Reno, NV (May 2, 2024) – Craft Beverage Expo & Conference and Amorim Cork are honored to announce Rhonda Kallman Founder/CEO of Boston Harbor Distillery as the inaugural 2024 Brad Brunson Ambassador Award recipient.
Sponsored by Amorim Cork, the 2024 Brad Brunson Ambassador Award was established to honor the enduring legacy and unwavering passion for the spirits industry of Brad Brunson, who was a visionary in the craft beverage industry. This prestigious accolade celebrates individuals who mirror Brad’s exceptional dedication to connection, innovation, quality, design, and sustainability in the crafting of beverages. Several criteria were evaluated before the recipient was selected.
“This award recognizes those who not only excel in the artistry and science of beverage creation but also demonstrate a commitment to community building, education, and environmental stewardship,” noted Kellie Shevlin, a longtime friend of Brunson and VP of Sales & Marketing at Fast Forward Events, who own and manage Craft Beverage Expo & Conference.
Kallman is the founder and CEO of Boston Harbor Distillery, where she focuses on her first love: whiskey. She started her career as a co-founder of the Boston Beer Company (BBC), the brewery of Samuel Adams, which quickly became the most successful craft brewery around the globe. Kallman did more than establish and build a world-renowned company. She also paved the way for women in a historically male-dominated beer industry. Kallman was recognized in 1990 by the Institute for Brewing Studies as the “Pioneering Woman in the Beer Industry.” She broke down many barriers and opened the door for new opportunities for women in business.
Pedro Fernandes, general manager of Amorim Cork, said, “We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rhonda Kallman as the Brad Brunson Ambassador Award recipient. This honor not only acknowledges her remarkable achievements but also her unwavering commitment to embodying the values that Brad held dear: connection, creativity, quality, design, and a greener tomorrow. We salute her dedication and passion, which inspire us all to strive for excellence in every aspect of our craft. Here’s to celebrating Kallman’s extraordinary contributions to the adult beverage industry!”
As the award recipient, Kallman will receive $2,500 from Amorim Cork, and Amorim Cork will also donate $2,500 to a charity or non-profit of her choice in Brad Brunson’s name.
The Brad Brunson Ambassador Award, along with the 2024 Awards of Excellence, will be presented on the show floor stage during Craft Beverage Expo and Tasting & Tap Room Expo.
Awards Ceremony: Wednesday, May 8th
- Date: May 8, 2024
- Time: 2:20 p.m.
- Place: Expo Hall
Tasting & Tap Room Expo and Craft Beverage Expo & Conference are co-locating at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, May 7-8, 2024. This collaboration brings together turn-key solutions for owners, operators, and managers of tasting and tap rooms of all sizes, along with unique and unforgettable experiences that intersect with producers of craft beverages.
Tasting & Tap Room Expo and Craft Beverage Expo & Conference invite all industry professionals to attend May 7-8 in Reno, Nevada. View more information, register, or exhibit.
About Amorim Cork
Amorim is the world’s largest cork processing group with annual sales topping 740 million euros. Founded in 1870, the company currently has dozens of business units distributed across five continents. It exports numerous products to more than 100 countries and has a diversified network of 30,000 customers. With strong sustainability credentials and a negative carbon footprint, Amorim provides a set of solutions, materials and applications to some of the world’s most technological, disruptive and demanding activities, such as the aerospace, automobile, wine and spirits, construction, sports, energy and interior and product design.
About the Tasting & Tap Room Expo
The Tasting & Tap Room Expo is the premier event for tasting and tap room professionals, bringing together owners, operators, and managers from wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries to explore the latest trends, innovations, and strategies for creating exceptional tasting room experiences.
About Craft Beverage Expo & Conference
Craft Beverage Expo & Conference is the only event in the US bringing together the entire independent adult beverage market. It serves breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, and other craft beverage producers by offering educational sessions, networking opportunities, and access to industry suppliers.
