Amy Preske, APR
Amy Preske, APR, is a public relations executive and communications strategist with more than 26 years of experience in the spirits industry. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, she is the Founder and President of Booze PR, a consulting firm specializing in brand development, consumer messaging, media relations, and strategic communications for beverage alcohol brands. Her career has been defined by her ability to transform emerging and established spirits brands into nationally recognized names through high-impact storytelling and long-term reputation building.
Before launching her own firm, Amy spent 16 years with Sazerac Company’s Buffalo Trace Distillery, where she served as a senior communications leader overseeing global brand messaging for a portfolio of hundreds of spirits brands across multiple international sites. In this role, she led large-scale media strategies, crisis communications, executive advisement, and cross-functional communications teams. Her work contributed to significant brand growth and widespread media visibility, with coverage secured in major outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Rolling Stone.
Throughout her career, Amy has earned recognition for her leadership and influence in the field, including being named Communicator of the Year at the World Whiskies Awards (Icons of Whiskey). She holds a master’s degree in Public Relations from Kent State University and maintains Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). In addition to her professional work, she is active in industry organizations such as the Public Relations Society of America and Bourbon Women, and frequently speaks on communications strategy, brand storytelling, and the evolving role of PR in the global spirits market.
• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
• Kent State University - M.A.
• Communicator of the Year
• Sazerac Brand Award: Peak Performance
• PRSA East Central District Diamond Award: Award of Merit – Buffalo Trace Distillery Whiskey Wednesday Campaign
• Outstanding Communication Messaging During Covid
• Outstanding Performance Conducting Brand Introduction Event & Media Visits for CEO
• Bourbon Women
• Women Leading Kentucky
• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Thoroughbred Chapter
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my 26-year career in public relations within the spirits industry, which has shaped my expertise and led me to my current role as Founder and President of Booze PR. I began with advertising agencies supporting Heaven Hill Distillery, spent 16 years at Buffalo Trace Distillery, and later built my own consulting firm. I truly enjoy my work and remain committed to serving each client with the experience and dedication I’ve gained throughout my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that you can build a successful career in a male-dominated field and, as a woman, exceed the expectations placed on you. Rather than being limited by stereotypes or assumptions, I’ve learned that performance, confidence, and consistency allow you to redefine what is possible and set a higher standard for what women can achieve.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is that you can build a career you truly enjoy—one that doesn’t feel like work because you’re passionate about what you do. Stay committed to your craft, trust your voice, and don’t be afraid to take up space in rooms where you may be in the minority. Recognition, like being named Communicator of the Year by Icons at Whiskey in February 2026 and included in Bourbon Women’s “Women Who Shape Whiskey” in March 2026, is meaningful, but it comes as a result of consistency, hard work, and staying true to your path.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As Founder and President of my company, one of the biggest challenges I face is balancing the desire to help everyone who needs support with the realities of time, capacity, and maintaining high-quality service. At the same time, this creates a meaningful opportunity to be intentional about the clients and projects I take on, ensuring I can deliver the highest level of impact where it matters most.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and showing up with service and compassion wherever I can. I find real fulfillment in helping people through my professional work, and I also carry that same mindset into my community involvement, including volunteering at my local food bank when possible and participating in Christmas and holiday outreach events.