Founder

SIS was founded in July 2022 by Leah van Deventer, a distinguished writer, educator and consultant specialising in cocktails, spirits and bar culture.

Leah contributes to the cultivation of industry excellence by sitting on multiple international judging panels, including the Spirited Awards, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the World’s 50 Best Bars, where she serves as Academy Chair.

She’s also a regular international speaker, having presented at the likes of Tales of the Cocktail, Athens Bar Show and Ajabu Cocktail and Spirits Festival.

Leah’s commitment to effecting positive change has earned her a place among the Bar World 100 three times, while her storytelling has similarly seen her named Bar Communicator of the Year threefold in South Africa, and Top 4 Spirits Communicator worldwide. 

Find her at leahvandeventer.com.