Why should a bartender stock your spirit?

Whether you are introducing a new brand or growing an established portfolio, answering that question clearly can help you start a meaningful conversation with a buyer.

Bartender Spirits Awards invites spirits brands to take part in its 60-Second Spirit Pitch Challenge. Tell us what makes your product different, why it belongs behind the bar, and how bartenders should serve it.

Submit your written pitch through our Google Form and add a video of up to 60 seconds for extra points. Good pitches will be shared on Bartender Business and Bartender Spirits Awards platforms, giving your brand an opportunity to reach a wider industry audience.

Get Your Pitch in Front of BSA Judges

Pitches will be reviewed by selected Bartender Spirits Awards judges, giving you an opportunity to introduce your brand to professionals who understand what works behind the bar.

This is your chance to show them more than a bottle. Explain the product’s flavor, its ideal serve, the customers it appeals to, and the value it can bring to a bar.

A clear pitch can help a buyer understand your brand quickly—and give them a reason to learn more.

What Is the 60-Second Spirit Pitch Challenge?

Imagine you are speaking to a bartender or bar manager. You have 60 seconds to explain why they should stock, pour, and recommend your spirit.

What would you say first?

Perhaps your product brings a distinctive flavor to a classic cocktail. Perhaps it offers a compelling story, an attractive price point, or a simple serve that works well in a busy venue.

The challenge invites you to turn those selling points into a focused pitch that speaks directly to the bartender.

Both international and domestic spirits brands are welcome. Your pitch can be presented by a founder, distiller, brand ambassador, importer or another authorized representative of the brand.

What Should Your Pitch Cover?

Help the bartender picture your product in their bar. Consider including:

- What your product is: Introduce the brand, spirit category, and where it comes from.
- What makes it different: Explain its distinctive flavor, ingredients, production method, or story.
- Why it suits a bar: Describe the customers, occasions, or menu placements it works for.
- How to serve it: Recommend a cocktail, simple mixed drink, neat pour, or another practical serve.
- Why they should stock it: Give the bartender a clear reason to choose and recommend your product.

Focus on the details that matter to a buyer. Rather than simply calling your spirit “premium” or “unique,” explain what the bartender and their guests will experience.

How to Send Your Pitch

1. Fill in the Google Form

Complete the submission form with your brand information and written pitch.

Use your written pitch to explain why your spirit deserves a place behind the bar and how you recommend serving it.

2. Add a Video for Extra Points (Not compulsory)

Bring your pitch to life with a video of no more than 60 seconds.

Video submissions will receive extra points during selection. They allow the judges to see your product, hear your story and experience how you would present your brand directly to a bartender.

Professional production is not required. A smartphone or selfie video is welcome.

For a strong submission:

- Choose a quiet location with good lighting.
- Make sure you are clearly visible and audible.
- Show your bottle or packaging where possible.
- Speak naturally, as if you were talking to a bartender.
- Keep your video within 60 seconds.

3. Email Your Video

You can also email your video or a downloadable video link to info@bartenderspiritsawards.com, addressed to Sid Patel.

Use the subject line:

Spirit Pitch Challenge — [Your Brand Name]

Include your name, company, and brand name so we can match your video to your Google Form submission. If you send a link, ensure it can be viewed and downloaded without requesting access.

What Can Your Brand Win?

Exposure on Bartender Business and BSA Platforms

Good pitches will be selected for sharing on Bartender Business and Bartender Spirits Awards platforms.

This gives brands an opportunity to introduce their products, stories, and recommended serves to a wider audience of bartenders and drinks-industry professionals.

Editorial Profiles for the Best 10 Pitches

The best 10 pitches will receive a dedicated brand profile written by our editor. Free.

These stories will explore the brand, the people behind it, what makes the product different, and its relevance to bartenders. The profiles will be published and shared on Bartender Business and BSA platforms, extending the exposure beyond the original submission.

Two Free Product Entries for the Overall Best Pitch

The brand behind the overall best pitch will receive free entry for two products into Bartender Spirits Awards.

The winning brand can submit two products for assessment through BSA’s standard competition judging process. This prize provides an additional opportunity to put its spirits forward for recognition.

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What Makes a Strong Pitch?

A strong pitch connects your product with the needs of the bar and its guests.

Be specific about flavor, serving suggestions, and the role your spirit can play on a menu. If your brand offers staff training, cocktail support or other help after placement, explain that too.

Keep your message focused. You do not need to tell your entire company history in 60 seconds. Choose the points that would make a bartender interested enough to continue the conversation.

Above all, show your personality and knowledge. A memorable pitch gives the buyer a clear product proposition and a reason to believe in the person presenting it.

Who Can Enter?

The challenge is open to established and emerging spirits brands across major categories, including whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, mezcal, brandy, liqueurs, aperitifs, and spirits-based ready-to-drink products.

Founders, distillers, brand ambassadors, importers, and other authorized brand representatives are invited to participate.

Submit Your Pitch by October 31, 2026

Put your brand proposition in front of selected BSA judges and show them why your spirit belongs behind the bar.

Complete the Google Form, share your pitch, and add a 60-second video for extra points.

Video submission email: info@bartenderspiritsawards.com
Addressed to: Sid Patel
Deadline: October 31, 2026

About Bartender Spirits Awards

Bartender Spirits Awards is a U.S. spirits competition focused on the on-premise market. Spirits are evaluated for mixability, balance and versatility, taste, mouthfeel and finish, packaging, and value.

Its goal is to recognize spirits that bartenders can confidently stock, serve, and recommend to their customers.

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