Cointreau, the legacy liqueur that has been around for over 175 years, that title belongs to Carole Quinton. As the sixth Master Distiller in Cointreau’s history, Carole is tasked with safeguarding the signature balance of sweet and bitter orange peels that Edouard Cointreau perfected in 1875. She carries on the tradition while continuously innovating and preserving the craft for future generations. Carole describes her responsibilities as “guardian” to preserve the heritage of Alfred Cointreau by preserving all the savoir faire and ensuring the transmission along the generations. Her second role is a bit like a perfumer, testing liqueur at every stage of the production – the peels, the distillates, the final product with her team in the lab.

Stephanie Macleod, Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky for Bacardi, has been named Master Blender of the Year by the International Whisky Competition (IWC) 2024 for the sixth consecutive time.Her success and the quality of the Bacardi range of premium Scotch whiskies was further underlined by Aultmore Oloroso Sherry Cask 25 Year Old, Travel Retail Exclusive winning IWC Whisky of the Year, while Dewar’s Double Double 37 Year Old was named Best Blended Scotch for the second year running.Macleod made history in 2019 as the first woman to win the prestigious Master Blender of the Year title and has continued her winning streak ever since. This recognizes her world-leading expertise in the art of whisky-making as Master Blender for Dewar’s Blended Scotch whisky and Malt Master for the family-owned company’s portfolio of Single Malts – Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Royal Brackla and The Deveron.A multi-award winning and highly respected figure in the whisky industry, Macleod joined Bacardi in Glasgow in 1998, and became Master Blender for Dewar’s in 2006. 

Yulia Ezhikova is a distinguished sommelier working at Cristal Room by Anne Sophie Pic in Hong Kong. Known for her refined wine pairings, she expertly curates extensive wine lists that cater to diverse palates. Yulia has a deep passion for French and Italian wines, and her work in Hong Kong has earned her recognition as a leading sommelier in the food and beverage scene.Yulia's expertise extends beyond traditional wine service—she is also a writer and a certified Sake specialist. Her diverse skill set allows her to offer a unique approach to beverage and hospitality, blending her knowledge of different alcohol traditions with her sommelier expertise. She has received acclaim for her innovative methods in wine and sake pairing, making her one of the prominent figures in the Asian wine community.

Marilena Leta is a highly regarded sommelier and educator, well-known for her deep expertise in Italian wines. She has built a strong reputation for her ability to recommend exceptional pairings, particularly in the context of Italian cuisine. Marilena is regularly involved in wine competitions and tastings across Europe, where her palate and wine insights are widely appreciated.In addition to her work as President of Assosommelier Sicilia, Marilena plays a significant role in promoting Sicilian wines, advocating for traditional winemaking techniques, and enhancing the overall quality standards of the region's wine production. She has also been an active participant in international wine events, representing Sicily and sharing her expertise through various educational programs aimed at wine enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Winnie Toh began her wine journey as an intern at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, where she was inspired by the passion of visiting winemakers and Michelin-starred chefs. This experience led her to pursue a career in wine, ultimately becoming Head Sommelier at Amanyara in the Caribbean. In her role, Winnie manages the resort's extensive wine list, curating a collection that highlights sustainable practices and iconic wines from around the world. Winnie is particularly passionate about mentoring young sommeliers, enhancing the guest experience through thoughtful wine pairings, and promoting sustainability within the wine industry. She is recognized internationally as one of the world's leading sommeliers, having worked across Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau before settling in the Caribbean. Her influence extends beyond operations; she frequently organizes wine cellars, leads beverage training, and manages procurement at Amanyara. Her dedication to breaking stereotypes in the traditionally male-dominated wine industry and inspiring future generations has established her as a prominent figure in the world of sommeliers. Winnie's work continues to push boundaries, aiming to bring unique and exceptional wines to the forefront of the dining experience.

