Meet the Judges

James is a bar owner operator 56 North a specialist bar and award winning distillery in the heart of Edinburgh.   He has worked with numerous new brands, producers and distillers across the country and James has hosted masterclasses on spirits for over 25,000 people in Scotland.

Born in the Highlands and raised in Spain, Jack has spent a decade in the drinks industry specialising in international exports and brand building. In 2025, he channelled this expertise into launching his own farm-to-bottle rum project back home in the Canary Islands, distilling rum from his own crops of sugarcane. 

Alongside this, he provides consultancy services to the industry, advising distilleries and drinks businesses on market expansion and brand strategy.

A strong advocate for education, Jack has earned the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy and the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. He has also contributed as a judge at various awards including the Scottish Whisky Awards and the Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters.

Finlay Nicol is a former chef and long‑time Distillery Manager at Edinburgh Gin, known for his instinctive understanding of spirits and flavour. His culinary background sharpened a highly tuned palate and a practical feel for balance, texture, and complexity. Many years spent in the distillery have deepened his knowledge of how ingredients and process shape character in the glass. Combining hands‑on experience with technical insight, Finlay is widely respected as a confident, reliable judge of spirit quality and flavour.

Gary has worked in hospitality for over 20 years and specialize in craft spirits He is currently General manager of 56 North gin bar in Edinburgh since its creation more than 14 years ago. He owns and runs Sip Antics Gin School Experiences formed 4 years ago in Edinburgh which is located in a private room at the Cumberland Bar in the city centre. Garys main knowledge comes from all things gin, especially Scottish brands, whether it is distilling in the gin school, creating new recipes for clients or using product knowledge to help run the brilliant gin masterclasses at 56 North Gin Bar or at Sip Antics. He has enjoyed distilling and creating spirits for around 6 years now; also enjoys visiting as many of the great Scottish Gin Distilleries as he can when he has time off from work.

Growing up visiting Whisky distilleries regularly with his father, Martin has been in hospitality since he was a teenager and now 3 decades on runs One Canon in Edinburgh. An award winning bartender and drinks tasting host, and the creator of Scotland’s first Gin festival, the Juniper Festival. He has worked in all manner of venues and has trained countless bartenders along the way.

Philip has worked with Ian Macleod Distillers for over nine years, representing Edinburgh Gin as Brand Ambassador and also looking after their archive of over thirty brands.

As a historian he is especially interested in Scotland’s links to the story of rum and has given several lectures and masterclasses on the subject.

I’m a manager and buyer at my family’s business, Billingtons of Lenzie, where I help shape and maintain our selection. I have a strong interest in both craft and traditional brewing, I enjoy sourcing beers that balance quality, character, and variety. I have completed my award in Beer from WSET, which supports my knowledge and approach to buying. Being part of a long-established family business, I value its heritage while also looking for ways to keep our range fresh and relevant for today’s customers.

Andrew, co-director of Independent Bottler Fib Whisky, has been in the spirits industry for the past decade, working as distiller, blender and ambassador for creative scottish spirits.

With a passion for unique, flavoursome drinks, and a young but well-seasoned palate, Andrew is always keen to find spirits that push the boundaries of the industry. Andrew is delighted to be returning to the judging panel for 2026.