Tequila Mezcal Challenge
The Tequila Mezcal Challenge is conducted double-blind by a seasoned panel of beverage professionals. Our judging panel consists of sommeliers, retail buyers, journalists, mixologists, and beverage directors. All judges undergo a calibration class designed to maintain consistent evaluation and scoring of all spirits. In these times of COVID-19, we are taking extra precautions to protect our staff and judges. Many of our 2020 judges will participate in our virtual tasting, by judging in the safety of their homes and participating in Zoom meetings.
2020 Competition Chairs
Christopher J. Davies
C0-Founder, Chairman
Wine Country Network, Inc
Competition Director
Darcy R. Davies
Co-Founder, President
Wine Country Network, Inc
Competition Operations
Lead Judge & Panel Chair
Larry Wilcox
Certified Spirit Sommelier & Spirits Judge
Top Shelf Liquor Consulting, LLC
2020 Judges
We are currently building our judging team.
Qualified interested judges should email the competition director:
Christopher J. Davies
cdavies@winecountrynetwork.com
Tequila Mezcal Challenge
2019 Judges
Lanie Bayless
Spirits Director
Frontera Hospitality, Chicago, IL
Kevin Galaba
Food & Beverage Professional
Local Marketing Manager
Colorado Beverage Analyst Magazine
Alexandra (Allie) Geppert
Food & Beverage Professional
Owner of Mandala Strategies
Jakim J. Noske, CSS
Food & Beverage Professional
Certified Specialist of Spirits, Certified Cicerone
Brian M. Rossi
Owner / Specialist in Mexican Spirits
Adelitas Cocina y Cantina and Palenque Mezcaleria
Larry Wilcox
Certified Spirit Sommelier & Spirits Judge
Top Shelf Liquor Consulting, LLC
Ben Wahamaki
Liquor Specialist
Argonaut Wine & Liquor
Chris Wingate
Spirits Portfolio Specialist
European Wine and Spirits