The Bartender Spirits Awards, based in Chicago, is proud to announce that Monique Huston, Vice President of Spirits Portfolio at Winebow Fine Wine & Spirits, has joined its distinguished judging panel for the 2026 competition.

With more than two decades of expertise in the spirits industry, Monique Huston is widely respected for her deep knowledge of whisky, tequila, and other terroir-driven categories. Based in Chicago, she leads Winebow’s national spirits portfolio, guiding brand development, education, and market strategy across the U.S.

Her appointment strengthens the Awards’ ability to deliver feedback that is not just about flavor, but also about on-premise relevance, distributor expectations, and what truly works behind bars. Brands entering the competition will benefit from a judge whose perspective bridges production, distribution, and real-world bar execution.

About Winebow 

Winebow is a leading national importer and distributor of fine wines and spirits across the United States, operating in all 51 U.S. markets (33 as an importer and 18 as both importer and distributor). Winebow’s strength lies in its dual role — curating premium producers from around the world and delivering them via a robust distribution network.

Meet the Round 1 Judging Panel (2026)

Monique joins a roster of highly respected industry professionals for Round 1 of judging, including:

Anna Thorn — Director of Bar & Spirits, Hogsalt, Chicago

Martin Duffy — Whisky Educator & Former Master of Whisky for Diageo’s portfolio

Jason Huffman — Director of Beverage Development, Taste & Theory

Ari Klafter — Head Distiller, Thornton Distilling Company

Jennifer Knott — Director of Operations, Levy at Forte / Levy Cultural Attractions

Meghan Konecny — Owner, Overproof Productions

Raul Rizo — Sommelier & F&B Professional

David Samuel — Regional Vice President of Operations, Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Lisa Selman CSS — Director of Beverage, The Alchemy Room, Breakthru Beverage

Danny Shapiro — Founding Partner, Scofflaw Group, Chicago

To view the full list of Round 1 judges and their profiles, please visit the “Judges 2026” section on the official site.

Enter Before October 31 — Super Early Bird Deadline

The Bartender Spirits Awards 2026 invites domestic and international spirits brands to enter and have their products evaluated by leading bartenders, mixologists, and beverage directors from across the U.S.

Submissions received by the October 31 Super Early Bird deadline will enjoy discounted entry pricing and early inclusion in the Awards’ marketing rollout, maximizing visibility in the trade ahead of the judging cycle.

About the Bartender Spirits Awards

Based in Chicago, the Bartender Spirits Awards, organized by Beverage Trade Network, celebrate and promote spirits that bartenders choose to stock and pour. Judged by on-premise professionals, the competition emphasizes taste, packaging, and value — the factors that directly influence purchase and pour decisions in bars, restaurants, and hotels.

Also Read:
All You Need To Know Before Setting Foot In The U.S. Spirits Market
Meet the Expert: Zachary Faden Joins the Bartender Spirits Awards 2026