Holly Abner | Brand Manager | Winebow

With two decades of experience in the alcohol beverage industry, Holly Abner brings a deep understanding of market trends, brand strategy, and sensory evaluation to the world of spirits. As a Brand Manager at Winebow, she oversees a dynamic selection of spirits brands across the Mid-Atlantic, driving growth through strategic planning, market analysis, and relationship-building with suppliers, distributors, and customers. Her expertise spans category development, product positioning, and consumer engagement, ensuring she evaluates spirits not only for quality and craftsmanship but also for their potential impact in a competitive marketplace. Recognized with multiple industry awards, Holly has a passion for discovering and championing exceptional spirits, making informed, data-driven decisions, and contributing to the ever-evolving world of fine beverages.

Nicole Austin | Director, American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities | Diageo

Since joining Diageo in 2018, Nicole Austin has driven innovations, including the award-winning George Dickel Bottled in Bond series and the Cascade Moon Whisky series. Nicole was named Artisan Spirit Magazine’s first “Distiller of the Year” in 2020 and received the Distillery Manager award from Icons of Whisky in 2021. She has launched several notable products, such as Dickel Bourbon, George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend, and Social Hour Harvest Whiskey Sour. Nicole has also been instrumental in George Dickel being named Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Spirit Brand of the Year. A Manhattan College graduate in chemical engineering, Nicole began her career at Kings County Distillery and worked with William Grant & Sons. She’s been a fierce advocate for the distilling industry as a founding board member of the American Craft Spirits Association.

Joshua Baker | National Sales Manager | MGP Ingredients

Joshua Baker is a beverage sales leader with more than a decade of experience in the alcohol industry, spanning roles from field sales to national leadership. Currently serving as National Sales Manager at MGP Ingredients, Joshua focuses on driving growth through collaboration with brands, suppliers, and distributors. Throughout his career, Joshua has been dedicated to building strong partnerships, leading high-performing teams, and delivering long-term value across the industry.

Meredith Barry | Owner | Platypus

With two decades of diverse hospitality experience, Meredith Barry is a leader in creating innovative and successful beverage programs. They are the proud owner of the queer metal bar Platypus and creative partner in the experimental speakeasy New Society in St. Louis, as well as a partner in Chicago’s Whiskey Girl Tavern. Meredith specializes in cultivating safe, inclusive spaces and leverages their extensive expertise to consult within the industry, lifting up environments for both staff and guests. A nationally recognized talent, their skills have been showcased on Netflix’s “Drink Masters” and numerous other television appearances. This wealth of experience demonstrates a unique ability to blend creative vision with community-focused hospitality.

Dwayne Bershaw | Senior Lecturer | Cornell University

Dwayne Bershaw is a native of Idaho and received a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Idaho in 1993. A midlife career change led to a M.S. in viticulture and enology from UC Davis in 2010. Dwayne taught winemaking and made wine in southern Oregon before becoming an enology lecturer in the Food Science Department at Cornell University. Along the way, Dwayne also completed the WSET Diploma in wines and spirits. He currently teaches advanced winemaking courses and introductory classes in brewing and distilling.

Will Breeden | Co-owner | Indiana Small Batch

Will Breeden is a Certified Bourbon Professional, Certified Whiskey Specialist, and Level 3 Master of Bourbon through the Council of Whiskey Masters. He has served as a judge for the American Spirits Council of Tasters (ASCOT Awards) and the Heartland Whiskey Competition. Will is the co-owner of Indiana Small Batch, a craft spirits distribution company dedicated to supporting artisanal producers. He also shares his passion for whiskey and cigars as co-host of the Final Third Whiskey & Cigar podcast.

Johnny Caldwell | Co-founder | Cocktail Bandits

Johnny Caldwell—a Charleston, South Carolina, native—has a unique perspective on the food and beverage industry. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science from The College of Charleston and her Juris Doctorate from Charleston School of Law.

