We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ty The Bourbon Guy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ty The below.

Ty The Bourbon Guy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success isn’t just about working hard — it’s about working smart, staying creative and always looking for inspiration in unexpected places. For me, that means thinking beyond the whiskey world. I study content creators in completely different niches–chefs, book reviewers, fragrance enthusiasts–because there’s always something to learn from how they engage their audience or bring fresh ideas to their space. That kind of outside-the-box thinking keeps my own content fresh and pushes me to innovate rather than just follow what everyone else is doing.

I’m also a big believer in studying success people, whether they’re top-tier athletes, historical figures, or leaders in their fields. There’s always a common thread–discipline, consistency, and a willingness to adapt–that connects the best of the best. I try to tap into that mindset and apply it to what I do. Success isn’t about copying someone else’s blueprint– it’s about learning, evolving, and finding your own way to stand out.

Ty The, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a whiskey content creator with a strong focus on whiskey education, but over time, my work has expanded into consulting, event promotion, and helping businesses showcase their whiskey programs. I work with local restaurants, bars, and events–primarily in Indianapolis, but also in Kentucky and beyond–to bring creative strategies to life. Whether it’s advising on which bourbons to stock, setting the right pricing, or using social media to highlight a bar’s whiskey selection and cocktail creativity, I love helping businesses connect with their audience in an authentic way.

What I’m most proud of, though, is the people I’ve met along the way. Through whiskey tastings, educational classes, and industry collaborations, I’ve had the chance to connect with whiskey lovers from all over the world. Everyone has their own whiskey journey, and I enjoy hearing their stories, sharing knowledge, and helping them discover what excites them most about whiskey. That personal connection is what makes this work truly rewarding.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I started building my social media presence, it wasn’t intentional–I was simply sharing the whiskeys I was trying as a way to keep track of them. But as my following grew organically, I realized there was potential to turn my passion into something bigger. The key to that growth was staying genuine. Too many people focus on chasing numbers, paying for followers, or mimicking others, but that approach rarely leads to long-term success. Instead, I believe in creating content that truly excites you, because when you’re passionate about what you’re sharing, people will naturally connect with it.

My biggest advice for those starting out is to focus less on the follower count and more on the value you provide. Whether you have 200 or 20,000 followers, imagine them as real people in a room listening to you talk about your passion–that’s powerful. Build a network, stay consistent, and don’t lose sight of what makes your content unique. In the long run, authenticity and real engagement will always be more valuable than any number on a screen.

Have you ever had to pivot?

After graduating college with an accounting background, I found myself working in retail management in Virginia, but I knew deep down that I wanted more out of life. I felt a strong pull toward something different, something bigger. So, despite the uncertainty, I made a bold decision–I quit my job and moved to Indianapolis, trusting my gut that this was where I was meant to be. It was a leap of faith, but one that completely changed my life.

Since making that move over a decade ago, everything has fallen into place. I built a successful career, launched my own business, and most importantly, met my now wife. We’ve built a beautiful family together, and none of it would have happened if I hadn’t trusted my instincts and taken that risk. Sometimes, the biggest opportunities come from stepping into the unknown, even when it’s scary. If you feel a deep pull toward something, don’t let fear hold you back–take the jump.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tythebourbonguy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tythebourbonguy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-the-bourbon-guy-301554299
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tythebourbonguy