Our Judges

Our elite panel of judges have been hand-picked for their various areas of expertise when it comes to rum and cane spirits. We were extremely selective about our invitations to assess the submissions for the first Australian International Rum Awards; and have secured some of the most prominent names from the world of rum to be part of this historic event. Our judges bring decades of combined experience to the tasting table and include buyers, importers, distributors, bartenders and life-long rum afficionados.
Meet The Panel


Alain Mona
RHUM BY OLE | CEO
(Taiwan)

Brian Rolls
Rum Expert
(New Zealand)

Alexandre Gabriel
Maison Ferrand, France & West Indies Rum Distillery | Owner & Master Blender
(France)

Chris Piaseczny
Rum Explorer | Founder
(Poland)

Claire Filer
International Spirits Judge
(UK)

Kristy Lark-Booth
Killara Distillery | Owner/Manager/Distiller
(Australia)

Paul McFadyen
Brand Ambassador, Maison Ferrand
Co-Owner, Trailer Happiness
(UK)

Paul McFadyen
Brand Ambassador, Maison Ferrand
Co-Owner, Trailer Happiness
(UK)

Lance Surujbally
The Lone Caner
(Canada)

Marcus Motteram
The Admiral | Hains & Co.
(Australia)