Johnny is the co-founder of Cocktail Bandits (a blog platform that promotes female empowerment by advocating for the food and beverage community from a feminine, urban perspective). She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., President of the Charleston Chapter of The United States Bartender’s Guild ,and membership chair for Les Dames D’escoffier Charleston.

Nick Crutchfield | Founder | Caskproof and The Mixtape Supper Club

Nick Crutchfield has spent the better part of 30 years sharing his passion for spirits, hospitality, and the cultures of drinking worldwide. His career has taken him across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the MENA region, where he has led advocacy and education programs for an array of brands like Diageo’s luxury portfolio and Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits. Along the way, he has built a reputation for blending technical expertise with approachable storytelling that connects both professionals and patrons. Through his roving supper club and his podcast TaleFeather, Nick continues to create spaces where people and ideas come together. Today, he champions inclusive, forward-thinking community-building events and workshops that properly celebrate both people and place.

Clyde Davis Jr. | Owner | 75 Proof Beverage

Clyde Davis Jr. is a seasoned spirits industry veteran with over 20 years of experience shaping the world of fine beverages. As the founder of Team Spirits Imports, Clyde built a reputation for bringing exceptional craft spirits to discerning consumers. Clyde currently owns 75 Proof Beverage, a premier spirits consulting company, and HouseBar, a concept dedicated to redefining the at-home cocktail experience. With a passion for quality, innovation, and education, Clyde continues to elevate the spirits industry on multiple fronts.

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Clyde is a sought-after educator and thought leader. He has been a featured lecturer at industry-renowned events such as Tales of the Cocktail, Bar Convent Brooklyn, and Beacon, where he shares his deep knowledge and insights with peers and enthusiasts alike.

Clyde currently resides in Washington D.C., and has both A Bachelor’s and Masters Degree from Morehouse College and the University of Michigan, respectively.

Tom Fischer | Founder | BourbonBlog.com

Tom Fischer has spent nearly 20 years contributing to how the world experiences and understands bourbon. As a globally recognized bourbon expert, spirits judge, and founder of BourbonBlog.com, Tom is a pioneer in whiskey media, having established the first and longest-running outlet focused on bourbon. 

He has judged top competitions including SommCon’s Concours d’Spirits, the Heartland Whiskey Competition, and many other international competitions. His background and experience have made him a trusted voice across the industry. 

Tom hosts virtual and in-person whiskey tastings for private clients, companies, and festivals worldwide. He speaks at events including the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival and San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, and partners with whiskey, spirits, and lifestyle brands to curate educational tasting tours across the globe.

Tracie Franklin | VP of Supply and Innovation | Pronghorn Co

Tracie Franklin is a spirits educator and influencer, professional spirits judge, brand developer and blender who lives in Washington D.C. In her two decades of work in the spirits industry, Tracie has studied and represented wine, beer, and spirits companies. In 2020, she left her role as National Ambassador for Glenfiddich to travel the U.S. and get hands-on experience in spirits production. Today, as VP of Supply and Innovation for Pronghorn Co, she helps lead the way in diversifying the spirits industry. She has appeared at Essence Festival, Charleston Food and Wine, and varied Cocktail and Distilling Conferences. She has also graced the small screen on the “Today Show,” “CBS Good Morning,” and Fox 5 DC.

Education is Tracie’s true passion. She has earned numerous certificates in wine and spirits and completed her Diploma in Distillation from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling in 2023. She uses her technical knowledge and theatre background to entertain and educate. Her joyful energy has led to recognition in the spirits industry. She received the 2024 Elmer Lucille Allen Black Excellence in Spirits award, the ADI Top Spirits Influencer Award, she is an Icon of Whiskey, a Dames d’Escoffier, and a TOTC Dame Hall of Fame inductee. Tracie chooses to give back by being a mentor and serving on the board of Turning Tables, Our Whisky Foundation, and Sip of Paradise Garden.

