Head Judges
Michael Fraser Milneser Milne
Michael is originally from the Strathbogie/Strathspey region of Scotland which is the world’s leading whisky region and was very much brought up next to
the industry through his fathers and uncles involvement in the seed/grain/malt
industry.
Since his arrival in Canterbury in 1993 his company H. L. Milne Ltd /Whisky Galore have been importing and represent as sole agents some of the
finest whiskies (mostly Scotch Single Malt) available, in 2003 they also opened a retail specialist in Christchurch.
His passion for the “Spirit of Scotland” has seen him visit over 90 distilleries, many of these many times, including taking tours to Scotland for
Whisky visits and also visiting other distilleries in New Zealand, Japan, France, Australia, the US of A, Ireland and England.
In addition he has attended many whisky festivals around the world and has been very privileged to attend many exclusive tastings and also more than a
few one on one whisky appreciation moments as well as having trained in tasting
and appreciation methods and both the Scotch Whisky Institute and through the
EWA.
In 2007 we held the first ever dedicated whisky festival in NZ,
“DramFest” and repeated this in 2009 and again in 2012, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, this has turned out to be a iconic whisky event in Australasia.
Education is also a focus and over the years he has conducted well over 1500 tastings around New Zealand and also in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore
the US of A and also in his native Scotland, this is something he loves doing.
His recognition of his service to the Scotch Whisky came in 2008 when he was flattered to be made a “Keeper of the Quaich” at Blair Castle, quite the
occasion and quite the honour, followed with a Master of the Quaich in 2018.
Joanne Hort
Prof. Joanne Hort is Fonterra Riddet Chair in Consumer and Sensory Science at Massey University, New Zealand. She is Director of the Food Experience and Sensory Testing (Feast) Lab and Associate Director at the Riddet Institute. She was previously SABMiller Chair of Sensory Science at the University of Nottingham in the UK. Her research focuses on factors driving consumer sensory perception of food and consequent choice behaviours, and effective methods to measure them conducting several studies concerning the impact of botanicals on the sensory perception of gin. She has been Judging light spirits for the past seven years, latterly as a Head judge for the NZSpirits awards. She has 140+ research publications and is co-author of several key texts in Sensory Science. She is Associate Editor of Food Quality and Preference, a Fellow of the UKIFST, Member of NZIFST, past Chair of the European Sensory Science Society and a Director of The Pangborn Sensory Science Trust which is responsible for the Pangborn Sensory Science symposium.
Nick Widley
Nick Widley is a New Zealand-based bar owner, spirits judge, and industry advocate with a
strong focus on flavour, balance, and modern drinking culture. As the driving force behind Kismet Cocktail & Whisky Bar in Nelson, Nick has built a reputation for combining technical precision with approachable hospitality,
creating menus that showcase both classic technique and contemporary trends,
particularly in the growing low- and mid-ABV space.
With extensive hands-on experience across whisky, rum, and emerging light spirits
categories, Nick brings a practical, service-led perspective to judging. His approach prioritises structure, clarity, and drinkability, with a focus on how
spirits perform both neat and within a cocktail context. He has worked closely with local and international brands, contributing to tastings, events, and
collaborative product showcases, and is known for his ability to communicate complex flavour profiles in a clear and commercially relevant way.
Nick’s involvement in the
New Zealand spirits scene extends beyond the bar, supporting education, community initiatives, and industry events. As Head Judge for the Light Spirits category, he is committed to recognising innovation, balance, and
quality in a rapidly evolving segment of the market.
Marcel Thompson
Marcel Thompson is a gin educator, distilling industry advocate, and international
spirits judge based in New Zealand. He is a director of The Distillers Institute, where he works with aspiring and established distillers across
Australia and New Zealand to develop sustainable and commercially successful
spirits businesses.
Marcel holds the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits and is certified by the Institute of
Brewing & Distilling (CIBD). He is also a Life Member of The Gin Guild, recognising his contributions to the global gin sector.
