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Bartender Spirits Awards

Bartender Spirits Awards
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David Leon jr

Award Winning Bartender, Spirits Specialist & Founder of Plátano

Davíd León Jr. is a Chicago-based bartender and hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. His expertise is rooted in Caribbean cocktail culture and rum, complemented by extensive study of American and Canadian whisk(e)y and agave distillates.

With a strong passion for spirits, cocktail culture and hospitality, Davíd is currently developing Plátano, a tropical cocktail social concept focused on bringing people together through cocktails, community and events.

Through his platform @Artsybartender, Davíd shares his knowledge of spirits and cocktail craft while organizing events and experiences that celebrate bartending culture and community.

Meet our Judges

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

Krys Irizarry

Beverage Director and Award-Winning Bartender and Spirits Expert

Alexis Ortega

2026 World Class US Bartender of the Year in the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

John Chesney

Chief Whiskey Officer at Slightly Toasted and Beverage Director at Toasted Hospitality