Whiskey, Culture & Education: Che Ramos on Bourbon Storytelling and Community
By Lana Reid | September 21, 2022
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Che Ramos, also known as The Black Bourbon Guy, to discuss whiskey culture, bourbon education, and the power of storytelling in creating inclusive spaces. Che shares how education and narrative can demystify bourbon, challenge stereotypes, and invite broader participation in spirits culture. He reflects on building community through virtual tastings and using knowledge as a bridge to connection.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Che Ramos explores the intersection of whiskey, culture, and education through a community-centered lens.
Che explains how bourbon education goes beyond tasting notes to include history, process, and access. By breaking down complex concepts in approachable ways, he helps newcomers feel welcome and informed in a space that can often feel exclusive. He emphasizes that storytelling is key to making spirits culture accessible and engaging.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Che discuss how virtual tastings and educational experiences create opportunities for connection and learning. Che shares how these spaces allow participants to explore flavor, craftsmanship, and culture together, while also building relationships across geography.
The discussion also highlights entrepreneurship and representation. Che reflects on why inclusive education matters, how challenging assumptions expands participation, and why community-building is essential to sustainable cultural growth. He underscores that when education leads, curiosity follows—and communities flourish.
This episode offers a thoughtful look at how bourbon education, storytelling, and community intersect to create welcoming, inclusive experiences.
About the Guest
Che Ramos is a bourbon enthusiast, educator, and the creator of The Black Bourbon Guy. His work focuses on whiskey education, storytelling, and building inclusive communities through accessible learning experiences and virtual tastings.
For more information on Che Ramos aka “The Black Bourbon Guy”:
https://blackbourbonguy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theblackbourbonguy
https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackBourbonGuy
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-black-bourbon-guy
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men as educators, entrepreneurs, and culture builders who expand access and foster connection through intentional dialogue.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives
THE MALE PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of The Male Perspective is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and the sharing of personal experiences that highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD
Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood is an intergenerational community of Black women who come together for relaxed, non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in everyday life.
TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards honors local communities and showcases the creativity, brilliance, and lived experiences of Black voices across the United States.