Judges

From Absinth to Zubrovka, Arthur Nägele is a respected expert on distilled spirits worldwide, with a focus on production, consumption, and pairing. Introduced to distillation at an early age in his family's distillery, he has built a strong foundation through practical experience and training. His education includes courses at the Wine Academy in Austria, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in London, and sensory evaluation courses at Zurich University of Applied Sciences. Arthur holds qualifications as a sommelier for wine and spirits, a master craftsman examination in hospitality, and a bachelor's degree in tourism management. He is a sought-after trainer, speaker, advisor, and judge for various national and international competitions, including leading the spirits awards in Vorarlberg. As one of the youngest judges at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in the UK, he also serves as jury president for the Spirits Selection of Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Meiningers International Spirits Award, and Michelangelo Awards in South Africa. Arthur is an Approved Program Provider for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, ensuring high-quality education in his seminars, which are lively and receive enthusiastic feedback. In 2016, he joined the prestigious Gin Guild in London as a Rectifier, promoting excellence in gin production. In 2019, he became a member of the inaugural advisory board of the Council of Whisky Masters and serves as chairman of the examination board for the Master of Scotch, Master of Bourbon, and Master of Whiskey exams.