What Folks Are Saying About Russ

Louis Leibs

Retired Beverage Alcohol Industry Senior Executive 

Thank you for producing another great event for our guests, we need to get our next date on your calendar and soon! Your enjoyment of teaching is a reflection of your industry experience, the number of tastings that you have performed and the distilleries you have toured. Thank you for bringing your energy and enthusiasm to our stage, and we’re looking forward to seeing you again,

Marius Donnelly

Proprietor & Chief Bottle Washer

Trinity Hall Irish Pub & Restaurant

Dallas, Texas

To date, I have had the great pleasure of attending four of Russ Kempton’s unique events.  I look forward to attending more of his “classes”.

Larry Spiegel 

President The Library of Cedar Creek Lake, Texas

Who possesses the passion and excitement about Scotch and does a magnificent job transferring his knowledge to his participants. Russ was able to provide tools to the class to enhance the experience and ensure "our journey" was well documented. There is no doubt Russ Kempton provides "Best In Class" service during his Scotch Tastings, and I would personally recommend Russ to anyone interested taking a Journey through Scotland.

Jay Stegall Fort Worth, Texas 

I had heard of Russ and his travels abroad, his classes locally and his expertise in product consulting.  If someone were to mention ‘spirits connoisseur”, I would immediately think of Russ, as do many hotel and restaurant people. 

Fred Haak - Northern Woods of Wisconsin

His enthusiasm, demeanor and organized approach make him perfect for both professional staff trainings and as a host for any type of spirits event. His ability to relate to his different audiences and utilize personal experiences about SO many products, distilleries and distiller’s is what separates Russ from other industry experts. I look forward to utilizing his services again soon! 

Richard Slutter General Manager, Hilton Virginia Beach,Virginia

I have hosted at least four Scotch and wine events that Russ Kempton has done over the years and can state unequivocally that he does an outstanding job running the event. My guests always leave in a great mood because they have learned to enjoy wine and/or Scotch in a relaxed, jovial atmosphere. As a matter of fact, his annual tasting at my home kicks off the spring neighborhood socials. My neighbors ask about him and the next tasting all year long. Russ's tastings are well thought out and planned. We begin discussing the wines and Scotches that we will taste weeks before the event. He also prepares printed background information on the various wines and/or Scotches that are distributed to the guests. 

He is funny, witty, charming, engaging and unpretentious. When the event is over, everybody is happy because they've learned a lot, had a great time and they all love Russ. 

Kathy Fish, CFP, CLU, ChFC - Memphis, Tennessee

Russ came to Austin to present a Journey Through Scotland Scotch education class in June of 2015, February 2016, March 2017, February 2019 and July 2021. His knowledge of Scotch, especially the distilleries, is impressive, We were guided through a tasting that stayed lively with questions and nuggets of trivia about each distillery as we went. Russ knows so much about each distillery it seemed like we could spend the whole class just on one! The Austin Scotch Lovers look forward to further visits from Russ to enrich and enhance our whisky knowledge and experience. 

Catherine Sikora - Austin Scotch Lovers Georgetown, Texas

"I had the pleasure to work with Russ at the Hageman Reserve in East Texas during spring 2015 while he presented to the Young President's Organization (YPO). 

Christopher D. Ferris, CCM, General Manager University Yacht Club, Lake Lanier, Flowery Branch, Georgia

"We recently worked with Mr. Kempton on a customer appreciation event for fifty of our best customers at a lumber convention in Las Vegas and we couldn't have been happier with the outcome. Mr. Kempton put together a tasting of seven bourbons for our guests and explained each with amazing detail. He was extremely easy to work with, quick to answer my questions, and allay any concerns. We have since received many compliments and plan on working with him again in the near future."  

Garner Robinson - New Orleans, Louisiana

I met Russ at the Mid-Atlantic Wine and Food Festival in Delaware.  We had such a great time I decided to invite him out to Tucson, AZ to visit my restaurant and help coordinate a six-course single-malt scotch dinner.  Our diners were eager to meet such a knowledgeable speaker that we sold out the event immediately. 

Ryan Clark - Tucson, Arizona

We’ve been working with Russ for over 10 years and he has yet to disappoint. The consistent feedback we receive from our guests that attend The Gents Place tastings with Russ is that he is “the best and most knowledgeable whiskey connoisseur they’ve ever met.” Thank you, Russ, and all the best in continuing to grow your business and following in the world of Grapes and Grains. 

Ben Davis, Founder and President - The Gents Place

http://thegentsplace.com/ 

Having attended many tastings over the years, I'm always impressed by the depth of Russ' knowledge and his passion for the products of which he speaks. 

 Mark Claster - Dallas, Texas

You can learn more in one hour listening and tasting scotch, bourbon or tequila with Russ Kempton than you can reading all of those spirit books. 

Charlie LeCompte - Houston, Texas

I've known Russ throughout his lengthy career and have attended several of his tastings / presentations.  I definitely recommend him for his knowledge and engaging presentation skills! 

