A Toast to the 2026 Talent
An immense thank you to the talent who helped make the 2026 Bourbon Classic such an unforgettable celebration of bourbon, cocktails and culinary creativity.
Cheers to the bartenders and chefs who elevate Bourbon Classic through the Cocktail & Culinary Challenge—explore our previous winners.
2026 Talent Lineup
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Steve Atkins
Chef and Head of Food Development
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Robert Bleifer
Chef, Consultant, Culinary Producer
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge (Judge) -
Michael Bowe
Executive Chef
Red Yeti
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Shawn Broadway
Executive Chef
Porch Kitchen & Bar
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Davy Butterworth
Bartender
Hotel Bourré Bonne
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Lee Caldwell
Beverage Director
The Kitchen Table
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Alyssa Campbell
Bartender
Repeal
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Paul Clarke
Editor in Chief
Imbibe
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge (Judge) -
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Cameron Dunaway
Sous Chef
Levy Restaurants -
Stephen Dunn
Chef
The Kitchen Table
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Tina Dyer
Chef de cuisine
Swizzle
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Paula Endara
Co-Executive Chef
Granddam at The Manchester Hotel
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Samantha Fore
Owner-Founder
Tuk Tuk Snack ShopÂ
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge (Judge) -
Matt Frank
Bartender
Seven Cocktails + Bourbon
TASTE & VIP TASTE -
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Sean Guallilo
Chef de Cuisine
M. Peppers
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Joe Harper
Outlet and Beverage Manager
Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
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Leslie Irvin
Chef
Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Michael Kirkland
Brand Educator
Angel’s Envy
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Ryan Kuhl
Horse Soldier BourbonÂ
Direction of Production
Bourbon University -
Billy Kunkel
Bartender
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
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Jessi Mosqueda
Bartender
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Barbie Mudd
Bartender
Chicken Cock Whiskey Circa 1856
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
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Fred Noe
7th Generation Master Distiller
James B. Beam Distilling Company
Bourbon University -
Michael Palello
Executive Chef
Trail Hotel
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
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Jon Pauly
Chef
Lou Lou on Market
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Nate Pfingston
Pastry Chef
Levy Restaurants -
Matt Pittman
CEO
Meat Church
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Eron Plevan
Lead Bartender
Tartan House
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge -
Ming Pu
Chef/Owner
Tana
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
VIP Lounge Saturday -
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Henry Wesley
Executive Chef
Bourré Bonne Steakhouse
Cocktail & Culinary ChallengeDallas White
Bar Supervisor and Head of R&D
The Bar at Fort Nelson
Bourbon UniversityEmma Willinger
Bartender
True Story Whiskey
Cocktail & Culinary ChallengeAndrea Wilson
Master of Maturation, Chief Operating Officer
Michter's Distillery
Bourbon University