Started her F&B career by working with Michelin Star Chefs and restaurants such as Joel Robuchon. Has more than 22 years of experience in restaurant operation and management in Malaysia, Singapore, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Beijing, Changzhou and Guangzhou. Hence, she covers western and Chinese cuisine. Experienced as F&B consultant for restaurant set-up, opening and training, restaurant GM, hotel F&B director, a certified sommelier and an International wine judge. and have a close connection with most of the Chinese wineries.Won numerous award from China Best Wine List Awards, Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence, Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA) and WOW Shanghai Creator for Made in China Chinese Wines Discovery.

Hailing from Edinburgh, Cara Watson's presence on the global cocktail bar scene has been undisputed for over a decade. She has worked in top-tier bars across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Known for her passion for flavor and her affinity for creating unique blue cocktails, Cara has received multiple awards for her outstanding work as Head Bartender at Hawksmoor in London and General Manager at Hoot The Redeemer in Edinburgh.Currently, Cara serves as the Group Training Manager at the London Cocktail Club. In this role, she focuses on training new bartenders and inspiring the next generation of mixologists. Her leadership has helped the London Cocktail Club and other establishments she has been part of maintain high standards in creativity and service within the hospitality industry. Cara Watson continues to contribute to the evolving cocktail scene, focusing on innovation, inclusivity, and training, and has been recognized for her impact on the industry in recent awards and rankings.

Audrey Saunders is considered one of the world's most famous bartenders and a pivotal figure in the craft cocktail world. She began her journey in the late 1990s under the mentorship of Dale DeGroff, known for his role in reviving classic cocktails. Audrey has been instrumental in transforming the cocktail scene in New York, especially by emphasizing fresh ingredients, unique bitters, and focusing on gin in an era dominated by flavored vodkas. Pegu Club set the standard for the cocktail bar renaissance, inspiring countless others and nurturing a new generation of bartenders who have gone on to shape the industry globally.Audrey's approach treats cocktails as "culinary creations of complexity," and she introduced popular drinks like the "Old Cuban," a refined version of the Mojito that includes Champagne. Her influence on modern bartending extends beyond recipes; she mentored bartenders who now lead their own successful establishments, continuing the craft she helped revive.

Inés de los Santos is one of Argentina’s leading mixologists, renowned for her creativity and passion in the cocktail industry. She opened CoChinChina in 2020 in the trendy Palermo Soho district of Buenos Aires. Inspired by French and Southeast Asian cultures, CoChinChina is not just a bar but an experience, offering a unique blend of cocktails and Franco-Vietnamese dishes. The bar has earned acclaim globally, ranking among the world's best bars.Inés is known for her signature cocktails, like "Se-Sa-Hattan" which combines whiskies, vermouths, sesame oil, and banana oleo. The bar features a vibrant atmosphere with regular DJ appearances, and even has a cocktail tasting menu for an immersive experience. Beyond the bar, she also operates a cocktail boutique, showcasing Argentine products and offering ready-to-drink options and cocktail accessories.Additionally, Inés has been active in promoting Latin American bartending on the world stage, participating in international events like "The Big Reunion" in Madrid, where she emphasizes the value of Latin American ingredients and traditions. She believes in creating a unique identity for the region’s cocktail scene, diverging from trends popular in cities like London and New York, and instead focusing on local culture and ingredients.

June Rodil is a celebrated sommelier and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the hospitality industry. As a Master Sommelier, she has built a strong reputation for her expertise in wine, and her ability to create inclusive, educational, and enjoyable wine experiences. She has led high-end establishments such as Montrose Cheese & Wine and MARCH, both of which have received numerous accolades for their quality and innovation. In her role at Goodnight Hospitality, June Rodil has continued to push boundaries, establishing a vision for the company's ventures that emphasizes both quality and uniqueness. Her leadership has contributed to the company's success in creating standout culinary experiences in Houston, Texas. Throughout her career, June has been recognized for her contributions to the hospitality industry and her dedication to making wine culture accessible and exciting for all.