The Bartender Spirits Awards is excited to announce that Monique Huston, Vice President of Spirits Portfolio at Winebow USA, will be joining the esteemed judging panel for the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards. With over 20 years of experience in the spirits industry, Huston brings an impressive wealth of knowledge, a passion for whisky, and a dedication to excellence that will enhance the judging process at this highly anticipated event.

Huston’s journey in the spirits world began at the renowned Dundee Dell in Omaha, Nebraska, where she played an instrumental role in building one of the largest whisky and spirits collections globally. Her expertise and dedication have earned her a reputation as one of the most respected figures in the industry. Over the years, Huston has participated as a judge and panelist at numerous prestigious spirits competitions and events worldwide, while her insights have been featured in leading publications such as Whisky Advocate, Forbes, and the Wall Street Journal.

In addition to her current role as Vice President – Spirits Portfolio at Winebow, a national importer and distributor of fine wine and spirits, Huston serves on several advisory boards. She is a member of the Council of Whisky Masters and WSWA’s Craft Spirits Access advisory panel and is a board member of the Tequila Interchange Project. Her dedication to the spirits industry has been recognized with her induction into the exclusive Keepers of the Quaich, honoring her outstanding contributions to the Scotch whisky community.

Monique Huston’s passion for whisky has expanded to include a deep appreciation for the terroir-driven spirits of Mexico, adding depth to her expertise. Her wide-ranging knowledge of both whisky and other spirits categories makes her an invaluable addition to the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards judging panel, where she will lend her discerning palate and industry insight to help evaluate the best spirits brands.

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 toward 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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