Judge 1 Profile

Chocolate Maker/Chocolatier

Preferred Cuisine: Italian

Preferred Chocolate: Milk Chocolate

Preferred Beverages: Red Wine, Vodka w/ Red Bull, Not a beer drinker

 

Judge 2 Profile

Chocolate Maker/Pastry Chef

Preferred Cuisine: Japanese

Preferred Chocolate: Dark Milk Chocolate

Preferred Beverages: Tea

 

Judge 3 Profile *

Experienced Chocolate Maker

Preferred Cuisine: German

Preferred Chocolate: Dark Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut 

Preferred Beverages: Rioja Spanish wine

 

Judge 4 Profile *

Chocolate Revewier

Preferred Cuisine: I've traveled and eaten great cuisine all over the world, and I love it all.

Preferred Chocolate: Usually dark, but I am all in on any well-made chocolate

Preferred Beverages:  Yerba mate or flavored sparkling water

 

Judge 5 Profile

Chocolate Journalist

Preferred Cuisine: Thai

Preferred Chocolate: dark milk with sea salt.

Preferred Beverages: any full-bodied red wine

 

Judge 6 Profile

Chocolate Reviewer

Preferred Cuisine: Italian

Preferred Chocolate: Dark Chocolate

Preferred Beverages: Merlot

 

Judge 7 Profile

Food Magazine Editor

Preferred Cuisine: Being a vegetarian, I am drawn to cuisines that favor plant-based recipes and use of lots of spices, many Asian dishes. 

Preferred Chocolate: Traditionally, milk chocolate has been my go to, but I love unexpected flavor combinations.

Preferred Beverages: I'm not much of a drinker but the rise of drink mixers makes experimenting with cocktails and mocktails fun.

 

Judge 8 Profile

Culinary Writer

Preferred Cuisine: Sushi, true Italian, and Greek are some of my favorites.

Preferred Chocolate: Depends on my mood ;) Used to be strictly just white chocolate, but dark chocolate has recently won me over!

Preferred Beverages: Big red wine fan! 

 

Judge 9 Profile

National Food Writer/Influencer

Preferred Cuisine: Vietnamese/Korean.

Preferred Chocolate: White chocolate has been my favorite chocolate since childhood. It's delicious - and nostalgic.

Preferred Beverages: My favorite spirit is gin. As for beer, I like sours - and as for wine, I enjoy malbecs. 

 

Judge 10 Profile

National/Regional Writer

Preferred Cuisine: Mediterranean or Indian

Preferred Chocolate: Dark chocolate that's on the sweeter end of the flavor spectrum, especially when combined with other ingredients, flavors or nuts

Preferred Beverages: Pilsner / Cabernet / Kentucky Bourbon

 

Judge 11 Profile

Graphic Designer

Preferred Cuisine:  I love them all!

Preferred Chocolate: Dark Chocolate around 70% cacao

Preferred Beverages:

Beer - Dark (porters and stouts)

Spirits - High Proof/Barrel Proof Bourbons

 

Judge 12 Profile

Chocolate Lover/Customer

Preferred Cuisine: American

Preferred Chocolate: Dark

Preferred Beverages: Orange Juice/Water

 

Judge 13 Profile

Health Conscious Rock Climber

Preferred Cuisine: Latinoamerican

Preferred Chocolate: Dark Chocolate

Preferred Beverages: Margaritas

 

Judge 14 Profile

Health Conscious Rock Climber

Preferred Cuisine: Mexican

Preferred Chocolate: Milk Chocolate

Preferred Beverages: Margaritas

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* Certified Chocolate Taster