Mark Gillespie | Host and Executive Producer | WhiskyCast

Mark Gillespie is the host and executive producer of WhiskyCast, the longest-running whisky podcast series. Mark has more than four decades of journalism experience spanning broadcast and online journalism, and has been honored as Communicator of the Year in Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky Awards. WhiskyCast has also been honored by Tales of the Cocktail with a Spirited Award for Best Podcast. Mark lives in the charming, yet regrettably dry town of Haddonfield, New Jersey. 

Sonja Hunt | Founder | So Dram Good

Sonja Hunt is a consultant, spirits judge, and certified Executive Bourbon Steward and instructor with deep expertise in whiskey education and sensory analysis. As a consultant, blender, and student distiller, she blends tradition with innovation to elevate the spirits industry.  As one quarter of the podcast Black & Spirited, she highlights being both a consumer and a professional in the industry for over 10 years. She’s been featured on various news media outlets such as CBS, Fox5 and Fox29.

Sonja is the founder of So Dram Good, where she curates immersive tastings and educational experiences that celebrate whiskey heritage while making it approachable for all. She is also the founder of ABV Jobs, a platform dedicated to sharing job opportunities in the beverage alcohol industry across all demographics, fostering a more inclusive and connected community. Hailing from Pennsylvania and living in Virginia, she’s making waves on the East Coast and across the country as a highly sought after talent.

Denaya Jones | Founder | Deestilled

Washington, D.C., native, Denaya Jones has been in hospitality for over 14 years. Over the span of her  career, an administrative position with catering & event design company evolved into a true passion for hospitality, with a focus on cocktails and spirits.  

That passion is what led to Deestilled: a boutique-style company, specializing in providing  bespoke bar & spirits experiences. 

In addition to operating Deestilled, Denaya has shaken things up in bars throughout Washington, D.C. She is also Brand Manager for craft spirits retailer, Seelbach’s; one-half  of spirit-focused podcast, Soul Palate; Board Member of D.C. based non-profit, Chocolate  City’s Best; a certified educator in spirits for WSET Global; and member of Fred Minnick’s  American Spirits Counsel of Tasters.

Kyle N. McHugh | Founder | The Boozehound

Kyle N. McHugh is an award-winning spirits educator, consultant, and public speaker with more than 25 years of experience in hospitality. Known professionally as “The Boozehound” the drinks, branding, & event consultancy he founded in 2007, Kyle has led global advocacy & education efforts for leading craft & legacy brands; owned & operated award-winning bar, restaurant, & retail establishments around the US; and today serves as President & Chairman of the USBG National Charity Foundation.

Zack McLeod | Co-Owner  & Managing Partner | MadVines Wine & Spirits

Zack McLeod’s passion for the industry began in 2011, when he began working at a fine wine & spirits retail store in Mississippi. Since that time he has become co-owner and managing partner of a wine and spirits distribution company in Mississippi and Alabama. As the owner of the company and portfolio manager, Zack has evaluated thousands of spirits and wines over the years. He has selected/been a part of hundreds of barrel/batch selections, ranging from gin, rum/rhum, Armagnac, Cognac, whiskeys of all origins, mezcal, tequila, as well as amaros and fernets. 

Phil Morgan | Distilled Spirits Industry Advisor

Phil Morgan is a multidisciplinary design and strategy leader with 30+ years of experience building brands and places where people love to be. He is a serial entrepreneur who opened the first of his many restaurants in Paris, France. After moving to New York City, he founded a notable restaurant design firm in Brooklyn, creating 150+ incredible new spaces in the hospitality market. In 2011, Phil pivoted into distilled spirits and their production, focusing on quality and production efficiency. Since 2011, Phil has helped create award-winning whiskey, gins, and liquors in America and Mexico. Phil is renowned for his dedication and commitment to distilleries, consulting on process improvement in creating high-quality spirits. He is also fluent in French.