His experience spans the full spirits value chain, including partnerships with spirits packaging operations in Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Marcel is also the founder and creator
of the immersive gin education experience, The Gindegärten.
As a craft spirits advocate and international judge, Marcel brings a balanced perspective that combines sensory evaluation, production knowledge, packaging
insight, and market awareness.
Tash McGill
Tash McGill is a drinks industry consultant and journalist with over ten years experience judging spirits globally. Editor of More Good Drinks, New Zealand's dedicated consumer drinks platform, reaching 30,000+ readers a month, she brings qualifications and experience to the judging table, looking for integrity, technique and authenticity. A spirit that knows what it is, where it comes from, and delivers excellent flavour and quality.
Gina Nicholls
Brand Manager & National On Premise Sales at Tickety Boo Liquor. Has spent the last 5 years driving the portfolio throughout On premise in Auckland and Wellington. Previously managed cocktails bars, as well as a long history in hospitality from hotels, restaurants, bars and events across the UK, UAE, AUS and now for the last 9 years in New Zealand. Lucky enough to have been asked to be on a panel for multiple different spirit award judging here in NZ and hoping to continue this path to one day be a part of international spirits judging.
Panel Judges
Adam Ivory-Ryder
Over 15 years experience in hospitality managing and operating bars and restaurants in NZ and SE Asia with a never ending passion for all things wine & spirits.
Alastair Walker
One of the co-owners of three bars; Caretaker, Rocketman and Deadshot. Passionate about the world of spirits for over 20 years now.
Amber Archer
Placed as the Operations Manager at Koji and Rosella in Wellington off of Majoribanks - been lucky to be in the industry for coming close to a couple of decades now (time flies when you’re having fun!) with a specialization in education throughout the years equally placed in wine, spirits, and the industry, from sommelier certifications to the CSS to a Masters in Hospitality. Got it covered in all things industry. I love deductive and methodical tasting and all things beverage!
Andy Griffiths
After beginning his hospitality career training as a chef in Whanganui, Andy Griffiths moved to Wellington, where he worked across kitchens, restaurants, and bars, helping establish well-known venues including The Hummingbird and The Flying Burrito Brothers.
In 2005, he relocated to Melbourne, leading the creative cocktail program at Cookie Bar for six years and winning several major competitions, including the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge in 2011. This victory led to his role as Global Brand Ambassador for Angostura, representing the brand internationally.
In 2015, Andy was inducted as a Chevalier de Chartreuse in France, a rare honour recognising his expertise. He later became Head of Creative for Speakeasy Group, overseeing cocktail programs across multiple venues, before moving to Singapore as Head of Operations and Creative at a new Intercontinental venue.
After extensive international work, Andy returned to New Zealand, where he founded The Barchitect consultancy and TippleSmiths events, and is now opening a high-end cocktail bar in Ōtautahi called Paper Street.
Cate Toomey
Having started in hospitality when I was a teenager, I've worked in, run or owned almost every kind of venue, both in NZ and the UK, over the past 20 years. I'm now putting that knowledge to use as the Spirits & Beer buyer for Moore Wilson's in Wellington
Charles Gillet
Formally trained with a degree in Hotel Management, Charles has been in the hospitality industry for a good 16 years. After learning each facet of the different areas of bar work from humble local Pubs to Hotels, then nightclubs and cocktail bars he has seen a lot of different aspects of the country's hospitality industry. He's been competing in cocktail competitions since 2008, and represented New Zealand on a global level in London, New Orleans and Kuala Lumpur as well as at home in New Zealand for some of the worlds largest brands such as Bacardi, Beefeater Gin, Plantation Rum and Cointreau . He finds competitions help develop creativity and thinking outside the box. A large chunk of my hospitality career has been spent in Christchurch as well as managing some of Auckland's busiest venues in the aftermath of Christchurch's Earthquakes during the 2011 Rugby World Cup period.. One thing he loves about being back in the Christchurch hospitality scene is showcasing classic southern charm and hospitality infused with the modern intricacies of global bartending trends he's picked up along his professional journey.
