Colonel Sam Green is a spirits buyer, whiskey educator, and writer known for his deep technical knowledge and extensive network across the global beverage alcohol industry. Widely recognized within the spirits community as “Colonel Sam,” “Sam Knash Green,” and “Scribe of Spirits,” his monikers reflect his Kentucky Colonel commission, his reputation for curating exceptional bottles and selecting private barrels, and his passion for helping consumers better understand the craftsmanship behind great spirits. Above all, Sam is simply what he proudly describes himself as: an absolute whisk(e)y and spirits nerd and enthusiast.

Professionally, Sam works in spirits procurement and product development, specializing in premium whiskey, agave spirits, and rare allocations. His work includes managing vendor partnerships, securing limited releases, and curating private barrel selections across a wide range of distilleries and global producers.

In addition to his retail and procurement work, Sam writes and consults under Scribe of Spirits, where he publishes reviews, educational content, and commentary focused on the culture, production, and people behind fine spirits.

Sam holds numerous professional certifications across whiskey, agave spirits, brandy, and fortified wines, including:

Professional Certifications

Whiskey & American Whiskey

• Whiskey Sommelier — Level II — Whiskey Marketing School & Sommelier Program — https://whiskymarketing.org/

• Executive American Whiskey Steward — partnership between Brown-Forman, Lush Life Productions, and Moonshine University / Stave & Thief Society — https://staveandthief.com/

• Executive Bourbon Steward — Moonshine University / Stave & Thief Society — https://staveandthief.com/

• Certified Bourbon Steward — Moonshine University / Stave & Thief Society — https://staveandthief.com/

• Diploma in Single Malt Whisky — Edinburgh Whisky Academy — https://www.edinburghwhiskyacademy.com/

• The Eh, B, C’s of Canadian Whisky — educational partnership between J.P. Wiser’s and Lush Life Productions — https://www.jpwisers.com/

Agave Spirits

• Award-T Certification in Tequila — issued by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) — https://www.crt.org.mx/

• International Tequila Academy — Level I — International Tequila Academy — https://internationaltequilaacademy.com/

• Mezcal University — Level I — Mezcal Amarás educational program, certification issued through COMERCAM — https://mezcalamaras.com/

Wine & Brandy

• Certified Sherry Wine Specialist — program created by Lustau and the Consejo Regulador de Jerez — https://www.sherry.wine/

• Master of Cognac — North American Sommelier Association — https://www.nasommelier.com/

Industry Education

• WSET Spirits — Level II — Wine & Spirit Education Trust — https://www.wsetglobal.com/

• BARSMARTS Graduate — https://barsmarts.com/