MICHAEL MCAVENA

March 5, 2021
by Julia Gordon

Michael is an Ohio-native-turned-Chicagoan. After graduating from the Art Institute of Chicago, his passion for hospitality became profession as he worked his way through the ranks of the industry, landing coveted positions at some of the city’s most-renowned outlets like The Violet Hour and The Publican. Michael’s hard work and innovation earned him the StarChefs Chicago Rising Star Sommelier award in 2010 and he was recognized in 2013 in Zagat’s 30 Under 30 list for Outstanding Industry Excellence. He honed his sales skills as East Coast Sales Manager with Virtue Cider and eventually joined Heisler Hospitality as a corporate beverage director, curating programs at many of Chicago’s dearly beloved haunts. Most recently, after cultivating and combining his extensive knowledge and experience, Michael formed a consulting company through which he provides top-notch beverage programming and manages national sales for his clients.

Sherry, Sherry in the Cask. Who is the Fairest You Might Ask?

August 21, 2023
by Andrew Moldenhauer

A tippling tour through the wonderland of Sherry-finished whiskies For many lovers of fine Whiskies or luxury spirits of any type, there are few things better than a well-aged Scotch matured in Sherr...

Corks Versus Screw Caps: Which Is Better?

April 21, 2023
by Liz Barrett

A recent report from Wine.com that correlated high-quality wines with cork closures got me thinking about corks and screw caps. Since April is Earth Month, it’s a good time to explore natural co...

Celebrating Lagers for King Gambrinus Day

April 11, 2023
by Katie Herrera

Today is King Gambrinus’ birthday – and rather than drink an entire cask of beer, as he so cleverly once did to more easily win a barrel lifting contest, let us celebrate this mythological personi...

BTI Partners with Michigan Wine Collaborative for 2023 Governor’s Cup

March 27, 2023
by Andrew Moldenhauer

The Beverage Testing Institute is working with the Michigan Wine Collaborative to evaluate several hundred samples with results to be announced in person this summer. Check out this article for mor...

Tasting Rum is More Than Fun

February 15, 2023
by Andrew Moldenhauer

For many of us Rum is a drink first associated with fun; beach vacations with a Pina Colada or Daiquiri, a Hurricane at Mardi Gras, rum and cokes at a college party, or Mai Tais and Painkillers keepin...

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