Wendy Peveich | Founder | 51 & Proof Consulting

Wendy Peveich is the founder of 51 & Proof Consulting. As the former National Brand Ambassador of Penelope Bourbon, Wendy’s journey and lens into the spirits industry was shaped through grit, authenticity lots of faith, and a newfound love affair for the craft distilling world. Through building and scaling a brand unconventionally, her extensive palate and blending traits have rounded out her appreciation and commitment to the American craft spirits arena.

Scott Rosenbaum | Co-host | Business of Drinks

Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of the Business of Drinks podcast and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. Most recently, he was the Portfolio Development Director at Distill Ventures. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.

Chris Schmid | Senior Vice President Strategic Partnerships | Prestige-Ledroit Distributing Co.

Chris Schmid leads all new business development at Prestige-Ledroit and is responsible for lead generation, prospect management, and new supplier engagement. Chris actively partners with current and potential producer partners to capitalize on market and category opportunities. Chris’ efforts are focused on strategically positioning Prestige-Ledroit for continued growth and profitability in the ever-changing climate of the wine and spirits industry.

He is an enthusiastic and inclusive leader with a passion for the food and beverage industry with a background spanning every segment of the beverage trade. Considered a thought leader in the craft spirits space, Chris has and continues to sit as a judge on a number of spirit and bar awards, as well as leading all innovation and brand partnerships for the Independent Distributor Network.

Jeff Schwartz | Founder | Whiskeyfellow

Known throughout the distilling universe as Whiskeyfellow, Jeff Schwartz is passionate about whiskey and writing. As a Kentucky Colonel and certified Bourbon Steward, Jeff loves spreading the whiskey gospel by penning reviews and educational articles, hosting whiskey workshops, and judging whiskey competitions. He and his wife, Michelle, enjoy life in Marshall, Wisconsin.

Margarita Scouten | Executive Bourbon Steward

Margarita Scouten is an experienced whiskey enthusiast and Executive Bourbon Steward with a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship behind fine whiskies. With over a decade of tasting experience, she is known for her refined palate and thoughtful evaluations. Margarita was recently named an alternate judge for the prestigious ASCOT Awards and is a member of several key whiskey communities, including Fred Minnick’s Club Marzipan, the Bourbon Women Association, and the BIG Bourbon Club.

As part of her involvement with BIG Bourbon, she co-hosts a virtual bourbon call focused on the club’s barrel picks and tasting discussions. When she’s not focused on tasting notes, Margarita enjoys capturing the beauty of West Texas wildlife and landscapes through photography on a 60,000-acre cattle ranch—often with a glass of bourbon in hand.

Bethne Stewart | Master of Bourbon, Tequila Sommelier, and Bartender

Bethne Stewart is a Master of Bourbon, Tequila Sommelier, and bartender from Brooklyn, New York. With a deep passion for spirits and cocktails, she has studied sake, tequila, and wine while working alongside some of the industry’s most accomplished professionals. After studying Creative Writing at Arizona State University and dedicating almost two decades to working in the service industry, she decided to expand her knowledge by taking both the Certified Sake Specialist and Introductory Sommelier courses, but shifted her focus to whiskey in the fall of 2023 following a newfound passion for America’s native spirit. Bethne became the first woman in the United States to pass the Master of Bourbon exam, administered by the Council of Whiskey Masters, at the Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas this past April.

When she isn’t reading about her favorite spirits, Bethne enjoys playing video games, watching anime, or snuggling at home with her dog, Apollo, and her cat, Artemis.

Heather Wibbels | Mixologist and Whiskey Educator

Heather Wibbels is an award-winning mixologist, whiskey educator, and Executive Bourbon Steward based in Louisville, Kentucky. She’s judged many competitions, including the ASCOT Awards, and is the author of “Bourbon Is My Comfort Food.” A former Board Chair of Bourbon Women, Heather focuses on making whiskey more approachable through cocktails and sensory education. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Bourbon+, Drinkhacker and more. Find her at cocktailcontessa.com, bourbonfluent.com and @cocktail_contessa on Instagram.