TASTING PANEL MEMBERS
Confirmed 2024 judges are:
Charles MacLean - Steve Beal - Martin Duffy - Bernhard Schäfer
Monique Houston - Sébastien Gavillet - Arthur Nägele
Becky Offringa - Hans Offringa - Tobias Gorn
Francesco Lafranconi- Gil Schwarz - Max Solano
Confirmed Council of Whiskey Masters Certified Judges:
Masters of Scotch
Dan Crowell (2022) - Adam Edmonsond (2023) - Nicholas Kosobucki (2022)
Siddharth Sawkar (2023) - John Wabeck (2022) - Sam Wright (2022)
Masters of Bourbon
Tom McCormick (2023)
Our 2024 Tasting Panel Members in Alphabetical Order:
Steve Beal:
- Sr. Master of Whisky
- Council of Whiskey Masters - Chairman of the Board 2022-2023
- Keeper of the Quaich
Sr. Master of Whisky and Keeper of the Quaich, is an industry-recognized distilled spirits consultant, international wine and spirits judge, and former brand ambassador for some of the world’s most respected brands.
He has several decades of dedication to whiskey. Steve is a 2015 inductee to the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame. He is based in San Francisco, California.
Martin Duffy:
- Council of Whiskey Masters - Chairman of the Board 2020-2021
- Glencairn Crystal - North American Ambassador
- Keeper of the Quaich
Marty is the North American Brand Representative for Glencairn Crystal and is one of the best-connected professionals in the whiskey industry, with past affiliations at Diageo, Bacardi, and LVMH. For 14 years, including two years in Ireland, Martin was one of the original Diageo Sr. Masters of Whisky. Mr. Duffy lives in Illinois, where he teaches classes on Irish/Scotch history & production, and for 8 years was the co-producer of the Chicago Independent Spirits Expo. Martin served as the Chairman of the Council’s Board for 2020-2021.
Adam Edmonsond:
- Council of Whiskey Masters - Master of Scotch 2023
- Society of Wine Educators - Certified Specialist of Wine
- Council of Whiskey Masters - Certified Spirits Judge 2023
- Council of Whiskey Masters - Master of Whiskey Candidate 2024
Adam is a Master of Scotch from the Council of Whiskey Masters and a Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators.
He expertly juggles his roles as a senior sommelier and general manager of The Sommelier Company, along with being the Director of Education and Examination for the Council of Whiskey Masters. Based in Orange County, California, Adam's passion extends beyond his professional endeavors; he is also an avid wine and spirits enthusiast and a Certified Spirits Judge.
His expertise and passion make him a respected voice in LA’s whiskey and wine scene, influencing both enthusiasts and professionals.
Sébastien Gavillet:
- Council of Whisky Masters - Advisory Board Member (since 2019)
- Wine Aromas - Le Nez du Vin, COO
- Author - Discovering & Mastering Single Malt Scotch Whisky, International Whisky Guide 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019
- International Whisky Competition - Head of Tasting Panel since 2015
Sébastien Gavillet is a wine and whisk(e)y consultant, distillery, and winemaker with 30 years of experience in the industry. Sébastien is the COO of Wine Aromas-Le Nez du Vin, a world leader in Armagnac, coffee, wine, and whisk(e)y sensory education. He is recognized as one of the best noses in the industry.
He has been the Head of the International Whisky Competition tasting panel since 2015, an author, and an entrepreneur.
As a wine and whisk(e)y consultant, Sébastien provides wine/whisk(e)y tasting, blending, and production evaluation services as well as marketing and branding guidance to wineries and distilleries. He educates professionals and corporate clients through seminars and workshops. He advises collectors on acquiring and maintaining their wines and spirits collections. He was also a recurring judge at international wine competitions.
Sébastien developed the new IWC (International Whisky Competition) Medallion rating system and blind tasting procedure, and he designed the upcoming WhiskyVibe Tasting App for single malt Scotch & whisky enthusiasts. Sébastien also co-founded both SLK Production and Master Barrel; the former produced affordable wines, while the latter is focused on selecting and producing world-class wines and spirits.
Sébastien's published works include Discovering & Mastering Single Malt Scotch Whisky, The International Whisky Guide 2016, The International Whisky Guide 2017, The International Whisky Guide 2018, The International Whisky Guide 2019, and the upcoming "Petite" Arvine, mon amour and an educational book on American Whiskeys.
