We are happy to introduce Anna Thorn, Director of Bar & Spirits at Hogsalt, Chicago to our expert judging panel for the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards. With years of experience, Anna brings a particular combination of expertise and zeal to every project she undertakes.

In her current role as the Director of Bar & Spirits at Hogsalt, Chicago, Anna is currently making significant strides in the industry with her inventive approach and a profound understanding of mixology. Her recent appointment as our judge at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 further solidifies her position as a tastemaker and influential figure in the spirits sector.

Anna's professional journey commenced in the hospitality sector at BOKA Restaurant Group, where she served as Bar Manager for an impressive 5 years. Her commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for patrons and her leadership in enhancing the bar program at BOKA has left an enduring impact.

Before her tenure at BOKA, Anna honed her bartending skills at Whiskey Street in Salt Lake City, Utah, contributing significantly to the establishment's reputation for high quality.

Anna’s professional journey is proof of her steadfast dedication to excellence in spirits, and we are privileged to welcome her to our upcoming 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards.

Bartender Spirits Awards will host some of the top bartenders and beverage buyers of Chicago and the USA as judges.

Here are a few of the names that will be judging the 2024 event:

KATIE RENSHAW, 2019 US World Class Bartender of the Year.

RENATO M. TONELLI, 2023 US Bartender of the Year and Founder at Sustainable Bartender.

JULIETA CAMPOS, Beverage and Bar Operations Director at The Fifty/50 Group, Chicago.

DAMIAN LANGARICA, TOP 100 World Class 2023, TOP 50 World Class 2022, Bartender at Next of Kin, Philadelphia.

MIKE RYAN, Global Beverage Director, Acurio International, Chicago.

TRUDY THOMAS, Corporate Director of Beverage at Southworth Development, Spirits Educator and Mixologist, Nashville.

ABRAHAM VUCEKOVICH, Beverage Director Meadowlark Hospitality, Chicago, Meadowlark Hospitality.

MAKENZIE HELEM, Top 30 bartenders in the US for USBG World Class 2023 and Bartender at Spilt Milk, Chicago

GUILLERMO BRAVO, Beverage Director at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Chicago.

DANNY SHAPIRO, Founding partner in Scofflaw Group, Chicago

EMILIANO VAZQUEZ PARRALE, Head Bartender, Moody Tongue Brewing Company, Chicago.

CHRIS BARNA, Bar Manager at Proof, 2022 Top 50 US World Class 2023 Top 30 US World Class, Charleston

ARIEL NEAL, Vice President United States Bartenders Guild- Chicago Chapter, Chicago

JENEÉ CRAVER, Award-Winning Beverage Director, Chicago

JARED GIVENS, Director of Restaurants, Bars, and Events at The Thompson, Hyatt Hotels, Dallas

FATIMA BUTLER, Founder at Rooted in Hospitality, Chicago

VALERIE CAO, Director of Operations & Beverage Director, Le Colonial, Chicago

MICHAEL DZIEDZIC, Bar Director at Aruns Thai Restaurant, Chicago

ELLIOTT ERNST, Country's Top 100 World Class Bartenders and Mixologist, Rockford.

MARK GALLAGHER, Experienced Sommelier and Mixologist, Chicago

DON JEWELL, Creative & Mixologist, Chicago

TIMOTHY KING, President, Bar Consultant at Prohibition Bar Group, Cincinnati

JONATHAN PIZANO, Beverage Manager at The Hoxton, Chicago

BRYSON RYAN, Bar Manager at Fitness Formula Clubs, Midlothian

TOSHIO UENO DIPWSET, Vice President, Sake School of America, Director of Sake Specialist at MTC, El Monte

LEE ZAREMBA, Owner, De La Nonna and Enzo Discoteca De La Nonna, Los Angeles

You can see the full list of the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards’s first round of judges here.

As Beverage Trade Network prepares to bring the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 to Chicago, spirits brands worldwide are invited to participate and showcase their finest offerings. Winning a medal at this prestigious event not only signifies exceptional quality but also grants recognition from industry experts and bartending luminaries.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-31]]

Stay tuned for more updates, exciting announcements, and details about the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 in Chicago, where the world's best spirits will take center stage.