The Palates To Trust
The reputation of a competition is defined by the quality of its judges. At the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, our judging panels consist of the most respected, experienced experts in the wine and spirits industry. Our judges range from renowned writers and well-known New York City mixologists to esteemed beverage buyers, including Anthony Dias Blue, John Oliver, and Aimée Lasseigne New.
SPIRITS COMPETITION JUDGES
NYWSC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Anthony Dias Blue
President, Blue Lifestyle; Editor-in-Chief, The Tasting Panel Magazine
Damon Boelte
Co-Owner & Head Bartender, Grand Army; Host, The Speakeasy Podcast
Darnell Holguin
Beverage Director, Las Lap
Gary Gruver
Senior Beverage Manager Global Operations, Marriott International
Jack Robertiello
Writer & Consultant, Drinks Ink
John Oliver
National Trade Marketing Director, Breakthru Beverage
Kara Newman
Spirits Editor, Wine Enthusiast
Leslie Merinoff
Founder, Matchbook Distilling Co.
William Elliott
Bar Director, Maison Premiere, Sauvage & The Golden Hour
WINE COMPETITION JUDGES
Aimée Lasseigne New
Buyer, Bottlerocket Wine & Spirit
Jennifer Englert
Director of Sales & Business Development, ReserveBar
Jim Trezise
President, WineAmerica
Josh Farrell
Wine Director, Wine Express
Nick Johnson
Fine Wine Sales Team Leader & Manager, Sherry-Lehmann Wines & Spirits
Nicolas Prieto
Beverage Manager, Grand Hyatt New York
Sam Ehrlich
Wine Director, Blue Ribbon Restaurants
Tali Dalbaha
Corporate Wine Director, Buy-Rite Wine & Liquor