For more info please visit him on LinkedIn or Gavillet.com.
Tobias Gorn:
- Council of Whisky Masters - Advisory Board Member (since 2019)
Tobias is an award-winning international wine and spirit writer and consultant and also one of the most experienced and in-demand drinks competition judges in the world. Toby is co-founder of the International Drinks Specialists – an acclaimed global consultancy service with a group of top industry specialists working together in order to assist spirits producers and brand owners.
Monique Houston:
- Council of Whisky Masters - Advisory Board Member (since 2019)
- Keeper of the Quaich
A Keeper of the Quaich, a WSET Spirits instructor, and a panel judge at many national and global whiskey competitions. She currently serves as the Vice President of Spirits for Winebow, one of the leading wine & spirits importers. Monique also ran one of the largest whiskey programs in the world open to the public, at the famous Dundee Dell in Omaha, Nebraska. Monique lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Francesco Lafranconi:
A world-renowned mixologist, spirits industry educator, and icon of cocktail culture, is the Senior Vice President of Beverage and Hospitality Culture for Carver Road Capital Hospitality Firm.
- Former managing Partner at Mr Coco, Las Vegas
- Former Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, Executive Director of Mixology & Spirits Education
Francesco’s personal appeal has made him a hit with his A-list celebrity clientele, world-class corporate clients, world renowned michelin star chefs, national restaurant chains, international hotel companies and the thousands of people who’ve attended his seminars and live events around the world.
His distinguished career includes tenures at the helm of some of the world’s leading hotel bars — The Gleneagles in Scotland; The Palace Hotel in Gstaadt, Switzerland; The Intercontinental Hotel in Cologne, Germany; and Harry’s Bar and Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Italy — and winning many of the world’s most prestigious cocktail competitions — including the Bacardi-Martini Grand Prix World Final and J.White Course in Singapore — but his proudest achievement is founding the Academy of Spirits and Fine Service in 2000, a 12-week education program that has trained over 1000 beverage professionals and imbued them with the same enthusiasm he brings to every cocktail. Most recently awarded Best In Show at the Iron Mixologist Competition sponsored by Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Of America.
Winner of many high-profile print awards including the Bartender Hall of Fame Award from Bartender’s Magazine, the Raising the Bar Award from Cheers Magazine, Mixologist of the Year Award from Nightclub and Bar Magazine, Spirit Professional of the Year from Santé Magazine and Tales Of The Cocktail’s Golden Spirit Award. He also contributes with his mixology expertise to national publications like the Robb Report Magazine’s Host Guide since 2009. Francesco recently designed and oversaw fabrication of an innovative under bar work station know as The Racetrack.
Francesco is an honorary member of The United States Bartenders Guild, and a National Ambassador and Founding Member of the US Bartenders Guild Master Accreditation Program as well as Member of the Museum of the American Cocktail. Since 2010 Francesco has been a member of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. He owns the Level 1 Sake Certification by the Japanese Sake Council and he is also an international Cognac Ambassador appointed with Gold Diploma by the B.N.I.C. (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac). In March 2015, he graduated from the Luis Ayala Rum University.
In a time when Cocktail Culture is booming, Francesco has the ingredients — the education, the expertise, the enthusiasm— to stir up his audiences and pour on the charm as he schools the world on the finer points of fine drinking.
After all, his motto is, “We’re not drinking, we’re learning.”
Charles MacLean:
- Council of Whisky Masters - Advisory Board Member (since 2019)
- Whisky Author
- Master of the Quaich
Charles has been writing about Scotch whisky for 40 years, and has published 17 books on the subject. He was described by The Times as “Scotland’s leading whisky expert” in 2014. In 2009 he was elected Master of the Quaich, in 2012 won the I.W.S.C.’s ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ and in 2016 was inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame. In 2019 he was named ‘International Ambassador of the Year’ at the Spirit of Speyside Festival. He lives in Edinburgh.
Arthur Nägele:
- Council of Whisky Masters - Advisory Board Member (since 2019)
Arthur is a respected spirits expert and highly-demanded trainer and advisor for alcoholic beverages. His Spirituosenakademie is one of the leading learning centers on whiskey in continental Europe. He’s a member of the technical Spirits Judging Committee and Chair Judge at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. Based in Switzerland, covering all German language areas of Europe.
