Gary started his wine and spirits journey in a place where most do not—the library. Fascinated by the behind-the-scenes aspects of the industry, he earned his Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) certification from the Society of Wine Educators and promptly began a career in the beverage alcohol industry, working for such companies as Brown-Forman, Empire Merchants, and most recently, Pacific Edge Wine & Spirits. Along the way, Gary has earned other certifications, including his Level 3 Award in Wine and Level 2 Award in Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), and his Executive Bourbon Stewardship from Moonshine University. Most recently, Gary has earned his Diploma in Single Malt Whisky from Edinburgh Whisky Academy and his Certified Spirits Educator (CSE) certification from the Society of Wine Educators. Gary has been a wine and spirits judge for competitions and publications over the past decade, including the World Whiskies Awards (WWA), Icons of Whisky, The Tasting Alliance’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) and New York World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWSC), The Fifty Best, Winemaker Magazine, and others. He has been interviewed on the subject of spirits by media outlets such as Whisky Advocate, Fire & Barley, and Livestrong.com. He is also a member of International Drinks Specialists and currently serves as Secretary on the Executive Board of the Society of Wine Educators. Originally from Mastic Beach, Long Island, NY, Gary now resides in Jersey City with a sizable bottle collection and a very understanding family.