Graham Essex is an award-winning bartender and mixologist who was born and raised in the heart of Chicago. Graduating St Olaf College with a degree in Social Studies and Education, he is passionate about sharing knowledge on the history of cocktails and spirits to anyone who will listen. Graham has spent the last 8 years honing his craft, working at a range of bars and restaurants including Sable working as a bar lead and bar trainer for Jose Andres Group, and currently lending his talents to Gibsons Italia. During this time frame, he has graduated from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy and the CRT program, earning him certificates of academic merit for the categories of Whisky and Tequila respectively.

His dedication to spirits, cocktails, and construction of flavor aids in his duties as a BevTest panelist. Outside of his time spent at BevTest you can find him consulting on menus, teaching classes, or playing guitar and enjoying crossword puzzles.