Russ Kempton, CSS (Certified Specialist of Spirits), has been in the alcoholic beverage industry for over 30 years having held multiple sales, marketing and management positions. He has participated in over 1,500 seminars, training events (private, consumers, customers and charities) related to distilled spirits and wine. As an example; he has an excellent understanding and expertise of Single Malt and Blended Scotch, having traveled on five occasions to distilleries throughout Scotland; recently he received the Certificate of Expertise in the Sales & Service of Scotch Whisky in Edinburgh Scotland. Also, in the past, he was the Texas Brand Ambassador for two leading Scotch whisky Distilleries. Other distilling regions of interest and travel; also on numerous occasions have been distilleries in Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, the Caribbean and Mexico. He also has the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico Certification for Tequila expertise. Besides his seminars, training and events; he has written many articles and blogs on the subject; has a unique comprehension and knowledge of the world's prestigious distilleries. Also, for the past 14 years he has been a visiting instructor in Survey of Beverage Alcohol classes (Hotel / Restaurant Management) at The University of North Texas; Society of Wine Educators Conference speaker on Scotch whisky in 2010 - 2013 and invited to speak next year; written CD’s on Scotch and other whiskies. 2013 and 2014 he was invited to speak at the Mid Atlantic Wine+Food Festival in Wilmington Delaware on distilled spirits and invited back next year. This year and last year he spoke at the annual NACE conference; National Association of Catering Executives on Scotch and Tequila respectfully and again invited to speak next year. What you will get from including Russ in one of your functions is a professional recognized as an expert on distilled spirits; passionate on the subject and will bring a unique; exciting angle to your event.