MEET OUR
JUDGES
A group of world-renowned judges from various regions in the US and internationally will assemble in Las Vegas to evaluate each entry in the competition. Each judge will be proficient in the spirits categories they evaluate. Below are the TGSA judging panel.
MAX A. SOLANO
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
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:...
BOBBY GLEASON
"Bobby “G” Gleason began his spirits industry career in 1984 while bartending in South Florida. Now based in Las Vegas, the world-renown educator has been published in a multitude of magazines and has made many TV (CNBC, FOX & Friends, Food Net Work & DIY Network),...
FRANCESCO LAFRANCONI
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...
DALE DeGROFF
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...
TONY ABOU-GANIM
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...
DAVID GRAPSHI
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...
JULIO BERMEJO
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,...
SUBMIT ENTRIES
Entries are closed for 2024.