GILBERT MARQUEZ
Global Brand Ambassador Ilegal Mezcal
Age : 38 First Industry Job : Working for Jason Schiffer at 3:20 Main in Seal Beach , CA Favorite Drink : A variation of a spicy margarita that consists of mezcal , poblano pepper , lime juice , agave , nectar and chipotle-infused salt
Marquez credits Jason Schiffer at 3:20 Main for teaching him how to make classic cocktails , and first introducing him to mezcal . The spirit may be trendy these days , but that was certainly not always the case .
“ One of the biggest challenges in my career was bringing attention to a spirit that was relatively unknown outside of hardcore spirit enthusiasts in the United States , to a level where most bars now carry mezcal and have a mezcal cocktail on the menu ,” Marquez says . “ I believe our work with Ilegal , making a lot of noise in the beginning and changing the approach to bring mezcal to the general consumer , transformed the complicated explanation of what mezcal is into a more digestible presentation . This really helped us put mezcal on the map for many people .”
As Ilegal Mezcal ’ s Global Brand Ambassador , Marquez educates the alcohol trade industry and consumers on the ever-growing category . In September 2024 , Marquez represented the mezcal community and shared the story of Ilegal Mezcal and its partner palenque , Mal de Amor , on the CBS news program 60 Minutes .
Marquez is also the founder of Marquez Clasico , a handcrafted hat and accessory brand . Marquez honed his technique over many years and today creates customized hats for his fans , including notables such as Madonna and Dolores Huerta . Marquez believes fashion is an expression of identity and cultural pride , and Marquez Clasico represents dedication to his craft and the preservation of his father ' s memory through Chicano art .
“ My personal goals stem from a direct passion for something ,” he says . “ If I ’ m passionate about it , I get tunnel vision and remain unwavering until I accomplish it . My broader passion for as long as I can remember has been for Mexican culture , so hyper-focusing on Mexican culture through Mexican spirits has been quite easy for me .”
JESSAMINE MCLELLAN
Director , Campari Academy Campari
Age : 38 First Industry Job : Restaurant Hostess Favorite Drink : Aperol Spritz for the daytime and sunshine , a warming Grand Marnier Toddy when it ' s chilly , bubbles if celebrating with others
Jessamine McLellan helped create and now leads the Campari Academy in the U . S ., the first of its kind educational and learning center for a beverage alcohol company . The Campari Academy provides spirit and cocktail education , innovation , development , trend reports and educational hub for the trade and bartender community .
Campari now has more than 14 Academies across the globe expanding its footprint and spreading cocktail culture and education worldwide . McLellan leads a team that manages and runs both the physical Academy space in New York and online efforts that drive mass reach within the industry .
Among her accomplishments , McLellan is an award-winning bartender , has earned a level two certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers , a certificate in distilling from the Institute of Brewing & Distilling ( IBD ), and the “ Bar Ready ” distinction from the Beverage Alcohol Resource ( BAR ). She also received the Icons of Whiskey award from Whisky Magazine in 2019 .
Still , McLellan wasn ’ t immune to imposter syndrome . “ Coming from a non-traditional business background , I initially felt the need to constantly prove myself in a corporate environment ,” she notes .
“ Over time , I learned to embrace my unique journey , recognizing that my creativity and diverse experiences aren ’ t just assets — they ’ re what make me sought after . By focusing on delivering meaningful value and fully owning my individuality , I transformed that insecurity into a powerful source of confidence .”
One of the greatest benefits of being a curious person “ is my ability to find comfort in the state of not knowing , embracing the process of learning and the humility required to navigate moments of inexperience ,” McLellan adds .
“ This mindset allows me to hold space for the creativity , which often exists in tension with the concept of ‘ completion ’ or conventional measures of success .”
16 2025 BEVERAGE INFORMATION GROUP 40 UNDER 40