Today we’d like to introduce you to Troy Bell.
Hi Troy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into whiskey started back in 2011, when my wife and I attended a Johnnie Walker tasting event. It was the first time I experienced whiskey as something more than just a drink — it was an immersive sensory experience. I was fascinated by the way whiskey making blends art and science — how it takes both technical precision and instinct, skill and soul. And I was drawn to the stories behind every bottle: the craftsmanship, the history, and the conversations that unfold when people gather to share a good pour.
Over the next decade, I dove deeper. We visited distilleries across the country and around the world, collecting experiences and building a deeper appreciation for the craft. In 2022, I became an Executive Bourbon Steward — a way to formalize what had long been a passion. From there, I began developing themed tastings, experimenting with scripts, and sharing what I’d learned with friends and family. In the following years, the foundation of Dad’s Whiskey Stash was being built and by 2024 it had taken on a life of its own.
Today, the business is both a personal and professional endeavor. I handle everything — from research, bookings, and social posts to hosting tastings — and I pour myself (pun intended) into every experience. As a stay-at-home dad with two young boys, this work provides a good balance between family life and creative expression. My experience in advertising and marketing helps me craft experiences that are thoughtful, educational, and fun — where guests feel included, informed, and inspired.
The name “Dad’s Whiskey Stash” captures that spirit perfectly. Dads have a way of keeping a special stash — something meaningful, a little personal, and meant to be shared with care. When guests join one of my tastings, I want them to feel like they’ve been invited into that sacred space — comfortable, curious, and ready to discover something new together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges has been managing my time — balancing the demands of family life, parenting, and running a growing business. There are nights when I’m hosting tastings instead of sitting down for dinner or bedtime routines, and weekends when family plans have to shift. Thankfully, my wife and I have found a rhythm that works; we trade off responsibilities and keep things flexible so both home and business get the attention they need. When I’m needed at home, I pause the business and focus there. When the boys are in school, that’s my time to catch up, plan ahead, and keep things moving.
The other ongoing challenge is simply getting the word out. As a small, one-person operation, building awareness and keeping the calendar full takes a lot of intentional effort. There’s no big marketing team — just me trying to connect with people who value what I do and want to share in the experience.
Being a one-man show has taught me to stay nimble and give myself a lot of grace. Some days the balance tilts more toward family, other days it’s all business. I’ve learned that it’s okay to miss a few things, to move a little slower than planned, and to trust that there’s always another way to get it done.
Early on, I hesitated — I wanted every detail to be perfect before putting myself out there. But I’ve learned that entrepreneurship rarely works that way. Sometimes you just have to start, learn as you go, and let the process shape you. Each step forward has made me a little more confident, a little more adaptable, and a lot more grateful for the people who make this work meaningful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Through Dad’s Whiskey Stash, I create guided whiskey tastings that are equal parts education and entertainment. Each event is designed to make whiskey more approachable — breaking down the barriers of jargon or exclusivity — and helping people slow down, taste with intention, and discover the stories behind the glass.
Every tasting is customized to the group — whether it’s a private celebration, a corporate event, or an intimate gathering among friends. I draw on my training as an Executive Bourbon Steward, but also on the lessons learned from being a dad: patience, presence, and finding joy in small details. My approach is less about impressing guests with deep whiskey knowledge and more about creating an environment where people feel welcome to ask questions, share their own experiences, and connect over something shared and sensory.
At its heart, my work is about community — bringing people together, one pour at a time. Whiskey becomes the lens, but what guests remember most isn’t just the flavor profile or the proof — it’s the laughter, the stories, and the sense of connection that lingers long after the glasses are empty.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been curious about how things connect — people, cultures, flavors, and the stories behind them. That curiosity showed up early, even if I didn’t have the language for it then. Over time, it evolved into an appreciation for travel, food, and drink — experiences that open you up to the world and the people in it.
My deeper interest in whiskey came later after attending that Johnnie Walker tasting back in 2011. t wasn’t just about what I was tasting — it was about the history, the craftsmanship, and how something as simple as sharing a pour could bring people together that really sparked something that went beyond the glass.
Now, as a Dad, I find myself thinking about those same themes of connection and curiosity. Whiskey has become a way for me to explore them more intentionally — to create experiences that slow people down, spark conversation, and remind us how much we can learn from one another when we take the time to share something meaningful.
Pricing:
- Private whiskey tastings typically run for about 1.5-2 hours for about $65 per person. Final details depend on group size, travel, and customizations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dadswhiskeystash.com
- Instagram: @dadswhiskeystash
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dadswhiskeystash
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dads-whiskey-stash
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dads-whiskey-stash-atlanta-2