Hans Offringa (The Whiskey Couple):
- Author
- Keeper of the Quaich (since 2016)
- Spirit of Speyside Festival - Lifetime International Ambassador (since 2016)
- Holland Press Award, 2016 - (Best Off the Beaten Track article for Whisky Magazine)
- Scotch Malt Whisky Society - Honorary Ambassador (since 2019)
- Council of Whisky Masters - Advisory Board Member (since 2019)
Born in 1956 in Harderwijk, Netherlands, Hans Offringa, the son of a medical doctor and from a lineage of writers, embraced writing early, editing his high school newspaper and studying English literature. He ventured into journalism as a copy editor before discovering a passion for whisky in 1974. By 1984, he was hosting whisky tastings and decided to start writing about it in 1990. Hans is an early pioneer in using "Printing on Demand" for publishing and has authored 40 whisky books, contributing to or translating others, with his works available in five languages.
Partnering with his wife Becky since 2006 and known as The Whisky Couple, they've co-authored and researched extensively, producing notable works like the history of Laphroaig distillery and "A Field Guide to Whisky." Beyond whisky, Hans wrote 20 other books, including "Raising the Kursk."
An active participant in whisky judging and presentations since 2002, Hans also co-founded International Whisk(e)y Day in 2009, honoring Michael Jackson. His marketing expertise has benefited major spirits brands, and he's known for blending whisky with music in live performances.
Recognized for his contributions, he was named a Kentucky Colonel in 2014 and a Keeper of the Quaich in 2016. The only Dutchman in the International Whisky Hall of Fame, Hans continues writing and promoting whisky with no plans of retiring.
For more information: www.thewhiskycouple.com
Becky Offringa (The Whiskey Couple):
- Author
- Keeper of the Quaich (since 2016)
- Council of Whisky Masters - Advisory Board Member (since 2019)
Rebecca (Becky) Offringa, born Lovett with roots in Clan Fraser of Lovat, grew up in a Scotch-loving household in South Carolina and Georgia. She studied Marine Biology at the College of Charleston. Moving to The Netherlands in 2005, she partnered with her husband, whisky writer Hans Offringa, to become The Whisky Couple. Becky, preferring a background role, has been vital in Hans’ work, managing research, editing, photography, and layout for his books and articles, and handling their whisky-related social media and website.
Becky co-authored "The Unseen Valentino Zagatti Collection" and the biennially updated "Whisky Almanak." She co-develops brand material and over time has been commissioned work by Diageo, Pernod-Ricard, Beam Suntory, and Edrington, to name a few.
Recognized as an expert taster, she’s judged at the Scottish Whisky Awards and World Whisky Awards. Alongside Hans, Becky annually selects a single malt Scotch cask to be bottled for their hometown in Zwolle, NL, with 12 different expressions so far from distilleries like Highland Park, Cragganmore, The Macallan and Laphroaig. They also conduct whisky master classes and are honorary ambassadors for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Becky has been a true and passionate whisky professional for nearly 20 years and is a Keeper of the Quaich in her own right.
For more information: www.thewhiskycouple.com
Nicola Riske:
- Southern European Brand Education Manager (Edrington Group)
- Certified Distiller from the Institute of Brewing & Distilling
- Certified Sherry Educator
- Olive Oil Sommelier
- Candidate Level III WSET
Nicola Riske is the Southern European Brand Education Manager for The Macallan (Edrington Group) and carries more than 15 years of experience in the spirits industry and is internationally recognized for her spirits education and flavor conversations. In 2021, Nicola was awarded the Icons of Whisky Global Scotch Whisky Ambassador.
She has also earned her General Certificate in Distilling from the Institute for Brewing & Distilling and is also a Certified Sherry Educator & Olive Oil Sommelier. Nicola is a current candidate for the Diploma in Distilling & WSET Level 3 Spirits.
Additionally, Nicola is passionate about health & wellness, liquid education, innovation, women in business & sensory exploration. She’s a dynamic advocate of mentorship in the industry, coaching others in the business via the OurWhisky Foundation. She is a proud member of the Education Committee at Tales of the Cocktail (Beyond the Bar), European Co-Chair of the Spirited Awards Committee, and was most recently inducted into the Dame Hall of Fame.
Nicola has a constant curiosity about how things are made & often asks too many questions. In her spare time, Nicola can often be found hiking across Europe, FaceTiming with her niece, or going for a run.
