Your Executive Bourbon Steward

05/31/2026

Something about the name of this one tells me I’m going to need to buy one.

The rumors are true! 😳 Can't wait.

Rumored to be a new offering priced in the $40-$45 range, bottled at 94 proof and be a minimum of 3 years old. I'll post more details and confirmation as I get them.

What do you think? Are you excited about a new wheated bourbon priced at half of the Screaming Titan?


Redwood Empire Whiskey

05/30/2026

I think this is going to be a really fun event. Grateful for the team that’s putting it all together.

🚨 Fort Wayne Bourbon Fest is officially LIVE! 🥃
Join us Saturday 9/26/26 for bourbon pours, VIP experiences, exclusive barrel pick bottles, and a raffle featuring highly allocated bourbons including Pappy Van Winkle.
🎟 Early Bird Tickets are live NOW — save $25 before 7/31/26.
Http://FORTWAYNEBOURBONFEST.COM

05/28/2026

🥃 It’s time to launch something new.

I’ve gone back and forth for a while trying to figure out exactly what I wanted this space to be.

I didn’t want to just start another bourbon newsletter.

I wanted to create something that felt more personal. Something where I could take you a little deeper into the stories, the barrel picks, the distillery visits, the history, the people, and all the bourbon experiences I don’t always get to fully share in a quick post or short video.

A lot of you have reached out over time and said you’d love to hear more of the story behind the bourbon adventures I get to experience, and that really means a lot to me.

Social media and short videos are great, but sometimes there’s just not enough room to tell the full story; I created a new space for that.

This will be a place for deeper stories, bourbon education, behind the scenes moments, exclusive updates, and some exciting things coming soon, including giveaways, special events, and opportunities I won’t always be able to share in full on social media.

While more additions are coming, I think it’s time to launch.

I still can’t believe almost 500 new people have joined this community across my channels over the past two months. I’m so grateful for every single one of you.

I’d love to have you be part of this exclusive Your Executive Bourbon Steward community.

🥃 Subscribe at the link below.

Uncovering the People, Places, and Pours Behind Bourbon - Issue #1

05/24/2026

What an incredible night at Shorty's.

Thank you to everyone who came out for our whiskey dinner. This was truly one of the most fun nights I’ve had sharing stories, history, great food, and some really special pours.

There’s just something about a room full of people slowing down, enjoying a meal together, asking questions, laughing, and learning a little more about what’s in their glass. That’s exactly why I love doing this.

A huge thank you to Shorty’s for hosting such a great evening and for trusting me to be part of the experience.

If you’re planning a private dinner, corporate event, customer appreciation night, fundraiser, or a special gathering with friends, I’d love to help create a bourbon or whiskey tasting experience for your group.

Thank you again to everyone who made this night so special.

Your Executive Bourbon Steward
Stephan Armstrong

05/23/2026

I just finished listening to Bottom Shelf by Fred Minnick on Audible, and I flew through it in two days.

Fred has such a gift for storytelling. The way he can take bourbon history, the people behind it, and the stories most of us would never know, and bring them all together is incredible.

I’ve always loved the history side of bourbon, so this book really pulled me in. But what inspired me the most was hearing Fred talk about his own journey, how he’s grown as a teacher, storyteller, and voice in the bourbon world over the years.

That part really hit home for me.

If you love bourbon, the history behind it, or just enjoy hearing a great storyteller do what they do best, I highly recommend Bottom Shelf.

What an amazing book. I can’t wait to meet Fred someday, and maybe even get the chance to interview him for our bourbon community. Such an awesome guy. 🥃

05/20/2026

Bourbon fans, Cap n’ Cork Covington Plaza is bringing out some serious bottles this Saturday.

Hard-to-find bourbons, like that Weller Orange and other sought after releases, this is one of the biggest drops they’ve put together.

05/18/2026

Shorty's Whiskey Dinner starts soon!

One of my favorite parts of teaching bourbon classes is helping people understand how different whiskeys can pair with different flavors, foods, and experiences. For this event, Chef Jeff has put together an amazing custom 3-course meal, and I’ve selected rare, hard-to-find bourbons to thoughtfully pair with each course.

You’ll enjoy a great meal, some special pours, and learn a little bourbon history along the way.

I’d really love to have you join us for the evening and see what you think of the pairings I selected.

When: May 20th at 6:00 PM
Where: Shorty’s Steakhouse, Garrett, IN

Tickets are extremely limited!

Stop by the restaurant or text 260-633-6276 to secure your spot today. 🥩🥃

05/16/2026

This is going to be a special night at Shorty's Steakhouse. 🥃

I had the chance to help select the bourbon and whiskey pairings for this dinner, and we’ve got a few different, rare pours lined up that I think people are really going to enjoy.

Great food, great whiskey, and a little history behind the glass.

Spots are limited, so check out Shorty’s post below for all the details.

05/13/2026

I’m really excited for this one! 🥃

I had the chance to go through Shorty’s bourbon inventory and help create some amazing whiskey pairings for the food they’ll be serving at this event. It’s going to be a great night of bourbon, dinner, and a little history along the way.

I’d love your support on this one so we can show that pairing great whiskey with great food, along with a little bourbon history, is something we need more of here in the greater Fort Wayne area.

Spots are extremely limited, so make sure you reach out to Shorty’s for ticket information!

Calling all WHISKEY LOVERS! 🥃 Join us on May 20th for an unforgettable evening at Shorty's Whiskey Dinner. Enjoy an exclusive three-course meal perfectly paired with premium pours. Our Executive Bourbon Steward, Stephan A., will be your guide for a night of incredible drinks and education. 🥩✨ Limited spots are available, so secure your seat today! Message us for ticket information.