Michael A. Bryan

my Recent Talks and publications about Spirits

Counterfeit Spirit Detection and Prevention, Seminar presented at the London Toxicology Group Meeting, London UK, Jun 2025.

Bryan, M.A., Hill, A.E., “Worldwide Illicit and Counterfeit Alcoholic Beverages:  Problem, Detection and Prevention”, J. Am. Soc. Brew. Chem., March 25, 2024.  https://doi.org/10.1080/03610470.2024.2319934.    (J. Am. Soc. Brew. Chem. Best Review Paper Award for 2024)

Spirits Authenticity – The Route To Simplified Identification Of Illicit Products Using Database Development And Chemometrics, Seminar presented at Herriot Watt University, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Nov 13, 2024.

A Low-Cost UV-Vis Spectrometer and Cloud Based Chemometrics Platform for Determination of Counterfeit and Illicit Spirits, Poster presented at the 8th Annual Distilled Spirits Conference, Edinburgh Scotland May 9, 2023.

A Process Inclusive Holistic Blockchain Validation Schema for Counterfeit Liquor Detection, Poster presented at the 8th Annual Distilled Spirits Conference, Edinburgh UK, May 10, 2023.

A Process Inclusive Holistic Blockchain Validation Schema for Counterfeit Liquor Detection, 'Poster +'  presented at the 8th Annual Distilled Spirits Conference, Edinburgh UK, May 11, 2023.

My Study in Spirits

PhD, Heriot-Watt University (2025), Edinburgh Scotland, School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics & Bioengineering (IB3), The International Centre for Brewing & Distilling.

MSc (with Merit), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Scotland, School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics & Bioengineering, The International Centre for Brewing & Distilling.

BSc, University of Texas at Austin, Physics, 1991, Robert A. Welch Fellow.

Presented at 8th Annual Distilled Spirits Conference in Edinburgh UK. I gave two posters and one Poster+ on using multisharded blockchain methods to help battle counterfeit spirits.

Paper:  Worldwide Illicit and Counterfeit Alcoholic Beverages Problem and Methods, J. Am. Soc. Brew. Chem., 2024. (editors pick of 2024).

RUSI, Royal United Services Institute, member. 

Brewing and Distilling Analytical Services (BDAS), Course on Mezcal and Tequila,  5 day course, Lexington KY. 

Brewing and Distilling Analytical Services (BDAS), Course on Gin, 5 day course, Lexington KY.

Courses: 1) Bourbon Development and 2) Distillery Bootcamp, ADI 2024, Baltimore.

The Council of Whiskey Masters, Certified Bourbon Professional.

The Council of Whiskey Masters, Certified Spirits Judge.

Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD), London, Certification - General Certificate in Distilling.

Wine and Spirit Education Trust, London, WSET Spirits Level 1. 

Stave & Thief Society, Certified Bourbon Steward.

MBAA - Master Brewer Association of the Americas, Member, USA.

ASBC - American Society of Brewing Chemists, Member, USA.

ADI - American Distilling Institute, Member, USA.

ACSA - American Craft Spirits Assn., Member, USA. 

IBC – Institute of Brewing Chemists, Member, London. 

IBD – Institute of Brewing and Distilling, Member, London.

Council of Whiskey Masters, Member. 

USCG  Master up to 100-ton on near coastal water boat captain, with sail endorsement.

Brewers Association, Brewery Safety Training: Whirlpooling and Cooling, Transfer and Boiling, Grain Handling / Grain Silos, Fermentation and Cellaring, Fermentation Cleaning Sanitizing, Powered Industrial Truck, Grain Handling, Keg Filling, Keg Cleaning, Bottling, Filtering and Pumping, Mashing, Canning, Filtering and Carbonization.

StackSkills Course Certificates: Japanese Sake - Essentials in Cocktails and Bartending, Gin - Essentials in Cocktails and Bartending, Vodka - Essentials in cocktails and Bartending, Whisk[e]y - Bourbon, Scotch Irish, Canadian and More..., Brandy - Essentials in Cocktails and Bartending.

Makers Mark Ambassador #2217831.

Marquis Who’s Who, Honored Listee. 

Kentucky Colonel, given by KY Governor Andy Beshear. 

Sons of the American Revolution, Member 218396.

Texas Navy, Commander, Number 77757140.

I have been a rum distiller, world traveller, boat captain, physics researcher, professional cook, university instructor, commercial real estate agent, scuba instructor trainer, CEO, Los Alamos researcher, and ferryboatman. I have 50 patents and have authored peer-reviewed physics publications. I have founded successful public and private companies in railroad transportation, optical telecommunications, electrochemistry, human error and efficiency tracking, oilfield technology, and liquor distilling. Full bio here. 

The Honorable Captain Michael A. Bryan, ASc BSc MSc PhD (2025) CBP CSJ