Spirits
Lindsay Coke – Louisville Marriott East
Kia Hampton – Bardstown Bourbon Company
Tiara Holmes – Moxy
Will Jay – Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Dakota Poitra – Hell or High Water Bar
Ethan Spalding – Buzzard's Roost Spirits
Rose Award Voting will begin at 12:01 am on October 10th and end on October 18th at midnight on louisvilleroseawards.com.
Only one vote in each of the 11 categories will be counted from an individual email address.
Please share on your social media, louisvilleroseawards.com, and encourage your family & to read about these inspiring finalists and vote!
Lindsay Coke
Louisville Marriott East
Lindsay has truly been a shining star at the Louisville Marriott East for over 7 years, playing a pivotal role in the success of our establishment. As a bartender, she excels in providing top-notch service and creating an unforgettable experience for our guests. Her talent and passion for hospitality are evident in the way she interacts with customers, making them feel valued and appreciated. Lindsay's presence at our hotel is so impactful that we have regular guests who specifically ask for her by name. Her infectious personality and high energy level bring a positive vibe to the team, and she is always willing to lend a helping hand to her colleagues. Lindsay is always willing to take on a challenge to learn, grow and evolve in her craft. She is confident and her attention to detail are unmatched, making her a valuable asset to our team. We are grateful to have her as a part of our Marriott family.
Kia Hampton
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Kia consistently goes above and beyond for any event she oversees, handling everything from setup to breakdown with incredible energy and hospitality. Even during last-minute events, she maintains a positive attitude, never showing stress. Her dedication and passion are truly inspiring, making her an invaluable asset to our team and a role model for many. Kia’s ability to manage multiple tasks seamlessly while keeping the atmosphere lively and welcoming is a testament to her exceptional skills and character. Her influence extends beyond logistics; she creates memorable experiences for everyone involved, setting a high standard with her leadership and enthusiasm. Whether it’s a large-scale gathering or an intimate affair, Kia’s presence guarantees a positive and enjoyable experience for all, making her contributions to the Bourbon world and our company immeasurable.
Tiara Holmes
Moxy
During a busy shift at the Moxy, Tiara was bartending when the CO2 alarm went off, causing concern among guests and staff. While others focused on closing out checks, Tiara prioritized guest safety, helping evacuate the building and engaging guests in the adjacent park with games and personalized suggestions for nearby activities. Her leadership during this incident received high praise from guests. Over her three years at Moxy, Tiara has consistently exceeded expectations, contributing to the property’s success with her innovative cocktails and participation in competitions. She was nominated for White Lodging’s Cocktail Council and has assisted various properties, showcasing her dedication and expertise. Tiara is known for advocating for her team, mentoring new associates, and sharing her extensive beverage knowledge, making her an invaluable asset to both guests and coworkers.
Will Jay
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Will Jay is an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond to provide engaging, educational, and fun experiences for our VIP guests, often staying extra hours without seeking recognition. He excels at explaining the process and history of Evan Williams and the Shapira family with enthusiasm and passion, breaking down complex processes into layman’s terms. As a fantastic mixologist and cook, he frequently guides our events team and steps up to cover roles during absences, ensuring smooth operations and excellent consumer experiences. Despite his additional duties, Will continues to handle VIP extras with energy and passion, traveling to Bardstown on his own time to meet and dazzle consumers. He embodies our welcoming company spirit with a smile, a can-do attitude, and respect for everyone he meets.
Dakota Poitra
Hell or High Water Bar
Dakota always goes out of her way to make our guests feel special, ensuring they feel like family and often giving small HOHW trinkets to those she speaks with at length. During large buyouts or urgent situations, she remains cool, calm, and collected while perfecting every cocktail. Dakota leads by example, motivating our staff with her positive attitude and dedication. In just over two years at HOHW, she has quickly risen from a new bartender to Bartender Manager, perfecting her craft with grace.
Ethan Spalding
Buzzard's Roost Spirits
Ethan Spalding, a 2022 graduate of the Bourbon Studies program at Midway College, is a versatile and dedicated Lead Distiller at Buzzard’s Roost. Coming from a distinguished bourbon lineage, he handles various tasks on Whiskey Row with efficiency and a great attitude. Ethan’s expertise in distillation, barrel selection, and blending has contributed to our award-winning products. This September, we are proud to release Buzzard’s Roost Kindred Single Barrel Bourbon, a collaboration between Ethan and his father, showcasing his emerging talent. Ethan’s passion, knowledge, and approachable demeanor make him an invaluable asset and a rising star in Kentucky’s bourbon industry.