Get To Know Steve Beal
Stephen Beal, known to his friends best as “Steve”, is a Beverage Alcohol Industry Strategic Consultant, Spirits Industry Award Winner, Brand Ambassador, Writer, and Broadcast Personality.
Described by the American Distilling Institute as one of the most respected whiskey experts in the world, he is an industry-recognized consultant, spirits writer and former brand ambassador. Based in San Francisco, where, since retirement from the corporate world, he is a founding member, head of U.S. operations and senior consultant with International Drinks Specialists, LLP, UK. He has a passion for nonalcoholic foods and beverages as well, notably fine coffee and teas.
As the “Sr. Whisky Master” (a title he earned during his time with DIAGEO) he is a very familiar figure to producers consumers and sellers of fine spirits and whisky. He provides consulting, technical, editorial, blending, marketing and public relations services to the global whisk(e)y industry.
Steve serves as Chair Emeritus of the Advisory Board of The Council of Whiskey Masters, an organization established to define and uphold a new set of education standards among sommeliers and spirits professionals, offering credentials in the field of whiskey that are equivalent to the well-established designations in the world of wine. It is regards as one of the leading programs of its kind.
He also facilitates and occasionally hosts spirits tasting experiences for selected corporate clients and notable charities.
Before retirement in 2015, Steve was previously senior brand ambassador for DIAGEO Whisky, including Bulleit Bourbon & Rye Whiskies, George Dickel, and Crown Royal, Johnnie Walker, Buchanans Blended Scotch Whiskies; Lagavulin, Cardhu, Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Oban, Talisker, Glenkenchie, Caol Ila, Mortlach, and Singleton Scotch whiskies, and, Bushmills Irish Whiskey.
He was named Keeper of the Quaich (Scotland) in 2010, Icons of Whisky in 2011 and Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame in 2015, and the US Bartenders Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 during the Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail, New Orleans. His International Drinks Specialist firm was named 2023 International Drinks Consultancy of The Year by The Spirits Business publication.
He is the “second founder” of a prominent Bourbon brand and the “411 and 911 of the whisk(e)y world.” His story can be found in the book, Bulleit Proof: How I Took a 150-Year-Old Family Recipe and a Revolver, and Disrupted the Entire Liquor Industry One Bottle, One Sip, One Handshake at a Time, by Tom Bulleit (Author), Alan Eisenstock.
In 2022, he was honored as the 1st Lifetime Achievement Award from the SF World Spirits Competition and Tasting Alliance.
He is a graduate of Oxford University and the University of Arizona, and is an alumnus of The National Chengchi University of Taiwan. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree and is an ordained priest in the U.S. Episcopal (Anglican) Church.