Spirit Communicator of the Year nominee: Eric Zandona

Eric Zandona, director of spirits information at the American Distilling Institute (ADI), has turned his fascination with spirits into a successful career communicating with trade and consumers. 

Since 2011, Zandona has worked at ADI, compiling a list of all commercial whisky distilleries in operation around the world and editing books about spirits for White Mule Press, ADI’s publishing arm. 

Zandona has extensive experience in spirit competitions from his involvement in the Judging of Craft Spirits, ADI’s annual competition, over which he now serves as Judging Directory, responsible for running all aspects of the competition. Following his success in this role, he was selected by Tequila Aficionado to serve as a Tequila Jockey, reviewing tequila on their YouTube show “Sipping off the Cuff.”

He has also proven himself as a valued communicator through his blog EZdrinking.com, which focuses on spirits, wine, craft beer and specialty coffee, and his upcoming book ‘The Bourbon Bible’. In the midst of his current endeavors, Zandona has been engaging further with the Mexican spirits industry, taking a special interest in building relationships with mezcaleros. 

“I continue my work to support distillers striving to make world class spirits, and to help inform consumers about the brands that exist in the market, what makes them special, and who might enjoy drinking them,” he said.  

Judges affirm Zandona’s engagement in the community, commenting that “Eric’s spirits knowledge is extremely broad, and his influence in the world of craft distilling is significant as demonstrated by his publishings.” 

“He is impressive in terms of nurturing people interested in both whisky and learning about drinks”, they said.

The IWSC Spirit Communicator of the Year 2018 will be announced at the IWSC Awards Banquet on 14 November.