Chicago, June 10, 2025 — Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Batch 032 has been honored as Whisky of the Year at the 7th Annual International Bartender Spirits Awards (BSA) 2025, cementing its place among the most distinguished whiskies available in the U.S. on-premise market. Judged by some of the industry's most respected bartenders, this exceptional expression from Uncle Nearest outperformed peers across all judging criteria: taste, value, and design.

Now in its seventh year, the International Bartender Spirits Awards is designed to spotlight the best spirits for bars and restaurants, with a judging process focused on real-world service standards. Each spirit is evaluated through blind tasting, price-to-quality scoring, and packaging assessment. Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Batch 032 stood out for its complexity, balance, and richness—making it a favorite for sipping and premium cocktail programs alike.

Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Batch 032 showcases the depth and character that the brand is celebrated for. With notes of oak, spice, caramel, and a velvety finish, it captured the palates of the bartender judges who recognized its quality and consumer appeal. Its sleek bottle and strong shelf presence also earned high marks during the packaging evaluation.

As premium American whiskey continues to thrive in the U.S. on-premise market, this award affirms Uncle Nearest's role as a category leader and go-to choice for discerning bar programs.

Here are some top winners:

Special Awards	Product Name	Country	Category
Spirit Of The Year	Nativo Bosque Gin	Argentina	Gin
Vodka Of The Year	Angry Giraffe Premium Vodka	United States	Vodka
Rum Of The Year	Old Road Rum	Saint Kitts and Nevis	Rum
Tequila Of The Year	Don Nacho Tributo Reposado 100% Pure of Agave	Mexico	Tequila
Gin Of The Year	Nativo Bosque Gin	Argentina	Gin
Whisky Of The Year	Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition - Batch 032	United States	Whisky
Brandy Of The Year	The Calistoga Star Brandy	United States	Brandy
Liqueur Of The Year	TAU Hierbas	Switzerland	Liqueurs
Cognac Of The Year	Rémy Martin	France	Cognac
Mezcal Of The Year	400 Conejos Espadin Joven	Mexico	Mezcal
RTD Of The Year	Mai Tai	United States	Ready to drink (RTD)
Non-Alcoholic Of The Year	Aperitif Spritz	United States	Non-alcoholic Spirits
Fruit Spirits Of The Year	Ferrand Dry Curaçao Yuzu Late Harvest	France	Fruit Spirits (Distilled)
Vermouth Of The Year	Silvio Carta Mazzini Bianco Vermouth	Italy	Other Spirits
Pisco Of The Year	Demonio De Los Andes by Vina Tacama	Peru	Other Spirits
Best Spirit By Value	Verita Vodka Italiana	Italy	Vodka
Best Spirit By Package	Mai Tai	United States	Ready to drink (RTD)

View the full 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards Winners Here.

What Sets the Bartender Spirits Awards Apart

Designed specifically for the on-premise trade, the Bartender Spirits Awards evaluates each spirit based on:

1. Mixability 

2. Balance and Versatility 

3. Taste, Mouthfeel, and Finish 

4. Value 

5. Package

The evaluation process begins with a blind tasting where spirits are assessed by top bartenders based on mixability, balance, versatility, overall taste, mouthfeel, and finish, ensuring unbiased and expert review by category and origin. Following this, judges review the price to determine the value score, measuring how well the quality aligns with the cost, and providing insight for both bartenders and consumers on fair pricing. Finally, the packaging is evaluated for creative design, back-bar appeal, and functionality—including shape, weight, and ease of pouring—to ensure the spirit stands out visually while offering practical usability.

Judges include beverage buyers from top U.S. hospitality groups, award-winning bartenders, and bar directors from some of the country’s most iconic restaurants and hotels. Spirits are blind-tasted and scored based on how likely they are to be used and recommended by bartenders in real-world bar programs.

About Bartender Spirits Awards

Launched in 2018, the Bartender Spirits Awards is a premier competition focused exclusively on the U.S. on-premise market. Held annually in Chicago, the competition is organized by the Beverage Trade Network and judged by leading U.S. bartenders and beverage professionals. The competition is a trusted platform for both domestic and international spirits seeking relevance and success in the American bar scene.