When Katie started working as a bartender in Chicago after quitting her "day job." She loves cocktails which motivated her to seek guidance behind and bar and she has never looked back since then. Her genuine passion for the industry propelled her career forward quickly, and her creativity helped her achieve quick success. She has held positions at some of Chicago's most renowned establishments, such as Billy Sunday, Moneygun, and Drumbar. Katie has also won numerous bartending competitions, like the Midwestern Speed Rack and Heaven Hill Bartender of the Year.

Additionally, in 2018 she won the Italicus Bar Artist of the Year and in 2019 she bagged the US World Class Bartender of the Year awards. Her innovativeness, love for cocktails, and attention to detail made High Proof's digital content and cocktail classes a reality. Today she is not only one of the best mixologists you will get around Chicago but also in the entire world.

Most recently, Katie was the bar manager at a fast-paced Chicago restaurant, and she believes her win as US World Class Bartender of the Year 2019 came from trusting her gut and being herself behind the bar.

Bartender Spirits Awards is pleased to announce that she will be part of the judging panel that represents America’s top bartenders, mixologists, and bar managers. The judges will review brands that make a great fit for the on-premise establishments.

Image: Katie Renshaw

Using the tagline “Judged By Bartenders, Bar Managers, and Off-Premise Managers For The On-Premise Industry,” the Bartender Spirits Awards will recognize, encourage, promote, and celebrate excellence in the U.S. drinks industry for the 6th time. The aim of this international spirits competition is to provide independent and honest reviews for brands targeting the U.S. bar trade.

The judging panel consists of some of the most renowned names in the U.S. bar industry, all of them with extensive expertise within the on-premise industry. The result will be a relevant and practical source of reference for bartenders, bar managers, bar owners, and other industry professionals when making purchasing decisions for their establishments.

Brands looking to enter into America’s leading spirits competition for the on-premise should enter before October 31 to get the super early bird pricing.

Image: Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network and Bartender Spirits Awards

‘I am extremely pleased with the 2024 judging panel. Brands will get solid value by being judged by these judges as brands will be getting a detailed score breakdown, market feedback, and professional tasting notes from these buyers. These are really America’s top bartenders, mixologists, and bar managers and to win a medal here will be solid feedback if the goal is to grow in the on-premise channel of USA’, says, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, Organizers of Bartender Spirits Awards.

Get In Front Of Leading Bartenders and Grow Your On-Premise Presence. Now Accepting International and Domestic Submissions. Enter Your Brands.

Bartender Spirits Awards Aims To Deliver The Best Spirits For the On-Premise Sector In the USA. Using the tagline “Judged By Bartenders, Bar Managers, and Buyers For The On-Premise Industry,” the Bartender Spirits Awards will recognize, encourage, promote, and celebrate excellence in the U.S. drinks industry. The aim of the spirits competition is to provide independent and honest reviews for brands targeting the U.S. bar trade.

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The judging panel consists of some of the most renowned names in the U.S. bar industry, all of them with extensive expertise within the on-premise industry. This competition recognizes that bartenders are the true influencers – their passions and tastes provide direction for the consumer, especially via their guidance with wine, beer, or spirit recommendations.