whiskey Magazine Columnist at Whisky Magazine Managing Editor at bourbonveach.com Alcohol Professor and Louisville Family Fun LouGirl502.com

Brandon Smith – A Whiskey Expert You Should Be Following Brandon Smith is a whisky specialist from Southern California whose passion for food and travel inspired his famous Instagram profile The Daily Dram. It all started on a trip to Japan, where one wrong train led to the iconic Yamazaki distillery. It’s safe to say, the whisky rabbit hole has been a fun adventure! What started as a passion for Japanese whisky and Scotch has evolved into an endless journey of exploration. After trips to distilleries around the world and hosting private whisky tasting events, he has found true passion in sharing the history, process and story of each distillery and whisky. He’s most excited to witness the growth and innovation within the American whiskey category but his true love will always remain in Japan. If you see him at an event, be sure to say hello and cheers a dram!

Samara B. Davis – Founder Black Bourbon Society – https://www.blackbourbonsociety.com  With over 4 years of Diversity and Inclusion advocacy plus 15 years of event planning experience, Samara B. Davis knows exactly what it takes to create unique one of a kind experiences for diverse audiences. Her work leaves your palate and your conscience wanting more, with a greater appreciation for bourbon and passion for inclusion, within the spirits industry! Ever the advocate for all things balanced, Samara founded Black Bourbon Society in 2016 upon realizing that there was a lack of diversity towards people of color within the bourbon community. Through her work with Black Bourbon Society, she has partnered with and featured several brands including Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark and Four Roses. Samara has coordinated exclusive events, curated dinner pairings and private whiskey tastings in markets such as Atlanta, LA, and Chicago. She also organizes exclusive trips to Kentucky and hosts an annual bourbon conference, Bourbon Boule, every year in New Orleans for her 20k+ Black Bourbon Society members and followers. Named one of Wine Enthusiasts Top 40 Under 40 and featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Black Enterprise and more; Samara often shares her expertise as an Executive Bourbon Steward -hosting tasting seminars, judging spirits competitions and much more. As a Diversity and Inclusion consultant, she works with executives and entrepreneurs to understand and strengthen their relationship with consumers of color, and to develop and refine their brand’s marketing strategy. In addition to her work with Black […]