GEORGE WRIGHT
Beverage Director Sap Sua
Age : 37 First Industry Job : Barback for the Boca Restaurant Group in Cincinnati , OH Favorite Drink : German rieslings , blanc de blanc Champagnes , or Tiki cocktails like a Jungle Bird
As the beverage director for Sap Sua Vietnamese restaurant in Denver , George Wright oversees a collaborative bar team and encourages each individual to bring their own passions to the table . From playing with Vietnamese flavors found in dishes on Sap Sua ’ s menu to incorporating unique techniques and ingredients , Wright is the backbone of this refined yet playful bar program .
He built the bar program at Sap Sua from the ground-up , bringing a knack for using unique , lesser-known spirits and guiding guests through novel experiences . Wright ’ s enthusiasm lies in creating cocktails that complement dishes , further elevating the overall guest experience .
Wright , named 2023 Bartender of the Year by the Colorado Restaurant Association , inspires his team to think outside the box and incorporate less-known and more sustainable ingredients . He works with the Sap Sua kitchen to utilize by-products in the beverage program , which not only avoids excess waste , it also fosters a deeper connection between the kitchen and bar teams .
“ The creative side of this industry really brings a lot of fun to my career , and so does working alongside my partner , Heeji Kim ,” Wright says . “ She helps to push me to go beyond what I thought possible and keep expanding the innovation of our beverage program . It ’ s her constant support and ideas that help set me up for success and achieve my goals .”
Time to Celebrate !
Join us in JUNE IN ANNAPOLIS at a special reception celebrating this year ’ s 40 Under 40 recipients during EPGs annual educational conferences – the Activate National Accounts Meeting , Beverage Alcohol Retailers Conference and Cheers Beverage Summit .
Retailers , operators , control state officials and wholesalers can register to receive additional information at BevRetailersConference . com . Suppliers , contact Jeremy Nedelka at jnedelka @ epgacceleration . com to learn about sponsorship opportunities and on-site activations .
RACHEL NALLY
Director of Environmental & Sustainability Heaven Hill
Age : 38 First Industry Job : Environmental specialist at Brown-Forman Brands Favorite Drink : Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel on the rocks
Rachel Nally exemplifies leadership , innovation and impact in the spirits industry , driving transformational change in environmental sustainability . As director of environment & sustainability at Heaven Hill Brands , Nally leads ambitious initiatives that have earned the company recognition as a leader in sustainability .
For instance , Heaven Hill ’ s accolades include being named the 2023 Sustainable Distiller of the Year award and multiple Energy Star designations in 2023 .
The company also earned Heaven Hill a Special Commendation in Water Preservation Achievement at the Global Drinks Intel ESG Awards , highlighting its leadership in sustainable water use .
When Nally joined Heaven Hill in 2015 , the company lacked specific long-range sustainability goals . She became the primary architect of its 2030 Environmental Sustainability Strategy , implementing a comprehensive approach that encompasses carbon emissions , water efficiency , waste reduction , and conservation . Her leadership directly contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions , with projects in 2024 alone cutting over 200 metric tons of CO2 .
Nally admits that it took time for her to recognize and embrace the expertise she has developed over a decade in the spirits industry . “ I also understand that the value I place in continuous learning means that my abilities will continue to grow .”
She ’ s no longer hesitant to claim her seat at the table . “ Because of this experience , I regularly meet with students and young professionals to share what I ’ ve learned ,” Nally says . “ I want to empower others to recognize and appreciate the unique skills they bring to the table .”
2025 BEVERAGE INFORMATION GROUP 40 UNDER 40 21