New York World Wine and Spirts Competition 2023 Mega-Episode
Ever wondered what those "gold medals" you see on wine and spirits bottles are for? Bob and Brad were recently invited to serve as judges for the prestigious New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, and they're here to break down the whole process. They've included interviews from Tasting Alliance President Amanda Blue, VP Maddee McDowell, as well as a panel of judges from across the spectrum of the spirits industry, to answer the most-asked questions about spirits judging.
Then, they share a special announcement before sampling Forty-Nine Mile Bourbon from San Francisco Distilling Company.
Film & Whiskey Podcast. New episodes every Tuesday.
Theme music: "New Shoes" by Blue Wednesday
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Zach Johnston
Chief Brand Officer, Blackwood Distilling & Renegade Whiskey Critic
Zach Johnston has lived about five whiskey careers in one lifetime. From Berlin’s high-end bar scene to judging international spirits competitions, Zach brings global expertise to every pour. As the former lead drinks writer at UPROXX, he built one of the most-read whiskey columns on the internet, known for pairing top-tier spirits with pop culture deep dives. Now, he serves as Chief Brand Officer and VP of International Sales for Blackwood Distilling in Kentucky. On Film & Whiskey, Zach’s blend of irreverence, authority, and perfectly off-the-wall pairings has made him a fan favorite, whether he’s sipping Barrell Dovetail during Jojo Rabbit or getting philosophical over Ikiru with a glass of Mossburn.
Lee DIaz
Director, eCommerce & Single Barrel Curator
Lee Diaz brings a rare blend of storytelling chops, brand-building expertise, and genuine passion for great spirits to the Film & Whiskey podcast. As Senior Manager of Social Media & Digital Events at ReserveBar, ReserveBar, he helps shape how fans discover new bottles and new experiences, leading the company’s social strategy as well as its Top Flight single-barrel program, where he works directly with distilleries to curate exclusive picks for ReserveBar’s audience. His work centers on helping people discover new bottles, learn the craft of at-home bartending, and connect with the personalities shaping today’s spirits world. At
Before he found his way into the spirits world, Lee built an eclectic career across some of the biggest brands in culture—Fender, Hilton, and AT&T—where he developed digital programs that connected people, sharpened brand voices, and elevated communities. Whether he was spotlighting global artists, helping travelers find hidden local gems, or empowering employees to become advocates for their own company, Lee’s through-line has always been simple: use storytelling to bring people together.
His mix of curiosity, industry know-how, and genuine enthusiasm makes him a natural fit for Film & Whiskey’s mission of discovery, whether that’s a classic movie, a new bottle, or a conversation worth savoring.
