WHO WE ARE

We are whisky aficionados and educators who appreciate the artists that
create distilled spirits.

TED SLONIKER

Whisky collector, Ted Sloniker, hails from the San Francisco Bay Area where he not only curates his whisky collection, but also life experiences. From tin knocker to rescue diver, educator to health care provider, Ted’s real passion lies outside of the nine to five, as he explores the world with his wife, Amy. His trips to Ireland and Scotland, inclusive of many whisky certification courses, solidified his love for the spirit and desire to share it with his friends, family, and the broader community. Connecting with Douglas Smith and Whiskies of the World has enhanced his ability to further share his whisky collection with many, via private tastings and educational sessions. Consider joining Ted as you embark upon your quest for that next amazing dram of Aqua Vitae!

STEVE BEAL

One of the most respected whisky experts in the world, Steve Beal was the senior brand educator for the whisky portfolio of Diageo North America for over 15 years. He has served since 2000 as an international spirits judge, broadcast presenter, spirits journalist and as a master accreditation educator with the United States Bartenders Guild. In 2015, he was inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame together with Bill Samuels (Makers Mark) and Al Young (Four Roses). He was also recognized by the Scotch whisky industry in 2010 when he was inducted as a life member into the Keepers of the Quaich. In 2016 he received the US Bartenders Guild Life Membership Achievement Award at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.

Since retiring from Diageo in February 2015, he has actively continued to serve the distilled spirits industry as a consultant, mentor and blender. He is also a chef and an ordained Anglican priest. He has judged international spirits competitions for nearly 20 years including: the San Francisco World Spirits Competition since its founding; the International Wine and Spirits Competition as a Chairing Judge; the American Distilling Institute; the American Craft Spirits Association; the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards; the World Whisky Awards by Whisky Magazine as US Chair for American Whiskies; the annual IndSpirit Awards (Mumbai). He has also judged for Diageo World Class.

DOUGLAS SMITH

Electrical Engineer who developed a passion for whisky. Douglas is intrigued with the science which is the artist’s paint brush used to create boundless renditions of liquid art. With an engineering background, it is the chemistry and physics of the whisky making process that Douglas focuses on most. Douglas has been involved with producing whisky festivals across the US for over a decade. He took Whiskies of the World from one event in San Francisco and expanded it to six events across the US. He also started and runs an annual  Whisky judging competition since 2015.