We take great pride in having some of the top spirits buyers judging in our trade buyer-only spirits competition.
Most of these buyers have been judging with us for many years in our competitions. Our judging partners value the blind tasting judging process that happens by category and price. Many future buying decisions are made during the competition process!
Below is our current roster of judges. Check back often for updates!
Previous Positions:
Owner of Botanic Lab Production and Bar Consultancy
Certifications, Awards & Credentials:
Creator of many bar menus for Michelin restaurants and bars
What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
Mezcal Cucharilla
Previous Positions:
Beverage Director, Peacock Alley and La Chine, The Waldorf Astoria, NYC
Certifications, Awards & Credentials:
Author, Waldorf Astoria Bar Book
What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
A good bottle of bourbon for a housewarming gift
Previous Positions:
Various at Middle Branch, Attaboy, Locanda Verde, Top of the Standard, Strategic Group etc.
Consulting and event work for numerous spirits brands
Certifications, Awards & Credentials:
Bar Smarts
What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
5Sentidos Tobala-Tobaziche (destillado de agave)
Previous Positions:
Beverage Director at VNYL, Fifty restaurant
Certifications, Awards & Credentials:
Time Out NY top ten bartender - 2015
Bacardi Legacy Global finalist - 2017
What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
A bottle of Ron Zacapa Edicion Negra
Instagram: @azucar.y.limon
Instagram: @drinkandwit
Instagram: @laslapnyc
Web: www.laslapnewyork.com
Previous Positions:
Beverage Director Le Boudoir, Brooklyn
Bartender: Dead Rabbit, Monkey Bar, Clover Club
Certifications, Awards & Credentials:
Certified Cognac Educator
Pineau des Charentes Educator
WSET Level 2 Wine & Spirits with Distinction
Court of Master Sommeliers Level 1
DOC Cava Academy
Member TOTCF Business Education Committee
Judge TOTCF Spirited Awards
Inductee Dame Hall of Fame
What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
A bottle of Rhum Agricole finished in Calvados casks that I brought back from Martinique. Looking forward to opening it!
Previous Positions:
Newark Fire Department
Certifications, Awards & Credentials:
Keeper of the Quaich
What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
Hibiki 17 year old and Redbreast 27 year old
Previous Positions:
National Brand Ambassador Espolon Tequila
National Mixologist Mionetto Prosecco
Director of Education Jagermeister
Brand Specialist Taylor Fladgate
Prestige Portfolio National Ambassador Bacardi
Certifications, Awards & Credentials:
Bar 5 Day Ready
Certified Spirits Sommelier
Level 1 Sommelier Wine
What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
Bottle of Ramazotti for my Father
Instagram: @closingtimecocktails
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/justin-noel-7a305b102/
Certifications, Awards & Credentials:
B.A.R. Certified
Best of Award of Excellence in Wine Spectator for the last 2 decades
What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
Absinthe
Links:
Stageleft.com
@Stageleft
Stageleft Facebook
CatherineLombardi.com
@CatherineLombardiRestaurant
Catherine Lombardi Facebook
Stageleftwineshop.com
@FrancisSchott
Previous Positions
Spirits Strategist, T. Edward Wines & Spirits
Contributing Editor, SevenFifty Daily
Buyer, DrinkUpNY
Certifications, Awards & Credentials
WSET Level 4, Wines & Spirits
WSET Certified Educator
Certified Specialist of Spirits
What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
A 10 year-old bottle of rum from Antigua
Previous Positions:
Creative Director at Young & Rubicam, Draft Worldwide
Certifications, Awards & Credentials:
World's Top Bars — Get Lost Magazine
Best Whiskey Bars in America — Travel & Leisure Magazine
Best Whiskey Bar in New York City — Village Voice
Best Whisky Bar — Drammie Awards
Dinner's Choice Award "Hot Spot" — OpenTable.com
What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
A 50 year old Clan Denny for my brother's 50th birthday.
GoodnightGroup.nyc
TheFlatironRoom.com
FineandRare.nyc
@TommyTardie
@FineandRareNYC
@TheFlatironRoom