Doug Throckmorton – Dallas, Texas

I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Kempton for over 16 years.  During this time, he has accepted over 90 invitations to campus to make guest presentations to my Survey of Beverages classes on the subject of Scotch Whisky. His extensive career in the beverage industry has been an invaluable resource for the students enrolled in my classes.  

Richard F. Tas, Ph.D. - retired

University Distinguished Teaching Professor

University of North Texas

College of Merchandising, Hospitality & Tourism

Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Denton, Texas  76203 - 5017

I extend my sincerest thanks for the presentation and Scotch tasting you lead for the students in my beverage management class. The different regions and styles were beautifully explained through your pictures, stories and thoughtfully chosen tastings. You are welcome back anytime. Thank you for being our valued partner in education.

Robert R. Nelson, PhD

Associate Professor
Hospitality Business Management

University of Delaware

I have enjoyed Russ's scotch tastings several times over the last decade. His passion and professionalism equates to a memorable evening, and knowledge you will want a refresher on with your friends. 

 Daniel Harvey - Dallas, Texas

Russ, this was quite the experience. You really made the American whiskey tasting into a real informative venture as we talked about the history, the science, as well as just the variety and differences from other liquors. Thank you for your hospitality and sharing of your vast knowledge of distilling and all that it relates to. 

Rob Baker - Southlake, Texas

It is truly a pleasure to have Russ Kempton as part of our events. Our clients loved Russ' knowledge, ability to relay the information so everyone can understand easily and his passion for spirits and educating people about them shines through. Looking forward to working with Russ for many more times to come! 

Mrs. Casey Hollingsworth | National Sales Manager N. Florida & Latin American Territories

He is so personable and likable. My favorite event with Russ has been his Sparkling wine tasting. I learned so much and have had fun experimenting with his recommendations. 

Audra Fricke - Frisco, Texas

Russ Kempton is an old friend and former boss in my previous life. 

His full-time work is actually conducting tastings and trainings all over the country.

John Laudenslager, MBA - Executive MBA Program

College of Business University of Texas at Arlington

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW SOME PEOPLE HAVE THE ABILITY TO TASTE AND SMELL CERTAIN FLAVORS IN WINE AND SPIRITS.  RUSS HAPPENS TO BE ONE OF THOSE FOLKS.  

BILLY MCCORMICK – FRISCO, TEXAS 

I would like to take a moment to recommend Russ Kempton to you for your upcoming event.  I have personally attended five of Russ's tastings over the last ten years.  They are always educational and entertaining. I think your clients will be impressed and you will not be disappointed. 

Joe Anderson – Atlanta, Georgia

Jason Easterling - Dallas, Texas

Rob Kowalski - Ft. Worth, Texas

 He can command a room when the subject of whisk(e)y comes up! 

Cham Kirk - Dallas, Texas

He is an excellent educator who is equally at home with a small group of novices or a room full of expert spirit enthusiasts.  Having been lucky enough to attend several of his tastings over the last six years, I can say he's taken my friends and I from knowing very little about Scotch to being able to appreciate the different nuances created by the unique distilling techniques of each distillery and Scotch-producing region.  Highly recommended!  

David Ritter - Plano, Texas

We have had Russ at a number of events. He always brings a great selection (for us it's scotch). Russ' travels, work and teaching experience make him a great guide through any spirit your team is tasting. 

Anthony Anderson - McKinney, Texas

You are guaranteed not only to have a great time but to learn when you attend one of his events. If you are looking for someone to lead an event...STOP!  You have found Russ "The Man" Kempton so all your troubles are over. 

Brad Van Otterloo - Frisco, Texas

I  have attended two seminars with him and truly enjoy his lecturing style.  He is humble in his approach and is able to relate to beginning aficionados and experts as well.

Shauna B. Lederman, CHE, CPCE | Director of Catering, Palace Station Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada

"Russ is not only a gold mine of knowledge about whisky, bourbon, wines, and alcohol in general, he is also a gifted story teller that takes you into the world of distilling and the wonders of marshes. He can make you taste the dew of the hills of Kentucky in the morning mist, or the moors of the Scottish highland.

Add to this Russ’ hosting skills making everyone feeling welcome and literally will answer any question, from the very simplest as to what is a bourbon, to the complex of the difference between copper stills and length of the pipes. Russ knows everything and loves to share with fellow enthusiasts."

Jesper Jansen, McKinney, Texas 

How rare to find an expert that knows so much about wine and liquor, and shares his knowledge in such an entertaining way! Five stars!!!

Brad Stokes, Corpus Christi, Texas

His management, sales and presentation skills are top-shelf and his work ethic and dedication to his profession unquestionable. I have had the pleasure of working with Russ as a vendor and he never failed to bring experience, market knowledge and, above all, sales growth for my brands.

Dan Peabody, Frisco, Texas