Whiskey University has Instructors in the Southaven Metro Area:

Our faculty currently serves DeSoto County, Mississippi (184,945); Marshall County, Mississippi (37,144); Lafayette County, Mississippi (54,793); Tate County, Mississippi (28,886); Panola County, Mississippi (34,707); and Tunica County, Mississippi (pop 9,782) in the Southaven Metro area (the Mississippi suburbs of Memphis).


Whiskey University’s Faculty

  • Professor Lt. Col. Donnie Sappington

  • Lt.Jr.Grd Jay Barfield


Whiskey University is also currently looking for Instructors In the Southaven Metro Area (or the Mississippi’s Memphis Suburbs).

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Professor Lt. Col. Donnie Sappington

   Email address:     Donnie@WhiskeyUniv.com

Whiskey University Partner

Member of the Board of Directors

Donnie.jpeg

Whiskey University Recruiter

Professor Donnie Sappington has been a member of Whiskey University since late 2020. In 2016 Whiskey University began offering Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees. Donnie earned his Bourbon Diploma on January 24th, 2021.

Donnie grew up in North Mississippi and currently resides in Memphis, Tennessee; he is married to Paula and has three children and one grandchild. Captain Sappington has worked with Mar-Val Process Equipment in Industrial Valve Sales for over a dozen years, traveling across Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.  He holds a Master of Health Administration degree from The University of Memphis.

Donnie was one of the first students in West Tennessee to earn his Associate Degree after passing 15 classes on May 25th, 2021. On August 3rd, 2018 Donnie earned his Bachelors of Science Degree with 24 classes, at Whiskey University and the title of "Adjunct Master Bourbon Taster." Professor Sappington taught his first tasting on September 10, 2021, Bourbon 201.  He also teaches “The Big 3” and “Whiskey Row Region.” 

Professor Donnie Sappington earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree and title of “Master Bourbon Taster” at Whiskey University after passing 30 classes while achieving the Rank of Captain in the Bourbon Brigade on September 30, 2021.  Donnie’s Major is in The Bourbon Capital Region.  He is also a Certified Bourbon Steward with The Stave and Thief Society.

Donnie had the typical college experience with “bourbon and coke,” but his whiskey journey really took off a couple of decades later!  In 2012, a summer vacation in Park City, Utah, led him to a whiskey flight tasting at High West’s Saloon.  That flight of rye and other High West American Whiskeys started a journey that has added friends all over the country and the establishment of two Memphis-based whiskey groups.  He proudly serves as President of Agreeable Interlude American Whiskey Society (Memphis) and as Social Chairman of the Memphis Muddy Water Society

Professor Sappington looks forward to continuing his education with Whiskey University and sharing with you historical stories and experiences to include Bourbon, Rye and Tennessee Whiskeys. Outside the enjoyment of sharing great bourbons and ryes with friends, family and strangers, Donnie enjoys traveling with family; playing mediocre golf and pickleball; and watching sports.  His sports teams are Mississippi State University, University of Memphis in College Athletics and Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Cubs and he tries to cheer for the Tennessee Titans.

Donnie Has The Following “Designations” & Credentials:

Chartered Master Bourbon Taster”

(from the Whiskey University)

Certified Bourbon Steward

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

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President, Agreeable Interlude American Whiskey Society

Social Chairman, Memphis Muddy Water Society

Mid-south Bourbon Brotherhood, Member

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Lt.Jr.Grd Jay Barfield

Jay has the following “Designations” & Credentials:

Certified Bourbon Taster

(from Whiskey University)

Executive Bourbon Steward

(from the Stave & Thief Society)

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Cities or towns in this service area for Bourbon and Whiskey Tasting Classes include Memphis, TN; Hernando, MS; Horn Lake, MS; Lynchburg, MS; Olive Branch, MS; Southhaven, MS; and Walls, MS; Coldwater, MS; Senatobia, MS; Sarah, MS; Oxford, MS; Abbeville, MS; Oxford, MS; Taylor, MS; Batesville, MS; Batesville, MS; Como, MS; Courtland, MS; Crenshaw, MS; Pope, Sardis, MS; Sardis, MS; Tunica, MS; Tunica, MS; Robinsonville, MS; Dundee, MS; Brickeys, AR; Sarah, MS; Lula, MS; Hughes, AR; Sledge, MS; Lake Cormorant, MS; Crenshaw, MS; Coahoma, MS; Helena, AR; Lexa, AR; Walls, MS; and West Helena, AR.