ADI is happy to announce that Travis Barnes and Michael Waskewich have volunteered and been selected to lead the ADI Veteran Distillers Group.
Travis Barnes is a Marine veteran and the founder of Hotel Tango Distillery. Under his leadership, the brand has grown into a nationally recognized one known for its commitment to excellence, authenticity, and community. His journey from military service to entrepreneurship is a testament to dedication, innovation, and the power of a great story behind every bottle.
“I would like to see the ADI Veteran Distillers Group become a gateway for veteran-owned distilleries into the distilling industry where introductions are made, synergies realized, and advocacy delivered to its members. This is a great opportunity for veteran distillery owners and other members of the distilling industry to share ideas and form long-lasting relationships,” says Barnes.
Michael Waskewich is the co-founder of The Bar Book, a veteran-owned tech startup revolutionizing how people discover spirits and cocktails. With a passion for the craft beverage industry, Michael and his wife, both Army veterans, created The Bar Book to take the guesswork out of finding great drinks. Using advanced flavor matching technology, the platform connects consumers with new brands based on their unique taste preferences—helping distilleries, breweries, and bars reach the right audience while making discovery more personalized and enjoyable for everyone.
“The ADI Veteran Distillers Group is the first of its kind in this industry. We are bringing together industry expertise and the unique perspectives of veteran entrepreneurs to create opportunities, support growth, and ensure these brands thrive in a competitive market,” says Waskewich.
With a renewed focus on supporting veteran-owned businesses and creating career opportunities for transitioning service members, the ADI Veteran Distillers Group is looking forward to expanding its role in the spirits industry and mentoring the next generation of veteran entrepreneurs.
The ADI Veteran Distillers Group is actively recruiting new members. Those interested in joining can contact Brandon Vinyard at brandon@distilling.com.
