Share, Lift, Lead: The Bourbon Blueprint
Join Hon. Gwen Hoover ‘89, Certified Bourbon Steward and Retired Judge, in raising a glass to a deeper understanding of whiskey! She will kick us off by demonstrating how to expertly craft a Jammin’ Whiskey Sour before diving into the rich, amber world of Bourbon. You’ll learn exactly what earns a bottle the title of “America’s Native Spirit,” debunking common myths and decoding the legal definitions that actually matter for your palate. We’ll take the mystery out of the liquor aisle by dissecting bottle labels, exploring age statements, price points, and various styles while teaching you the professional techniques to “nose” and taste like a connoisseur. Whether you’re looking to find your signature flavor profile or want to order with confidence at a high-end bar, you’ll walk away from this interactive and curated discussion with the strategies you need to navigate any spirits list.
About the speaker:
Gwendolyn (Gwen) Hoover ’89, is a Certified Bourbon Steward based in south central Pennsylvania. Gwen became interested in the bourbon and whiskey industry in 2011 while visiting distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. As Gwen visited distilleries and attended industry events, she found she was often representing the minority of attendees as a black female participant, leading her to pursue opportunities to connect with more women and people of color in the industry.
Since 2011, Gwen has continued to visit distilleries and participate in events across the United States, building up her expertise — and her personal whiskey collection! She has earned her Rye Whiskey Certificate, a Whiskey Diploma in Basic Whiskey Studies, and an Associate of Science Degree in Intermediate Whiskey Studies, concentrating in Distilleries from Whiskey University. Gwen is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on Whiskey History and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Craft Distilling, also with Whiskey University.
What started as a curious visit turned into a hobby. Following her retirement after thirty-one years in law and public service, Gwen launched Singleton Hart Consulting & Events, LLC. Through this platform, she leverages her training to educate consumers of bourbon and whiskey; design and host bourbon/whiskey and cocktail tasting experiences; and connect women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and small businesses to resources within the industry.
Gwen is a member of the Bourbon Women Association, Women Who Whiskey, and the Spirited Collective.
Helpful Information:
Registered attendees will receive a Zoom link in their confirmation email and again closer to the event date.
The Share, Lift, Lead series is inspired by the Four Forward initiative, celebrating the first four women to receive degrees from Denison. While Share, Lift, Lead discussions are often rooted in the shared experiences of women, the program is open to all Denisonians interested in engaging with its themes and conversations.
