The Judges
Emiliano Vazquez Parrales
Food and Beverage Manager at Mariela, Chicago
Michael P. Trow
Director of Bar Operations at RPM Restaurants, Chicago
Javier Arroyo
Bartender, Co-owner of La Licor Panamericana
Richard Beltzer
Beverage Director at Muhājir and BOBO, Chicago
John Chesney
Chief Whiskey Officer at Slightly Toasted and Beverage Director at Toasted Hospitality
Eric Hausser
Eric Hausser – Bartender Spirits Awards Judge
Dontaine Hogan-Jackson
Bar Manager at Marriott International
Lynn House
National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist at Heaven Hills
Krys Irizarry
Beverage Director and Award-Winning Bartender and Spirits Expert
James Ives
Bar Director at The Clayton
David Leon jr
Award Winning Bartender, Spirits Specialist & Founder of Plátano
John Maraffa
Corporate Beverage Manager at Landry's
Steven Minor
Corporate Beverage Director at Starwood Hotels
David Mor
Beverage Director and Partner at Mirra, Lilac Tiger, TRUCE and Mariela
Alexis Ortega
2026 World Class US Bartender of the Year in the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
Cesar Perez II
Lead Bartender at The Apothecary Lounge
Emanuel Santiago
Beverage Manager and Cocktail Director at Scratch Restaurants
Danny Shapiro
Founding Partner and Beverage Director at Scofflaw Group, Chicago
Jared Sowinski
Director of Beverage at Upward Projects Restaurant Group | Postino WineCafe | Joyride Taco House | Windsor | Federal Pizza
