MIDWAY, KY (06/14/2024) Midway University proudly highlights the remarkable success of Lacy Robinson, an alumna of its Bourbon Studies program, who has leveraged her education to become a leading figure in bourbon tourism. Lacy’s ventures, the Bourbon Legends Tour and the “Spirit of Service” hospitality training workshop, exemplify the impact of Midway’s comprehensive curriculum on Kentucky’s cultural and economic landscape.
Lacy’s journey began with her pursuit of an MBA program that combined her passion for event planning and bourbon. Midway University’s MBA with Tourism and Event Management focus that specializes in the bourbon industry, led by Tim Knittel, was the perfect fit. Tim, a renowned bourbon industry insider and founder of Distilled Living, brings over 13 years of experience in bourbon education and event design. His extensive background includes managing the Culinary Center and serving as the first Homeplace Host at Woodford Reserve Distillery, working alongside Master Distiller Chris Morris and James Beard Nominated Chef Ouita Michel. Tim’s credentials include being a Certified Executive Bourbon Steward and the first official Bourbon Ambassador of Churchill Downs.
Lacy credits the program’s rigorous curriculum and practical projects for her success. “Several projects required students to think creatively about bourbon tourism and consider what is missing from everything that is already available to bourbon enthusiasts. The feedback provided by Professor Knittel was detailed and invaluable,” she shares. One such project inspired her to launch the Bourbon Legends Tour, a unique experience that takes guests to the final resting places of Kentucky’s bourbon legends.
The Bourbon Legends Tour not only educates participants about the legends and legacies of bourbon but also deepens their appreciation for cemeteries. “I aim to give guests a different kind of experience. By the end of the tour, their appreciation for bourbon is evident,” Lacy explains.
Lacy also launched the “Spirit of Service” hospitality training workshop at Moonshine University, empowering distillery team members with the skills to provide exceptional visitor experiences. This initiative, stemming from her capstone project, has significantly enhanced the overall bourbon tourism industry.
Lacy’s ventures have been met with significant success. Her websites, www.bourbonlegendstour.com and www.whiskeywelcome.com, receive numerous hits, and she regularly receives positive feedback. A highlight of her career was presenting at the James B. Beam Institute Industry Conference, where she received commendation from industry icons like Bill Samuels, Jr. of Maker’s Mark.
For current and prospective students of Midway University’s Bourbon Studies program, Lacy offers valuable advice: “Visit bourbon distilleries and bourbon-related events for projects or assignments. Document different hospitality or guest engagement aspects experienced. Those moments will contribute in-depth insights for discussion board assignments and other projects.”
Midway University’s Bourbon Studies program supports the full scope of the bourbon industry. The skills and knowledge gained from this curriculum are beneficial for those seeking employment in the bourbon industry, tour and visitor center operations, historic and adventure attractions, state parks, and the hotel industry. With the bourbon industry contributing $9 billion to Kentucky’s economy and providing more than 23,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1.63 billion, Midway University provides the perfect opportunity to enter this vibrant field. The production and consumption of bourbon also generate over $350 million in annual tax revenue for Kentucky state and local governments, further emphasizing the industry’s vital role in the state’s economic health.
For more information about Midway University’s Bourbon Studies, or to enroll, visit www.midway.edu.
