John Chesney is the Beverage Director for Toasted Hospitality, overseeing beverage programs across six Chicago locations. He also serves as Chief Whiskey Officer at Slightly Toasted, home to a collection of more than 1,400 whiskeys and recognised by Whisky Advocate as one of the leading whiskey bars in the United States.

John has personally selected more than 150 barrels of whiskey, including a J. Henry & Sons single barrel that earned a Double Gold medal. He is a founding member of the Craft Whiskey Collective, co-host of the Key in the Lake Whiskey Podcast and host of the VIP experience at Brewzle’s Whiskey Fest.

He is also working to revitalise Grommes & Ulrich and is the founder of Chief Whiskey Officer, a boutique brand built around storytelling through whiskey. John brings extensive buying, barrel-selection, beverage-programming and spirits-education experience to the Bartender Spirits Awards judging panel.