Tim Knittel

TIM KNITTEL is an independent Kentucky Bourbon industry insider now providing services as a presenter, event manager, instructor, consultant and writer. He has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and beverage alcohol industries.

CAREER (CURRENT)

2016 –  Founded Distilled Living, the world’s largest Bourbon and mixology events and experiences company. 

2017 – Joined Midway University as Adjunct Professor of Bourbon Studies teaching an MBA focused on the Bourbon hospitality industry.

2020 – Appointed first Official Bourbon Ambassador of Churchill Downs.

2023 – Launched V**** Barrel Co. providing route-to-market assistance for distilleries and barrel investors plus cask acquisition and bottling for barrel buyers.

2024 – Partner in Experience Co-Packing, an unique bottling facility and private hosting venue in Louisville KY developed by Mark Carter. (Services launching across 2024)

RESUME (PREVIOUS)

2017 to 2020 – Bourbon-Steward-in-Residence at The Kentucky Castle.

2013 to 2016 – Homeplace Host at Woodford Reserve Distillery, managing VIP hospitality and barrel selection programs for Master Distiller Chris Morris as well as serving as a mixology judge for numerous competitions.

2009 to 2012 – Culinary Center Manager at Woodford Reserve Distillery for James Beard nominated chef Ouita Michel.

ADDITIONAL

Instructor, Moonshine U, Visitor & Hospitality Programs for Distilleries

Uniquely, Tim Knittel has the only “Bourbon Technical Consultant” credit in a feature film – Bluegrass Spirits, starring Jake Busey (streaming now available on Amazon).

Cocktail Judge (multiple competitions)

TITLES, CERTIFICATIONS & TRAININGS

• Executive Bourbon Steward from the Stave & Thief Society
• Graduate from Filson Society Bourbon Academy
• The Complete Whiskey Course with Robin Robinson at Brewing & Distilling Analytic Services
• Diploma of Professionalization in Tequila Culture from El Consejo Regulador del Tequila, A. C.
• Brandy Class with Dr. Dan Farber at BDES Brewing & Distilling Analytic Services
• Best Practices of Project Management from Solarity

He writes for industry and consumer publications including: 

• Artisan Spirit Magazine
• DrinkDistiller.com 
• Whisky Wash
• and more …

Appearances & Interviews

Bourbon Pursuit Podcast: 088 – Back to Basics with Bourbon 101 and 201 with Tim Knittel, Bourbon Educator at Distilled-Living.com

Bourbon Lens Podcast: 162 – Inside The Bourbon Room at the World Famous Churchill Downs

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WDKY Fox 56: Out & About with Diane Stephens – Out and About at Matt Winn’s

Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs: Matt Winn’s Steakhouse

WLEX18: “Hey Kentucky!” – Josh Corman Meets a Bourbon Expert

Midway University: Midway Moments Episode 4 – Bourbon Studies

WLEX18: Live With Lee & Hayley: Lee & Hayley Get Schooled In Bourbon

WNKY: Sunrise Spotlight – Midway University, Bourbon Studies Minor

Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs: The Kentucky Castle pt. 2

WKYT: Out & About Bourbon University February 12, 2018 Part 1, Part 2

WLEX18: Live with Lee & Hayley – The Kentucky Castle

WKYT: Out & About BBQ & Barrel tasting and dinner July, 17, 2017 Part 1, Part 2

His work has been featured in: 

DISTILLED LIVING

Distilled Living delivers Bourbon and mixology experiences for in-person events, virtual gatherings, conferences, conventions and luxury tourism groups with over 1,000 experiences presented so far and still growing. 

For larger events, the company provides distillery participation assistance through their unique One-Stop Tour™ concept. 

The company produced the VIP beverage experiences for the KY Derby® (2021-2022) and the KY Bourbon Festival® (2022-2023). 

This year, Distilled Living gained approval to become an Official Sponsor of the KY Bourbon Trail® program.

The company also offers consulting and supporting services across the entire beverage alcohol spirits industry, including new product development, production sourcing and logistics, three tier and route-to-market navigation, field representation and activations, new venue development, and much more.

Clients include: 

… and many more!