Whisky Rising (Japanese Whiskies)

Stefan Van Eycken, originally from Belgium and Scotland, has been residing in Japan since 2000. He is well-known as the editor of Nonjatta, a premier online source for information on Japanese whisky. In addition to his role as the regional editor for Whisky Magazine UK focusing on Japan, Van Eycken contributes regularly to the Japanese and French editions of the magazine. He is renowned for creating the 'Ghost Series,' a collection of rare Japanese whisky bottlings, and for organizing 'Spirits for Small Change,' a biannual charity event centered around whisky. Since 2012, he has been a member of the Japanese panel for the World Whiskies Awards.

Jim Meehan, a distinguished bar operator, educator, and author of The PDT Cocktail Book, has a rich history in the New York City hospitality scene, having worked at esteemed venues like Gramercy Tavern and the Pegu Club. He opened PDT, a James Beard Award-winning bar, in 2007. Formerly the editor of Food & Wine Magazine's annual cocktail book and the Mr. Boston Bartender's Guide, Meehan contributes to Lucky Peach and serves as the global ambassador for Banks Rums. He also curates the cocktail programs for American Express Centurion lounges across the country. Meehan now lives in Portland, Oregon, where he runs Mixography Inc., his consulting firm.