From a chance introduction to bourbon to award-winning whiskey journalism and the launch of a new streaming platform, Kerry Moynahan has built a career around discovering the people behind the glass.
The room buzzed with the familiar energy that settles over New Orleans every July. Bartenders greeted old friends, distillers caught up between events, and conversations drifted effortlessly from new releases to forgotten bottles and the next stop on the evening’s schedule. Tales of the Cocktail has always been one of the drinks industry’s great reunions, a place where hospitality professionals, producers, writers, educators, and enthusiasts gather to celebrate the culture surrounding a well-made drink.
This year, Kerry Moynahan stood in the middle of it for a different reason.
The award-winning producer, filmmaker, and whiskey journalist was celebrating the launch of SSE TV, a new streaming platform dedicated to spirits, food, travel, and culture. The launch party, held during an official Tales of the Cocktail Happy Hour in New Orleans, brought together creators, industry friends, and personalities from across the beverage world to introduce the next chapter of her career. By the time this issue reaches readers, the celebration will have come and gone, but it represents an important milestone in a journey that began in a far less glamorous setting.
"I would love to get my Certified Whiskey Specialist and Master of Scotch certifications from the Council of Whiskey Masters."
There was no master plan to become a whiskey journalist. No lifelong dream of interviewing distillers or building a television platform. Like so many good stories, it began with a conversation. “My best friend from college, Matt, came to visit,” Moynahan recalls. “He introduced me to whiskey in my late twenties, early thirties. He gave me a little information about lower-shelf to higher-shelf bourbon, and I started tasting from there.”
It’s almost understated, especially considering where that first lesson eventually led. Yet it reveals something important about Moynahan. She’s never presented herself as someone who arrived in whiskey believing she already had the answers. Instead, she became captivated by the questions. That curiosity has become the defining characteristic of her career.
Learning Beyond the Label
Spend a few minutes talking with Kerry Moynahan and one thing becomes apparent: she isn’t interested in collecting credentials simply for the letters that follow her name. For her, education is a way of opening more doors.
Today she is a Certified Bourbon Steward, a Certified Bartender, and has completed certification through the prestigious Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh, Scotland. Those accomplishments reflect years of study, tasting, and travel, yet she speaks about them less as milestones than as stepping stones.
There are still certifications she’d like to pursue. “I would love to get my Certified Whiskey Specialist and Master of Scotch certifications from the Council of Whiskey Masters.” The comment isn’t offered as a boast. It’s simply the next item on a list that doesn’t seem likely to end anytime soon.
That mindset also shapes the way she talks about whiskey itself. Ask many whiskey lovers about their favorite bottle and they’ll often give a definitive answer.
Having tasted so many, what’s your favorite style of whiskey? Rye, Bourbon, high proof, etc.?
Moynahan: Single malt scotch, un peated. I love most drams out of Speyside
Who is your current whiskey inspiration?
Moynahan: I love the way you phrased that, non whiskey people always ask what my favorite is and I always have to answer with “currently I’m really into ____” . Currently, I’m really loving Glenglassaugh Sandend, it’s got these great tropical notes, a creamy buttery palette with flavors of vanilla, salted caramel and baking spices. Delish.”
The answer is specific without becoming overly technical. She describes the whisky the way someone might describe a favorite meal, focusing on texture and flavor rather than trying to turn the glass into an examination.
Her tastes have developed through years of tasting, traveling, interviewing, and spending time around people who make and serve whiskey. That experience has given her confidence, but not the need to prove that she knows more than everyone else in the room.
You recently launched a new TV Network, how do you see that shaping your future?
Moynahan: Well, like most entrepreneurs, I’m hoping it takes off and that I’ll be able to do it for many years to come, and that it will be successful enough to support my search for knowledge.
But aside from that I’ve really enjoyed the “scouting process” looking for independent talent to showcase their work in all the genres we cover has been inspiring. We have a lot of great shows coming in over the next few months that I think people will be excited about, so stay tuned!
Which location that you’ve traveled to for whiskey is your top recommendation for others?
That’s a hard one, there are so many! I loved touring Scotland’s for old distilleries, its rich history, and beautiful scenery, but i equally love Ireland for their passion to bring whiskey making back to the island where it all began. The contrast between really old distilleries of Scotland and brand new ones in Ireland was also a privilege to experience. Then there is also Kentucky where I’ve gotten to see both old and new distilleries. Each region really has its own charm and are worthy of visiting for anyone interested in whiskey.
Do you have pets? what and who?
Yes! MacTavish (6) and Finley (2.5) they are both Scottish terriers
Mac is black brindle, a bit stubborn at times, and Fin’s uncle. Finley is still a puppy at heart, super cuddly and a silver brindle.
Favorite spot to unwind?
On the day to day? Sitting by the fireplace on my couch with one dog in my lap and another one right next to me.
But if I had a vacation property it would be on my porch in the mountains by the lake…. Also by a fire pit surrounded by my pups
I’d love to be sitting on that porch with this trio, sipping whiskey and spending some time with this accomplished woman. Talking about flavors, distilleries, and the most important things in life, our families and friends. – GK
