Jason Lane
Spirits Advisor
I’m a sommelier that fell in love with making cocktails. I’ve traveled the world to learn about spirits - most recently Scotland. My mentor Peter Vestinos taught me everything I know.
Meet our Judges
Michael Lindgren
Career Beverage Professional, MSP Area
Martin Duffy
Whisky Educator and Ex Sr. Master of Whisky for the entire Diageo whisky portfolio
Anna Thorn
Director of Bar & Spirits at Hogsalt, Chicago
Peter Vestinos
Partner and Beverage Director at Sparrow Chicago and Spirit Specialist at The Winebow Group
Kiki Avalos
2024 US Tastemaker of the Year at the USBG and Bar Manager at Red Feather Kitchen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Danny Shapiro
Founding partner in Scofflaw Group, Chicago
Joseph V. Micallef
Journalist and commentator on food, wines, spirits, and travel. (Forbes)