Bartender Spirits Awards is thrilled to announce that Peter Vestinos, a nationally recognized bartender and spirits expert, will be joining the judging panel for Bartender Spirits Awards 2025. With over 20 years of experience in the bar and restaurant industry, Vestinos brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the panel, making him an invaluable addition to the event.

As a Partner and Beverage Director at Sparrow Chicago, Vestinos has built an impressive reputation for designing innovative cocktail programs and training bartenders and sales teams. His deep understanding of the industry has earned him accolades as a leading figure in the cocktail world. Beyond his current role, Vestinos has worked at all levels of the business, from behind the bar to distribution and supplier roles, giving him a holistic view of the spirits industry.

In 2012, Vestinos launched The BarMedic, a beverage consulting company focused on helping bars and restaurants implement efficient bar systems. The BarMedic’s mission is to enable establishments to serve creative, fresh ingredient cocktails with speed and consistency, ensuring that well-trained bartenders can elevate the guest experience. This commitment to quality and innovation makes Vestinos a perfect fit for the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards, where he will join other top bartenders and mixologists to evaluate spirits brands on May 18, 2025, in Chicago.

We are honored to have Peter Vestinos on our esteemed judging panel, joining the ranks of America’s most talented and respected bartenders and spirits professionals.

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About Bartender Spirits Awards

The Bartender Spirits Awards aims to identify and celebrate the best spirits for the on-premise sector in the U.S. Under the tagline, "Judged By Bartenders, Bar Managers, and Buyers For The On-Premise Industry," the competition provides a platform for spirits brands to gain recognition in this highly competitive market.

The goal is to offer independent and honest reviews for spirits brands targeting the U.S. bar trade. The judging panel is made up of renowned bartenders, bar managers, and buyers with deep expertise in the on-premise industry. This makes the competition an essential resource for bartenders, bar managers, and bar owners when making purchasing decisions for their venues.

The Bartender Spirits Awards recognizes that bartenders are the true influencers in the spirits industry. Their tastes and trends often drive the creation of new drinks, and their recommendations help guide consumer choices. By understanding the preferences of bartenders and bar managers, spirits brands can position themselves more effectively in the U.S. market.

Why Enter the Bartender Spirits Awards?

Winning at the Bartender Spirits Awards gives brands a competitive edge by elevating their profile in the U.S. on-premise sector. This competition is a trusted source of reference for the industry’s decision-makers, and the recognition gained here can open doors to new partnerships and opportunities.

Take Advantage of Super Early Bird Pricing

Submissions for the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards are now open, with a Super Early Bird pricing of just $175 per spirit available until October 31, 2024. This is an excellent opportunity for distilleries to showcase their products to a global audience and receive valuable feedback from industry experts.

Enter your spirits now to secure your place in the competition and take the first step towards international acclaim.

Both international and domestic Spirits submissions are now open. International distilleries without U.S. importers will receive assistance with shipping and obtaining COLA waivers.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your brand and connect with key decision-makers in the Spirits industry.

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