Bernhard Schäfer:
- Council of Whiskey Masters - Designated Chairman of the Board 2024-2025
- Master of the Quaich
Bernhard is a Master of the Quaich, is a whiskey journalist, industry consultant, and panel member of various whiskey competitions across Europe as well as the United States, including the International Wine & Spirits Competition and the World Whisky Awards. He is a co-founder of the European Network of Spirit Experts and resides in his native Germany, where he also lectures on spirits extensively. Bernhard is also the Council’s official speaker on whisky for the region Germany.
Gil Schwarz:
- Wine & Whiskey Broker & Collector
- Founder of The Wine Institute of Las Vegas
- Premium Wine & Spirits Consultant (Worldwide)
- Freelance Journalist
Gil Schwarz is a renowned power broker, dealer, and collector in the Wine & Whisky industry. He founded The Wine Institute of Las Vegas (TWILV) in 1999, and has over 33 years of Senior Management experience in the Beverage industry. Originally from Denmark, he spent over 10 years living and working in Hong Kong, and holds an MBA in International Marketing from Hong Kong University Business School, as well as being fluent in multiple languages.
Gil has spent the past three decades refining his wine knowledge and tasting skills, with a particular expertise in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Fine & Rare Whisky market. He gained in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with the making, tasting, and selling of Wine and Whisky, and is considered an expert in US Wine & Spirits Distribution, as well as Authentication of Fine & Rare Wine & Whisky. Gil has judged in several prestigious International Wine & Spirits competitions in the past 25 years.
Gil has also made significant contributions to the Wine & Whisky industry as a journalist. He wrote a weekly column and numerous special features on wine for the Las Vegas Review Journal from 1999 to 2016, and has written freelance articles on wine and related topics in many of the world's top Wine publications, including World of Fine Wine and FINE Wine Magazine.
Gil has consulted for a variety of different operators in the Wine & Whisky business, from Retailers, Hotels, Importers and Distributors to major Chateaux and producers in the Bordeaux region, offering direct access to their resources and experience, including personal appearances in various markets. He also consulted for Acker Merrall & Condit, which is the World’s Number One auction house for wine, and helped grow their operations in Hong Kong to the largest wine auction business in the World.
In 2018, Gil founded Enotechnica in Las Vegas, a specialized Whisky Fund and Dealer entity that serves high net worth clients and companies globally. In 2020, he founded The Distinctive Spirits Company (TDSC), which is an Independent Bottler of Whisky and Rum, as well as a trading entity specializing in the Finest & Rarest in the Whisky business. TDSC has a number of renowned releases under its belt already and continues to service the global retail markets with mainly Single Cask releases of the greatest Spirits in the world.
Max Solano:
- Independent Mixologist Consultant
- Former Mixologist for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Nevada
- Competition Director for the International Whisky Competition 2023
Max Solano was a primary mixologist for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Nevada, as well as the Head of Whisky Education and Relations. Today he oversees a brokerage and mixologist consulting firm in several states.
Solano is an extremely seasoned industry veteran that has become one of Las Vegas’s most exciting, respected, and creative mixologists and educators. Max’s expertise in whiskies extends to all major whisky-producing countries; their styles, production, brands, and laws. In regards to cocktails, his passion for well-crafted libations extends to all spirits, but he puts a particular emphasis on the whiskies of the world.
Along with having won several national cocktail competitions, and having received many accolades and awards over his years behind the bar, in 2011, he was named Bartender of the Year by the Nevada Restaurant Association and also Best Restaurant Bartender by Vegas Seven Magazine. In 2014, again, he was named Bartender of the Year by Desert Companion Magazine. And, in 2016 he was awarded Best of Show and overall champion at the WSWA’s Iron Mixologist competition. Solano also served as a Spirits judge at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and New York World Wine & Spirits competitions.
Solano has been featured in many media outlets, including Forbes Magazine, USA Today, Whisky Advocate Magazine, Shanken News Daily, New York Times, Saveur Magazine, GQ Magazine, The Tasting Panel, LA Weekly, Imbibe Magazine, Cheers Magazine, Las Vegas Review-Journal Vegas Seven Magazine, Today in Las Vegas, Style Magazine, Las Vegas Food & Beverage Magazine, Fox News, ABC’s “The Morning Blend,” “The Valley View” and many more.
