It didn’t take long, however, for the pair to become close friends.
“He was a big presence, but he also had a kind heart and soul,” Jeanes said. “He didn't care about your political stance. He didn't care about race, color, creed.”
The inspiration
Soon after meeting, Gregerson introduced Jeanes to four close friends. The group would meet often to drink wine and engage in deep conversation—a tradition that would continue until Gregerson passed away in 2018.
In honor of Gregerson, Jeanes and the remaining members of the group—Jon White, Jason Cameron, Chris Walden and Mike Humphries—established the Humble Whiskey Club in 2019.
Jeanes said one of the main aims of the Humble Whiskey Club is to bring men together to create lasting friendships through fellowship and whiskey.
“Typically, every third Saturday of each month, we do a blind taste test of four different whiskeys,” Jeanes said. “Everyone's just inviting and friendly. You feel like you’re at home.”
Check it out
While the whiskey tastings, which cost $35 to attend, are restricted to men, Jeanes said everyone is welcome to all of the club’s community events and gatherings. Additionally, he said the location where events and tastings are held can vary, but he noted the nonprofit's website provides monthly updates with times and locations for each of that month's offerings.
In addition to the tastings, Humble Whiskey Club Vice President Chris Dillard said the nonprofit runs a number of fundraising events throughout the year, including a holiday toy drive and several initiatives aimed at raising money for local veterans and first responders.
The impact
Often, Dillard said members will band together to help each other.
“We've got a group of guys that will just be like, ‘Oh, we're building your grandmother's porch?’ We’ll be there Saturday,” Dillard said.
For Jeanes, the club represents a way to carry on Gregerson’s legacy and ability to bring people together.
“If it had not been for one man, the man standing next to you might never have existed in your life,” Jeanes said. “That's the whole thing. We're trying to build up our community.”
