Laura is a Certified Specialist of Spirits and professional spirits nerd with an affinity for unique regional liqueurs and single malt Scotch. Previously a Tastings.com judge, Laura joined the Tastings.com team as panel moderator, editor, and cocktail queen. The past 10 years have brought her to every part of the bar and restaurant business- including a five year stint as a Chicago cab driver schlepping hungry diners and tipsy imbibers. After directing a multi-outlet beverage program at The Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago, she keeps her skills sharp behind the bar at Sable Kitchen & Bar. Laura has spoken at the NRA's BAR show and competed in numerous cocktail competitions, including the all-female speed-bartending competition, Speedrack. When not working or gallivanting around the city’s food and beverage scene, Laura is at home with her wife and their Italian greyhound sipping old-world wine and planning their next dinner party.