Dany Dentith
Owner of Panacea in Auckland, whisky nerd, runner, has worked within hospitality for 23 years now.
Devon Nesbitt
With over a decade of experience behind the bar, Devan has honed their craft at some of the city's most respected venues, including The Matterhorn, Hawthorn Lounge, and now Dee's Place. Known for a deep enthusiasm for all things hospitality, Devan has been voted Best Bartender twice in local hospitality awards. Thrilled to join this year’s judging panel, Devan brings a keen palate, a love for the craft, and a genuine excitement to celebrate the best in the industry.
George Grbich
Best known as the founder of one of the country’s largest gin subscription, The Gin Club. What started as a passion project grew into a nationwide community, supporting both established and emerging distillers from New Zealand, and across the world.
Later expanded into whisky and cocktails with two additional subscription offerings. He has personally tasted over 2,500 gins and has written several books focused on the New Zealand and Australian gin scene, with a strong emphasis on the products themselves.
More recently, George joined Hancocks as Brand Manager looking after a prestigious Single Malt Whisky and American Whiskey portfolio.
Jason Clark
A successful international bartending career cemented JCs love and commitment to the hospitality industry.
Placing 4th at The Diageo World Class Global finals led to 8 years working abroad. First as the as the Luxury Spirits Brand Ambassador in Dubai and then as the UK Single Malt Whisky Ambassador for Diageo.
Upon returning home he opened Kemuri Hi-Fi, an underground cocktail, whisky & vinyl lounge in Auckland's CBD. When he's not there hosting or enjoying delicious drams, you'll find him managing the beverage program for SkyCity Auckland.
"It's an honour to be judging the NZ Spirit Awards, and I look forward to sharing my experience to help celebrate amazing spirit brands."
Jonny Park
Respected hospitality professional & spirit enthusiast with a keen interest in the New Zealand spirits industry.
Josh Howlett
Joshua Howlett has spent the past decade working across New Zealand’s liquor industry, closely involved with the country’s on-trade hospitality sector. In his role with Bidfood, he collaborates with bars and restaurants nationwide, helping develop beverage programs and supporting teams with product knowledge and category insights.
Joshua’s passion for spirits began during his time working in hospitality here in New Zealand and many years abroad. This is where he developed an appreciation for the role great spirits play in shaping memorable drinking experiences. Working closely with bartenders, distillers, and suppliers has further strengthened his respect for the craftsmanship behind great spirits. He approaches judging with a focus on balance, character, and how a spirit performs both on its own and in the hands of a skilled bartender
Justin McKenzie
Joshua Howlett has spent the past decade working across New Zealand’s liquor industry, closely involved with the country’s on-trade hospitality sector. In his role with Bidfood, he collaborates with bars and restaurants nationwide, helping develop beverage programs and supporting teams with product knowledge and category insights.
Joshua’s passion for spirits began during his time working in hospitality here in New Zealand and many years abroad. This is where he developed an appreciation for the role great spirits play in shaping memorable drinking experiences. Working closely with bartenders, distillers, and suppliers has further strengthened his respect for the craftsmanship behind great spirits. He approaches judging with a focus on balance, character, and how a spirit performs both on its own and in the hands of a skilled bartender
PJ RENAUD
PJ has been in hospitality in Auckland for nearly a decade, focusing his efforts on
wacky techniques and interesting flavour combinations. PJ has obtained WSET
Level 3 in Spirits and a General Certificate in Distilling from CIBD, and hopes
one day to run a distillery of his own.
Shaanah Evans
Saanah, has spent most of her career in the hospitality industry, is passionate about well-crafted spirits. Transitioning from a wine background, she learned the importance of environment, care, and a refined palate. Now focused on spirits, Shaanah is involved in photography, cocktail design, and spirit marketing in New Zealand. She co-founded New Zealand Gin Day, celebrating local gin culture, and owns New Zealand Gin Day Gin, showcasing the creativity of New Zealand's distillers.
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