Alan S. Dikty, Special advisor to the Beverage Testing Institute and editor of the BTI Buying Guide to Spirits.

Charles Stansfield, Department head for kosher, sparkling, and South African wines and Sam’s Wines & Spirits. Highly acclaimed Champagne and sparkling wine expert.

Bob Bansberg, Award winning sommelier and wine educator at the four star restaurant Ambria and faculty member at the School of Culinary Arts at Kendall College in Chicago.

Adam Seger, General Manager of Nacional 27 restaurant, nationally renowned bar chef, and Chicago’s "King of Cocktails"

Tom Hyland, Freelance wine writer for such publications as Decanter, the Quarterly Review of Wines, and Drinks. He specializes in the wines of Italy.

Michael Miller, Proprietor, Delilah’s Nightclub, one of Chicago’s highest volume venues for upscale spirits sales and events and Whisky Magazine’s 2004 World’s Best Whisky Bar.

Trudy Thomas, Wine & Spirits Director, Rosebud Restaurants.

Edward Hamilton, World’s leading rum expert, author, and “The Minister of Rum.”

Craig Goldwyn, Freelance writer, educator, wine and food judge, and photographer. Founder of BTI and its former president.

Bill Owens, President, American Distilling Institute and American Distiller.

Terry Sullivan, “The Dean of US Spirits Writers”: GQ, New York Times Magazine, Plate, Chicago Tribune Magazine, Playboy, and The Malt Advocate.

Karl Braun, Beer Educator and Brand Ambassador.

Brian Van Zandbergen, Author, Beer Educator, and Brand Ambassador.

Chad Wulff, Bar Manager/Beer Expert, The Map Room.

David Soto, Spirits Director, Sam’s Wines & Spirits.

Luis Serrano, Beverage Director, The Raquet Club Chicago

Michael Jackson, World-renowned beverage authority, raconteur, and best-selling spirits and beer author. “The Beer Hunter”