Meet our Judges
Michael P. Trow
Director of Bar Operations at RPM Restaurants, Chicago
John Maraffa
Corporate Beverage Manager at Landry's
Emanuel Santiago
Beverage Manager and Cocktail Director at Scratch Restaurants
Richard Beltzer
Beverage Director at Muhājir and BOBO, Chicago
John Chesney
Chief Whiskey Officer at Slightly Toasted and Beverage Director at Toasted Hospitality
Alexis Ortega
2026 World Class US Bartender of the Year in the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
Emiliano Vazquez Parrales
Food and Beverage Manager at Mariela, Chicago
