Meet our Judges
Richard Beltzer
Beverage Director at Muhājir and BOBO, Chicago
Derek Brown
Founder, Drink Company & Mindful Drinking Fest | Beverage Consulting and Training | Award-Winning Author | Mindful Drinking Educator
Elliott Reibert
Bartender at Bambi Chicago & 2026 World Class U.S. Top 15 Finalist
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
Krys Irizarry
Beverage Director and Award-Winning Bartender and Spirits Expert
James Ives
Bar Director at The Clayton
