Charles Joly is a Chicago-native and lifelong food and beverage professional. Charles has teamed up with Fortessa Tableware Solutions, an industry leading designer and manufacturer of tableware, to launch Crafthouse by Fortessa this Fall 2016 - a new barware collection that will raise home mixology to the highest level of professional-made craft cocktails.Charles has also collaborated with esteemed restaurateur, Matt Lindner, to create Crafthouse Cocktails – a line of premium, bottled cocktails that debuted in 2013 and has since expanded to nationwide distribution. Crafthouse Cocktails have received the highest ratings ever in the category.Charles was previously the Beverage Director at the Aviary in Chicago. Partnered with Chef Grant Achatz and his team, this venture proved to be one of the most progressive beverage programs in the world. Former Chief Mixologist and founder of the Drawing Room and Executive General Manager for Three Headed Productions, Charles has opened and overseen seven venues in three different states and has developed one of the most respected beverage programs in the nation. In 2014, Charles was named Global Bartending Champion in Diageo's World Class Competition – one of the industry's most prestigious awards. His other accolades include a 2013 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program at The Aviary, James Beard Award nominations in 2015 and 2016 for Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional, and he was named American Bartender of the Year in 2013 at the annual Tales of the Cocktail. Additionally, Charles has received much industry praise, being named one of Bon Appétit ‘s 10 Most Influential Bartenders and one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top Spirit and Wine Professionals. He has also contributed his talents to a number of high-profile events including Oprah’s 25th Anniversary Party, the Grammy’s, the 2016-2020 Academy Awards, The Emmys and The Kentucky Derby.