Bourbon Classic Brings Together the Best of the Best!

Name: 2025 Talent
Start: 1970-01-01T00:00:00+0000

The finesse and expertise of crafting a unique cocktail or the perfect culinary dish is a passion. Bourbon Classic celebrates the up and coming, as well as the seasoned talent of the bourbon world to explore and excite your senses!

Cheers to all the Bartenders and Chefs who make each Bourbon Classic event special. Here is the list of previous Cocktail and Culinary Challenge Winners.

2025 Talent Lineup

Nicole Austin

George Dickel
Bourbon University
Robert Bleifer
Chef, Consultant, Culinary Producer
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge (Judge)
Noam Bilitzer
Owner / Chef
MeeshMeesh Mediterranean
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Sebastian Boynton
Executive Chef
Levy Restaurants
Deniz Burns
Chef
The Kitchen Table
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Lee Caldwell
Beverage Director
The Kitchen Table
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Michael Carlton
Bartender
Repeal
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Paul Clarke
Editor in Chief
Imbibe
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge (Judge)
Matt Combs

Chef
Bluegrass Hospitality Group
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Randi Densford

Beverage Director
Barn8
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Paula Endara
Co-Executive Chef
Granddam at The Manchester Hotel
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Samantha Fore

Owner-Founder
Tuk Tuk
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge (Judge)
Greg Galganski
Bartender
Proof on Main
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Ulises Hernandez

Chef
Repeal
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Justin Keating

Bartender
Bluegrass Hospitality Group
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Seth Kinder
Executive Chef
Barn8
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Kento Kobayashi

Chef
Shoku Club
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Embry Luallen
Bartender
Rabbit Hole Distillery
Cocktail and Culinary Challenge
Owen Martin

Master Distiller
Angel’s Envy
Bourbon University
Dallas McGarity

Corporate Executive Chef
The Fat Lamb
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Newman Miller

Chef
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
James Moran

Co-Executive Chef
Bob’s Steak and Chophouse
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Barbie Mudd

Bartender
Chicken Cock Whiskey Circa 1856
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Jayma Neese

Leading Bartender
Bob’s Steak and Chophouse
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Fred Noe
7th Generation Master Distiller
James B. Beam Distilling Company
A Classic Dinner with
Fred & Freddie Noe
Bourbon University
Freddie Noe

8th Generation Master Distiller
Fred B. Noe Distillery
A Classic Dinner with
Fred & Freddie Noe
Bourbon University
Chef Irene O’Shaughnessy
Executive Pastry
Levy Restaurants
Jon Pauly

Chef
Lou Lou Food + Drink
VIP Friday Chef
Ming Pu
Executive Chef
Brooklyn and the Butcher
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Taste
Matt Ray

USA Industry Manager
Sazerac Co.

Bourbon University
Chad Reid
Bartender
Seven
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Noah Rothbaum
George Dickel
Bourbon University
Em Sego
Bartender
The Fat Lamb
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Norma Smith
Bartender
Granddam at The Manchester Hotel
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Cody Stone
Chef
Proof on Main
Bourbon University
Titus Teague

Angel’s Envy Brand Ambassador
Angel’s Envy Distillery
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Jaz’min Weaver
National Brand Ambassador
Bardstown Bourbon Co
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Lawrence Weeks
Head Chef
North of Bourbon
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
Dallas White

Bar Supervisor and Head of R&D
The Bar at Fort Nelson
Bourbon University
Andrea Wilson
Master of Maturation, Chief Operating Officer
Michter's Distillery
Bourbon University
Will Woodington
National Whiskey Brand Ambassador
Chicken Cock Whiskey
Bourbon University