When Forbes recently named TJ Gamble one of the most influential figures in American whiskey, it caught the attention of an industry dominated by legacy brands and traditional power players. Gamble, the creator of the popular Youtube channel Brewzle, isn’t based in Kentucky or New York–he’s working out of Alabama, where his approachable long-form storytelling has helped reshape how people across the country discover and engage with whiskey.

Forbes pointed to Brewzle’s influence as something built through audience attention rather than traditional industry titles or insider status. Gamble has grown the channel by leaning into long-form YouTube storytelling at a moment when viewers are increasingly turning away from cable and toward digital platforms for deeper, more intentional content.

“YouTube’s dominance is really a convergence of a lot of factors,” Gamble said, noting that more than half of Brewzle’s views now come from televisions rather than phones or computers. He added that while many social media platforms restrict alcohol-related content, YouTube remains “the only place that is open and welcoming to this industry.” Combined with heightened interest in whiskey during the pandemic, that openness helped create what Gamble described as a “perfect storm,” positioning Brewzle at the center of a changing food and drink media landscape.

Despite the national attention, Gamble’s approach remains deeply rooted in his Alabama upbringing. He grew up in Daviston, Alabama, a small town where work was part of daily life and community mattered just as much as ambition. Gamble credits those early experiences with shaping how he approaches both content and business today.

“In my opinion, you only get one life,” he said. “So why do something that’s not rewarding?” That mindset carries through Brewzle’s welcoming, educational tone. He prioritizes curiosity over credentials and reflects the work ethic and openness he learned growing up. Gamble’s story exemplifies how Alabama voices and values continue to shape conversations far beyond state lines.

Gamble’s influence extends past his whiskey-hunting videos and into tangible support for small whiskey brands navigating an increasingly competitive industry. He sees Brewzle not just as a media platform, but as a way to spotlight producers in a market dominated by major labels.

“If we can help the brands we love be successful and keep the lights on in what is a very difficult industry, that’s what matters,” Gamble said. That mission now includes plans for Oak Bowery Distillery, currently under development in Opelika. By building a physical space alongside his online presence, Gamble continues to bridge content, commerce, and community.

That mission comes to life each year at the Brewzle Whiskey Festival, which Gamble created to give small vendors an advantage in an industry often dominated by major brands. Unlike many large-scale events, the festival is intentionally designed for true whiskey enthusiasts and centers the people behind the products.

“Our festival very much is about the pours of whiskey,” Gamble said. “It’s about the passion that went into making them.” By bringing distillers and enthusiasts from across the country to downtown Opelika, the event reflects Gamble’s belief that meaningful influence is built face-to-face, rooted in Alabama and sustained by community.

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