Meet the Judges

Jamie is the founder of Ruma, a rum and specialist spirits bar which features a large selection of premium rums, agave spirits, whiskies and gins from around Scotland and the rest of the world.   Jamie has combined numerous interests across his drinks career including  Summerhall Drinks Lab and as founder of Lucky White Heather Drinks, an online retailer of spirits and custom canned cocktails.  Photo: Danny McManiel

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.

Jack is currently responsible for developing markets in Europe, North America, Latin America and the Middle East.

Originally from the small village of Tomatin in the Scottish Highlands, Jack has always been passionate about Scotch Whisky. Since graduating with a degree in Spanish & Italian, he has built a career in the drinks industry spanning a decade and a variety of international roles across wine and spirits.

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 might be in charge of distilling at one of the UK's largest gin producers, but in reality to anyone who knows him, he is a major rum fan.  He joins the judging panel for the first ever Scottish Rum Awards as a dedicated participant in the Scottish Gin Awards with Edinburgh Gin, and following a 7 year career with Ian Macleod Distillers.  

Brought up through his family's restaurants in Glasgow, Emillio has worked in restaurants in bars since the age of 15.  From cozy bars to electric nightclubs and fine dining, each experience has nurtured his skills and shaped his own style.  Now Head Bartender at world famous American Bar at Gleneagles, Emillio continues to share his passion for rum and all spirits to his well travelled international clientele.

Shane is one of the co-founders of The Good Spirits Company, Glasgow's leading independent spirits specialist, established in 2011. He is particularly interested in rum, and has hosted many rum tastings over the years. Previously he worked for Oddbins for several years, building up extensive product knowledge and working his way through wine exams up to WSET Diploma level. He is also a qualified Sherry Educator

Marc Watson is the Master Whisky Maker at Highland Park Distillery, appointed in July 2025 following a six-month transition with predecessor Gordon Motion. With over 11 years in the whisky industry, Marc previously served as Master Blender for The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt. He has won numerous Rum awards including the IWSC Trophy 2022 with Elizabeth Yard Rum. He holds a Master’s degree in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University and was named Icons of Whisky Distillery Manager of the Year. Known for his creative blending style and deep respect for tradition, Marc's love for all spirits styles and from all over the world fuel his creativity. 

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Director of the Year 2022, finalist for Institute of Directors Director of the Year 2023 Nick is Managing Director & Co Founder of Woven Whisky Makers. Nick has built an exciting career within the global spirits industry and has been recognised many times for his contribution to both the Scotch whisky and British craft spirits community.

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.