Seminars

Jeanine Racht

National Sales Manager, Clear Creek Distillery

Jeanine Racht has been with award-winning Clear Creek Distillery in Portland, Ore., since 2006. As its National Sales Manager, she travels the country educating the willing in the old world craft of eau de vie distillation and application, judging spirits competitions and teaching seminars. An expert in the production and application of spirits in a modern world, she has a firm belief that the history and tradition of these spirits are still relevant.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Clear Creek Distillery is the second oldest craft distillery in the country. Clear Creek’s spirits are internationally recognized and have won numerous awards, garnering them a spot among the world’s finest.

Ben Capdevielle

Distiller and Co-Founder, BIG GIN

Ben Capdevielle grew up in Fargo, North Dakota and left for Bozeman / Big Sky Montana at age 18. He worked in food service while living in Montana and began bartending at age 19. Throughout his 20’s, he learned the basics of fermentation and distillation from his second-generation moonshiner father, Big Jim.

In Seattle, Ben attended SCCC and worked in bars and restaurants all over town. Dive bars, fine dining and ethnic food restaurants helped shape Bens knowledge of the food service industry and helped lead to his next career, distilling. His hobby blossomed into an obsession: after many late nights moonshining with his friend and soon-to-be business partner, Todd Leabman, BIG GIN was born.

Ben still lives in Seattle with his wife and business partner, Holly Robinson, and their six-year-old daughter, Stella. The distillery is in its new home on the Ballard ship canal.

Milo Rodriguez

Absinthe Portfolio Brand Master and Craft Bartender

Rodriguez brings more than 14 years of industry experience to his role as the Absinthe Portfolio Brand Master for Lucid Absinthe and other Hood River Distillers brands.

In addition to his work as a brand ambassador for Bombay Sapphire and Chartreuse, he has held senior bartender positions in London, New York, Miami and Nashville. He leverages this experience to craft new and innovative cocktails and support the industry through training and education.