THE THIRST SHERPA
ADVENTURES IN GREAT TASTE
OWNER, INVESTOR, ADVISOR SINCE 1991.
WORK/PROJECTS
NOW
The Difference Business Bourbon ®
Art of Alchemy Blended Spirits ™
Cask Catalyst ™
Launch Hospitality
Pinchy’s Lobster & Raw Bar
White Oak Barrel Works
The Walnut Kitchen - Maryville, TN
Nighthawks Bourbon
The Viceroy Wine + Vinyl
Tony Joe White Supply Co.
Peaceful Side Brewery
Cocky Boy Rum
Hare of the Dog Spirits
THEN
Blackberry Farm Brewery (2010-2023)
Red Bull North America (2001-2013)
Boston Beer Company (1999-2001)
CURRENT WORK
In the works
ENGAGE
Available for workshops, tastings, events, corporate retreats, panels, judging, and brand advisory scopes. My work has taken me all over the world, and I have worked in almost every category of beverage across the spectrum. Let’s talk.
ABOUT
I don’t really care much for self-promotion. So, I had a very trusted friend and colleague take a stab at defining my journey. I thought it was pretty solid, and here’s the short story.
Roy Milner, a distinguished figure in the beverage industry, is celebrated for his entrepreneurial acumen and co-founding roles in transformative brands such as Blackberry Farm Brewery, Art of Alchemy Spirits, Cask Catalyst Beverage Accelerator, and The Difference Business Bourbon. His decorated career is characterized by a unique blend of artisanal passion, strategic innovation, and a profound commitment to community and collaboration. His signature achievements include pioneering novel beverage concepts, garnering prestigious industry awards, and successfully cultivating brands that resonate deeply with consumers by emphasizing shared experiences and purpose.
At the core of his professional persona is the archetype of the "Artisan Alchemist and Community Builder." This designation captures his dedication to the craft of beverage making, his ability to transform ingredients and ideas into exceptional products, and his unwavering focus on fostering connections and building ventures around shared values. His communication style is marked by authenticity, approachability, and a clear articulation of purpose, allowing him to connect genuinely with partners, teams, and consumers alike.
He has been recognized for his thought leadership with a focus on themes of purposeful creation, collaborative innovation, and the rich tapestry of Southern-rooted craftsmanship that defines his work.
Finally, his career in the beverage industry is a compelling narrative of passion evolving into expertise, and expertise fueling entrepreneurial innovation. His journey is marked by a consistent dedication to quality, a flair for brand building, and an innate understanding of how beverages can create connection and community.