MEET OUR
JUDGES

Max A. Solano is the founder and principal of Bar Chef Productions, LLC, a beverage consulting firm and multi-state spirits and beverage brokerage based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prior to Covid, Max was a mixologist for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Nevada, Head...

Jake Davenport is a 20 year veteran of the industry with a passion for all things spirited. You can find his nose in a book and a glass in his hand—as he is always looking to further his education of beer, wine, sake, and of course spirits. Jake is a certified:...

A world-renowned mixologist, spirits industry educator and icon of cocktail culture, is the Senior Vice President of Beverage and Hospitality Culture for Carver Road Capital Hospitality Firm. Formerly founder and managing partner of MR. COCO, a visionary cocktail...

Lynn House has had a long and extensive career in the beverage industry. In 2019 she was named National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands. Lynn’s previous roles at Heaven Hill include National Brand Educator from 2015 to 2019 and...

2010 Best American Brand Ambassador, Golden Spirit Award winner at Tales of the Cocktail and recognized by the James Beard recognition for contribution to mixology, Charlotte Voisey is the Global Head of Ambassadors for William Grant & Sons. Host of video series...

Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff developed his extraordinary techniques and talent tending bar at the legendary Rainbow Room, where in the 1980’s, he pioneered a gourmet approach to recreating the classic cocktails. DeGroff has since been credited with reviving the...

Bridget is an advocate for upbeat education that makes an impact. She has designed beverage programs and produced trainings for top national Accounts that include the Hilton Worldwide Resorts, Delta Airlines, American Airlines and Crystal Cruise Line. She is the...

Kyle McHugh started his career bartending in Washington, DC in 1998. Over the next decade, he worked nearly every position possible in bars and restaurants across the country, including Washington, Los Angeles, and Chicago. In 2007, Kyle formed his beverage...

Sean Ludford has been involved in the beverage industry for more than two decades. He has an eclectic resume including stints at restaurants, a buyer at one of America's top wine & spirit retailers, a writer & reviewer, importer/distributor, and a frequent...

Tony Abou-Ganim is widely regarded as one of the pioneering and leading bar professionals in the world. He has made dozens of national TV appearances on shows including TODAY, Iron Chef America, Good Morning America, CNBC, Fox News and more. Abou-Ganim is the author...

The owner of Agave Forte, David Grapshi has a true passion for tequila. His dedication to the beverage industry started 25 years ago in positions in both liquor supply and distribution. Since then, David has created a widespread network of contacts both stateside and...

A San Francisco native, Julio Bermejo is the beverage manager at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant and a highly regarded expert on tequila. Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant has made the Top 50 Bars in the world list in the inaugural year of the list 2009 and also 2011, 2013, 2015,...