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- 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 work as a Craft Spirits Specialist for New York-based distributor, Empire Merchants. Since then, Gary has been employed by both Brown-Forman and Pacific Edge Imports as a Regional Manager for their respective craft spirits portfolios. He is currently the USA National Market Manager for Elixir Distillers.
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.
He has been a judge for several international spirits competitions, including World Whiskies Awards, Icons of Whisky, The Tasting Alliance’s San Francisco and New York World Spirits Competitions, Virginia Spirits' First Landing Cup, and The Fifty Best, among others. He also currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Society of Wine Educators.
He resides in Jersey City, USA with a sizable bottle collection and a very understanding family.
Gary Pickard
USA National Market Manager for Elixir Distillers
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