Julia Momosé is a bartender, James Beard awarded author, business owner, and the creative force behind Kumiko, the acclaimed dining bar in Chicago. Momosé was raised in Japan, where she began developing the traits that would inform her approach to beverages: sophistication, elegance, and a deep respect for artisanship. Her work has garnered international renown, from features in Time magazine, Esquire, and Food & Wine to a spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars. In 2022, she was awarded the very first Exceptional Cocktails Award from the Michelin Guide. Her debut book The Way of the Cocktail was named one of the best cookbooks of 2021 by Vanity Fair and WIRED. She also received a James Beard Award in 2022.

Kellie is a dynamic presence in the hospitality community and a highly respected Spirits industry professional. As Beverage Director for celebrity chef Hugh Acheson, Kellie played a pivotal role in driving brand development, cultivating high-performance teams, and creating trend-informed cocktail menus across multiple locations. Named on the Wine Enthusiast 40 under 40 list, Kellie is BAR 5-Day certified, a BNIC Certified Cognac Educator, a WSET Spirits Educator, Co-Chair on the Grants Committee for the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation as well as a Mentor for Speed Rack’s inaugural ‘Advisory Squad’. Her role as the Beam Suntory Global Headquarters Bar Lead and Mixologist showcases her talents both behind the bar and as an industry leader in spirits education.