The Bartender Spirits Awards, based in Chicago, is proud to announce that Jason Huffman, Director of Beverage Development at Taste & Theory and Aimbridge Hospitality, has joined its distinguished judging panel for the 2026 competition.

Jason Huffman brings extensive experience across hospitality operations, bar management, and beverage innovation. As Director of Beverage Development at Taste & Theory and Aimbridge Hospitality, he oversees beverage programming for a broad range of hospitality venues, crafting concepts that combine creativity, profitability, and guest satisfaction. His leadership reflects a deep understanding of what makes a beverage program both memorable and operationally effective.

With years spent developing national beverage strategies, mentoring mixology teams, and collaborating with suppliers, Jason’s expertise ensures that every spirit entered in the competition is judged with a focus on real-world application — how it performs in cocktails, appeals to guests, and contributes to a venue’s business success.

About Aimbridge Hospitality

Aimbridge Hospitality is a leading global hospitality management company and the world’s largest third-party operator of hotels, resorts, and conference centers. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Aimbridge manages a diverse portfolio of over 1,500 properties across brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Accor, as well as numerous independent and lifestyle hotels.

The company’s scale and expertise span full-service, select-service, luxury, and resort segments, offering best-in-class operational performance and beverage program leadership. Aimbridge’s commitment to excellence extends into food and beverage innovation — developing guest-centric concepts and bar programs that elevate the overall hotel experience. With its focus on people, performance, and partnerships, Aimbridge continues to shape the future of hospitality across North America, Europe, and beyond.

Why This Matters for Spirits Brands

Having Jason on the Bartender Spirits Awards judging panel gives producers invaluable feedback from a hospitality operations leader who knows what drives on-premise decisions. His evaluation approach combines mixology precision with business insight — assessing how spirits fit into beverage programs, impact profitability, and align with consumer trends. This perspective helps brands better understand how to succeed within hotels, restaurants, and group-managed venues.

Meet the Round 1 Judging Panel (2026)

Jason joins a roster of highly respected industry professionals for Round 1 of judging, including:

Monique Huston — Vice President of Spirits Portfolio, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits

Anna Thorn — Director of Bar & Spirits, Hogsalt, Chicago

Martin Duffy — Whisky Educator & Former Master of Whisky for Diageo’s portfolio

Jason Huffman — Director of Beverage Development, Taste & Theory

Ari Klafter — Head Distiller, Thornton Distilling Company

Jennifer Knott — Director of Operations, Levy at Forte / Levy Cultural Attractions

Meghan Konecny — Owner, Overproof Productions

Raul Rizo — Sommelier & F&B Professional

David Samuel — Regional Vice President of Operations, Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Lisa Selman CSS — Director of Beverage, The Alchemy Room, Breakthru Beverage

Danny Shapiro — Founding Partner, Scofflaw Group, Chicago

To view the full list of Round 1 judges and their profiles, please visit the “Judges 2026” section on the official site.

Enter Before October 31 — Super Early Bird Deadline

The Bartender Spirits Awards 2026 invites domestic and international spirits brands to enter and have their products evaluated by America’s most influential bartenders, mixologists, and beverage directors.

Entries received by the October 31 Super Early Bird deadline enjoy discounted pricing and early inclusion in the Awards’ marketing campaign, maximizing visibility ahead of the competition season.

About the Bartender Spirits Awards

Based in Chicago, the Bartender Spirits Awards, organized by Beverage Trade Network, celebrate and promote spirits that bartenders choose to stock and pour. Judged by leading on-premise professionals, the competition emphasizes taste, packaging, and value — the criteria that influence real-world purchase and pour decisions across bars, restaurants, and hotels.

Also Read:
Hyatt Hotels’ David Samuel Joins the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards Judging Panel
Bartender Spirits Awards Welcomes Monique Huston to Its 2026 Judging Panel
All You Need To Know Before Setting Foot In The U.S. Spirits Market