Team USC

To facilitate Ultimate Spirits Challenge’s commitment to excellence, we hire the most experienced beverage professionals to organize the intense, weeks-long competition each May and June. These seasoned veterans, many of them acknowledged superstars in their own right, provide the USC judges with the meticulous support that helps make USC the world’s platinum standard of spirits competitions.

Dave Bletsch
Dave Bletsch
Bartender

After a 6 year journey through the back-of-house...

Read more >
Troy Clarke
Troy Clarke
Spirits and Mixology Educator
Troy Clarke is the Director of Mixology and Education…
Read more >
Vitalii Dascaliuc
Vitalii Dascaliuc
Sommelier, Wine Educator
Vitalii was born and raised in Moldova, the country that holds the world’s record for the largest wine collection...
Read more >
Leo DeGroff
Leo DeGroff
Consultant, Bartender and Educator
Leo Degroff is a New York City based bartender...
Read more >
Tim Gagnon
Tim Gagnon
Wine Buyer and Writer
Tim obtained his WSET certifications while living in London, worked in the cellar at Bernmarl Winery in upstate…
Read more >
Kami Kenna
Kami Kenna
Bartender, consultant, distiller

Kami Kenna is a spirits brand owner…

Read more >
Sean Kenyon
Sean Kenyon
Bartender, Educator, Buyer

Sean Kenyon was born to be behind a bar. He is a third…

Read more >
Patti Lowden
Patti Lowden
Beverage Director and Head Bartender

Patti Lowden has over 20 years’ experience

Read more >
Anthony Mendez
Anthony Mendez
Bartender
Having worked 20 years in the restaurant industry…
Read more >
John Rankin
John Rankin
Consultant, Writer
John Rankin worked in hospitality...
Read more >
Dave Roochvarg
Dave Roochvarg
Head Bartender, Bar Manager

Dave Roochvarg joined Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2014…

Read more >
Ferron Salniker
Ferron Salniker
Food and Spirits Writer

Ferron Salniker is a food and spirits writer…

Read more >