Bernhard judges at a great many international spirits competitions worldwide. In German-speaking countries he also lectures on rum, gin, whisky, cognac and champagne, on and off trade and for the public.

He became a Keeper of the Quaich in 1996, and a Master of the Quaich in 2007, and is a co-founder of ENSE (European Network of Spirit Experts), a member of the Gin Guild and of RumXP.

Bernhard is also contributing editor for several bar and drinks magazines in the GSA countries and has written German-language books on rum, gin and whisky.