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Judges Panel

The Melbourne International Spirits Competition is part of the International Beverage Competition Series, the only International Beverage Competitions judged solely by trade buyers who assess the product by category as well as retail price. If you’re looking to break into the Australian market and have your products tasted by multiple trade buyers, this competition is for you.

This Year's Judges Panel:

Shay Chamberlain
Manager at Black Pearl Fitzroy

Previous Positions
Manager at Big Poppa's Sydney
Bartender at Bulletin Place, Sydney

Certifications, Awards, & Credentials
12 Years working in Cocktail Bars, many of which have taken out 50 Best Bars awards, Tales nominations and praise from the industry
2018 & 2019 Drinks World T20 Bartender
Australian Bartender Magazine Most Influential list 2019
Associate Judge for the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards 2019

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
Lagrimas de Dolores Cenizo Joven Mezcal

James Duvnjak
Category Manager, Dan Murphy's

Previous Positions
Assistant Category Manager - Cider & Non Liquor

Certifications, Awards, & Credentials
WSET Level 2

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
Charles Heidsieck Vintage

Greg Sanderson
Director & National Operations Manager of The Speakeasy Group

Previous Positions
Reserve Brand Ambassador for Diageo Australia
Manager at Black Pearl Melbourne, Victorian State Manager Behind Bars Industry Services (bar and brand consultancy)

Certifications, Awards, & Credentials
2012 Australian Bartender of the Year (Australian Bartender Magazine)
Reserve Brand Ambassador for Diageo Australia including the Classic Malts of Scotland, Tanqueray 10 Gin, Ketel One Vodka and Ron Zacapa Rum
Founder of the Ketel One Bartender Fraternity that was rolled out to 30 countries across the globe and whilst working for Behind Bars Industry Services trained over 4,500 bartenders on cocktails and spirits across Australia
Also, before opening The Speakeasy Group, was Manager at Black Pearl, one of the most awarded cocktail bars in Australia

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
A bottle of vintage champagne for my wife as a congratulations

Learn More

Visit our How To Enter Page to learn how to submit your spirits, or take a closer look our Judging Process: