Meet the Founders
Meet the group of people responsible for bringing you the best and largest spirits event in the Caribbean... the one that has set the standard for all F&B industry events.
Carlos Santiago
Co-Founder
Carlos Santiago is a visionary entrepreneur and an influential figure in the world of spirits and mixology. With a passion for elevating the standards of bartending and promoting the rich culture of whisky, Carlos has made significant contributions to the industry both in Puerto Rico and internationally.
As the owner of AMB Bartending School, Carlos has dedicated his career to training the next generation of bartenders. Under his leadership, the school has become renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on training, and commitment to excellence. AMB Bartending School not only equips students with technical skills but also instills a deep appreciation for the art and science of mixology. Carlos’s innovative teaching methods and his emphasis on creativity and professionalism have helped countless graduates succeed in the competitive world of bartending.
Carlos is also a co-founder of the Puerto Rico Whisky Expo, an annual event that has rapidly grown to become the largest whisky festival in the Caribbean. The Expo brings together whisky enthusiasts, industry experts, and renowned brands from around the globe to celebrate the diversity and craftsmanship of whisky. Through engaging tastings, educational seminars, and exclusive product launches, the Puerto Rico Whisky Expo has established itself as a premier event in the whisky calendar.
Raiza Rivera
Co-Founder
Driven by admiration for the world of spirits -particularly whisk(e)y- as taught by her father, Raiza co-founded Whiskey Society of Puerto Rico in 2020, along with Ricardo.
Through the WSPR platform, the whisk(e)y scene has evolved permanently and as a result whisk(e)y education and experiences have reached new heights in the island.
By promoting and teaching about all types of whisk(e)y, as well as touring groups through Scotland, Kentucky and Ireland, the consumer desire to learn has sky-rocketed, positively impacting the industry as a whole.
Raiza also leads The Society | Events & Bar Service, providing event coordination and bar services to both corporate and private clients, focusing on creating impactful experiences for customers.
Raiza's keen ability to understand and fulfill clients' needs precedes her and has made possible the fostering of long-lasting relationships across the industry.
Previously, Raiza has worked in the banking, legal and technology industries.
Ricardo Rivera
Co-Founder
Quickly after moving to the US after graduating from college, Ricardo found a passion for whisk(e)y, which led him to join multiple whisk(e)y clubs in the states. There he understood the power of joint exploration of this spirit.
Upon returning to Puerto Rico, he realized that there was no such group of enthusiasts gathering to deepen their knowledge and understanding of whisk(e)y. So, along with Raiza, Whiskey Society of Puerto Rico was born in 2020, as a means to promote, educate, and bring whisk(e)y lovers -a.k.a. whisker@s- together to learn and share.
After hundreds of tastings, gatherings, experiences and trips, it's clear the impact that WSPR has had on the market in the island, almost 5 years later.
Ricardo is also leading a similar initiative for rum enthusiasts, Rum Society of Puerto Rico. In this regard, exciting news are just around the corner...
In parallel, Ricardo is heavily involved in the technology industry as an Automation and Optimization Engineer, as well as in the travel industry as a Loyalty Travel Consultant.
Ricardo holds multiple highly-regarded diplomas/certifications in whisk(e)y history, production and tasting.
