Welcome to the Whiskey and Barrel Consumer Choice Awards 

Founders Dave Sweet and Mario Campa have more than 35 years of combined international spirits, events and awards experience hosting and consulting across 4 continents – providing an unparalleled combination of industry and consumer insights and experience.  Currently owning and operating the Whiskey and Barrel Nite events across the US, the award-winning Barrel and Bottle independent bottling – sourcing casks from across the country and internationally and now the Whiskey and Barrel Consumer Choice Awards.

Dave Sweet – In addition to hosting and owning tasting events across the US and consulting abroad, David is involved at multiple levels in the industry.  A broad spirits history from Sr. VP North. America of Whisky Magazine to managing the North American segment of the World Whisky Awards, World Beer Awards and recently partnering to launch the Australian International Spirits Awards.

A consummate consumer and collector himself, Dave lives his personal mantra of “Buy with your palate, not your ego”.

Mario Campa – An avid scotch drinker for over 25 years, long before it was “cool”, Mario was in Scotland at least twice a year not just visiting distilleries but also leading tours through Islay and across the country.  One of the founders and administrators of the highly successful Scotch Addict blog, he is immersed in constant consumer and enthusiast feedback from around the world.  Making the jump to the industry side of whisky, Mario is also a principle with Whiskey and Barrel Nite and a founder of Barrel and Bottle, rounding out the dynamic and different insight of the team.

This unprecedented combined experience and industry involvement have provided the background to build an awards competition that supports the industry and is a true voice of the consumer.