2008 Judges

RICARDO CISNEROS	MARK CANNON	JOSEPH HORRIGAN	LANCE CUTLER	ELENA GAMARRA	SHAWN SOOLE

RICARDO CISNEROS - Master Tequilier

Ricardo has been the Tequilier for Cancun and La Riviera Maya since 1994, and currently promotes and educates people from around the world at local resorts and restaurants. Ricardo promotes the enjoyment of Agave Spirits, and the rich culture surrounding Tequila both as a spirit and a National Symbol of Mexico. In 1994, Ricardo was presented with a prestigious award, "The First Tequilier of the World" by the Tequila Industry Association, and has been recognized for his contribution and knowledge of the Mexico Spirit industry by many publications in both Mexico and the United States. In his free time, Ricardo also serves as a Professor at the Caribbean University of Cancun. Additional information about Ricardo Cisneros can be found on his web site, http://www.tequilier.net .

MARK CANNON

Mark is the creator and owner of the popular tequila web site, PocoTequila.com . Growing up primarily in the Southwestern United States instilled a strong interest and fascination for aspects of Mexican history and culture. This love for Mexico and border regions combined with his background as a commercial artist seemed to naturally lead him to appreciate ever growing numbers of quality Tequila brands with unique bottles and marketing while of course fueling an already burning passion for the spirit itself. With nearly 10 years and countless hours researching Tequila history and lore, numerous and frequent visits to Tequila producing regions and being involved in a number of industry related projects, including package design and Tequila evaluations, Mark is very well versed in the entire aesthetic of Agave spirits.

JOSEPH HORRIGAN

Joe, or Tequila Joe as he is more widely known, got his start providing tequila tastings to close friends in the comfort of their homes.  After a short while, his passion for the spirit turned into an obsession.  With constant hours of research, he strived to learn as much as possible about every aspect of the spirit.  Shortly after beginning the private tastings, Joe got the idea to start a tequila tasting group that came to be known as “Tequila Joe’s Tasting Aficionados” (tastingaficionados.com ).  After conception, Joe decided to turn the group into a fundraising entity in hopes to change perceptions of tequila and tequila drinkers.  Joe and his group hope that through their various tequila tastings they can broaden their knowledge, palate, and friendship while improving the community through fundraising.  Some of the benefits Joe provides to his Aficionados are a rewards program, access to his ratings of different tequilas, custom tequila rating form, and much more.  Currently, he is working on writing and researching a guide to tequila.

LANCE CUTLER

Lance Cutler is an author, publisher, artist, and highly honored winemaker. His book "The Tequila Lover’s Guide to Mexico and Mezcal" is a detailed, humorous, and comprehensive look into tequila, its production, and its environs. He is also a featured columnist for Wine Business Monthly, and writes regularly for other magazines. Additionally, Lance has developed tasting standards used by spirit professionals and aficionados worldwide, including the Tequila Pyramid (TM), which can be found in his book. He is currently the owner/winemaker for Relentless Winery. Lance's web site: www.winepatrol.com

ELENA GAMARRA

Elena is currently a Gastronomy Professor at the University of the Carribean Cancún (Universidad del Caribe Cancun).  She has served as a qualified Chef and Sommelier instructor for various institutions, including The Brandy Regulatory Council of Jerez, The Culinary Center at Ambrosia, The University of Iberoamerica, and L’ècole des chefs.  She has extensive knowledge and experience in Mexican and French cuisine, wines, and distilled spirits.  Elena resides in Cancún and enjoys art expos, the theater, and broadening her knowledge in fine wines and spirits. 

SHAWN SOOLE

Shawn Soole has been a professional bartender, mixologist and sommelier for almost 11 years. He started his career in his home country of Australia where he competed, judged and organised almost 30 cocktail & flair competitions. His passion is only surpassed by his thirst for knowledge for everything involving food, wine and spirits. He is Bar Manager & Sommelier at Moxies Classic Grill in Victoria, BC, Canada where in conjunction with his chef, he holds regular wine and cocktail degustation dinners. In September 2007, he was featured on www.ultimatebarchef.com as one of the best in the field of mixology.  He is also Associate Editor / Master Mixologist of Chilled Magazine – a new bartender / nightlife magazine being launched across the US and Canada in April. His web site is www.theLiquidRevolution.com .