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.
This year our judges are excited to be back together for a live in-person competition as COVID restrictions
have been eliminated.
2024 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
Past Judges
Lenny Gotter
President of Lenny Gotter Consulting
Spirits Guru & Judge /Brand/Marketing/Sales Consultant
Martin Furman
Wine Department Manager, F&B Professional
Applejack Wine & Spirits - Thornton, CO
Rachel Dorcy
F&B Professional, Former On Premise Portfolio Manager, Beam Suntory
Certified Spirits Educator (Candidate)
Society of Wine Educators
Justin George
F& B Professional
Operations Manager
Peak Beverage Denver
Brad Beck
F & B Professional
Sales Executive for European Wine & Spirits
Nicolas Post
F& B Professional, Educator
Master Wine and Spirits Consulting LLC
International Wine and Spirits Guild
Alexandra Geppert
Seasoned F& B Professional, Spirits Judge and Brand Builder
Adam Douglas
Seasoned F& B Professional, Spirits Judge
VP of Sales & Marketing, Partner
Peak Beverage, Denver
Eric Anderson
Seasoned F & B Professional
Purchasing Director at Hyatt Hotels
Myles Fischer
Beverage Director
Peak Beverage, Denver
Mathew Wyant
Former Distiller at Bouck Brothers Distilling
Consulting Distiller and Brewmaster, Spirits Judge
Christopher J. Davies
cdavies@winecountrynetwork.com
Past Judges
Co-Vid restrictions made it necessary for judges to taste all entries in the privacy of their homes.
Certified Spirit Sommelier & Spirits Judge
Top Shelf Liquor Consulting, LLC
M.A. "Mike” Morales
Tequila Aficionado Media
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