Ron Smith:
- Master BJCP Beer Judge
- Certified Cicerone
- Educator, Sensory Expert, Whiskey Lover
- Founder of BeerMBA.com Classes and Trips
Ron Smith has a passion for all types of whisky and beer, and he brings a wealth of judging experience to the competition. As a Master level judge in the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), and with over 25 years of judging and brewing experience, Ron is one of the highest-ranking beer judges in the world, and judges at multiple prestigious international competitions, including the Brussels Beer Challenge in Belgium, and the Aro Rojo Competition in Mexico.
He is also a Certified Cicerone™, which is a tested and proven beer expert/beer sommelier that focuses on beer & food pairings and beer serving issues. Ron teaches college courses in Professional Brewery Operations, World Beer Styles, Beer Evaluation & Sensory Analysis at Indiana University (IUPUI Indianapolis campus), and conducts private training, exam prep, consulting, off-flavor programs, and more, for alcoholic beverage distributors, industry personnel, breweries, and the general public.
Ron also leads guided beer-focused trips throughout Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. While heavily focused on beer, whisky is never far from Ron’s reach. Growing up in Central Indiana, just a couple hours away from the famed Kentucky Bourbon country, Ron first developed a passion for Bourbon and Tennessee Whisky, but that was just the start of an appreciation for anything barrel-aged. Ron has a deep appreciation for the art and science of fermentation, distilling, and barrel-aging, as well as the unique differences in how whisky is made around the world. Ron also enjoys educating others about whisky and leads a social media group on the topic, conducts tastings, etc. Ron has an MBA in Marketing and owns MarketWise Solutions, a B2B marketing firm in the Indianapolis area.
Siddharth Sawkar:
- Council of Whiskey Masters - Master of Scotch 2023
- Council of Whiskey Masters - Master of Whiskey Candidate 2024
Siddharth's journey through the aromatic realms of coffee and the rich heritage of spirits spans over a decade, weaving a path that is as diverse as it is profound. Born in Scotland and raised in the US by Indian immigrants, Siddharth's life is a tapestry of cultures, each thread infused with its unique flavor and tradition.
He has gained a reputation as a connoisseur and educator, making Siddharth a highly sought-after authority for private tastings and educational sessions. He possesses the rare gift of being able to captivate and enlighten his audience, seamlessly blending entertainment with insight. He was on of the first to earn the prestigious certification from the Council of Whisky Masters as a Master of Scotch.
As he continues to explore and share the world of coffee and spirits, Siddharth remains a luminous figure, guiding both novices and connoisseurs alike through the complex, yet rewarding, landscape of flavors that our world has to offer.
John Wabeck:
- Council of Whisky Masters - Master of Scotch (2022), Master of Whiskey Candidate
- Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, PA - Wine Director
- The Court of Master Sommeliers - Advanced Sommelier, Level III, Master Sommelier Candidate
John Wabeck is a highly esteemed figure in the world of fine dining and sommeliers. He recently graduated with a Master of Scotch diploma and is also an Advanced Sommelier and a Master Sommelier candidate. With nearly four decades of experience in the restaurant industry, he has made an indelible mark on the art of food and wine pairing.
A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Wabeck has honed his culinary skills and knowledge to perfection. He has spent many years working in professional kitchens, immersing himself in the intricate world of flavors, techniques, and innovation.
His culinary background provides him with a unique perspective that enhances his expertise as a Master of Scotch and an Advanced Sommelier.
Wabeck's unwavering commitment to his craft and his passion for sharing his knowledge has firmly established him as a respected authority and an inspiration to aspiring sommeliers worldwide. In recognition of his exceptional talent and expertise, he was named one of the Food and Wine Top Sommeliers in 2010.
In his personal life, Wabeck enjoys the companionship of his two dogs, Pippa and Dutch, who bring him joy and remind him of the simple pleasures in life.
Samuel Wright:
- Council of Whiskey Masters - Master of Scotch
- Freelance writer
Samuel graduated from the Master of Scotch program and was one of the first candidates to be certified by the Council of Whiskey Masters in 2022.
Samuel has dedicated nearly a decade to studying whiskey and began sharing his passion and expertise as a whiskey writer in 2023. His articles often highlight global spirits producers and feature on-site coverage of exclusive releases.
Samuel is currently collaborating on a Whiskey book and will be starting a podcast later this year.
Samuel is currently resides in Fort Collins, Colorado.
You can follow his whiskey adventures on Instagram at @sams_whiskey.