In a competitive market, how does a consumer decide which brand deserves their attention? This is where the Bartender Spirits Awards comes into picture. Currently in its 7th edition, the Bartender Spirits Awards is a drinks competition like no other. Judging spirits through a series of blind tastings, this competition is judged by the USA’s finest bartenders, bar managers and buyers for the on-premise industry, offering a score and review based on criteria that on-trade professionals watch out for when introducing new spirits to their portfolio. And now, the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards has unveiled its distinguished panel of judges, comprising leading professionals from various sectors of the spirits and hospitality industry. This year's panel includes bartenders, importers and distributors, consultants, and other industry experts, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the entries. Enter now to evaluate your brand and judge where it stands in the lucrative USA on-trade segment!

Bartenders and Bar Managers

• Kapri Robinson, US Bartender of the Year 2024, Netflix Drinks Master's, and Bartender of The Year 2023 at Liquor.com
• Anna Thorn, Director of Bar & Spirits at Hogsalt, Chicago
• Kiki Avalos, 2024 US Tastemaker of the Year at the USBG World Class Top 30 competition 
• Lance Bowman, Top 30 at World Class USA and Jean Banchet Award recipient for Best Bar in 2022
• Miranda Breedlove, National Director of Bars at Hyatt Lifestyle Operations
• Joe Briglio, Partner at Nine Bar and Cara Cara Club, Chicago
• Michael Dziedzic, Bar Director at Aruns Thai Restaurant, Chicago
• Jared Givens, Director of Restaurants, Bars, and Events at The Thompson, Hyatt Hotels, Dallas
• Tural Hasanov, Beverage Director at EDITION
• Dontaine Jackson, Bar Manager for Marriott International
• Michael Lindgren, Career Beverage Professional, MSP Area
• Tyler MacLellan, Bar Manager at Three Dots and a Dash, Chicago
• Julia Momose 百瀬,  Author of "The Way of the Cocktail" and Owner and Mixologist at Kumiko, Chicago
• Katie Renshaw, 2019 World Class US Bartender of the Year
• Danny Shapiro, Founding Partner in Scofflaw Group, Chicago
• Dan Smith, Managing Partner at Queen Mary, Chicago
• Peter Vestinos, Partner and Beverage Director at Sparrow Chicago
• Abraham Vucekovich, Beverage Director at Meadowlark Hospitality, Chicago
• Lily Wang, Partner at Nine Bar and Cara Cara Club, Chicago

Importers and Distributors

• Monique Huston, Vice President Spirits Portfolio at Winebow, USA
• Raj Sabharwal, Founding Partner at Glass Revolution Imports
• Lisa Selman CSS, Director of Beverage for the Alchemy Room, Breakthru Beverage

Consultants and Other Industry Experts

• Martin Duffy, Whisky Educator and former Senior Master of Whisky for the entire Diageo whisky portfolio
• Joseph V. Micallef, Journalist and commentator on food, wines, spirits, and travel (Forbes)

View the full list of 2025 Judges here.

Why Should Brands Enter the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards?

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

The Bartender Spirits Awards is the ultimate competition for spirits brands looking to break into the U.S. on-premise market. Judged by top bartenders, beverage directors, and key decision-makers from the hospitality industry, this competition provides brands with unparalleled industry credibility. Winning spirits receive valuable feedback from experts who understand what works in bars, restaurants, and hotels, ensuring brands stand out in the competitive U.S. spirits market.

Additionally, medal winners receive strong media exposure, featuring in Bartender Spirits Awards' media channels, press releases, and industry-focused promotions, boosting visibility among bartenders, buyers, and distributors.

Enter Your Spirits In The USA’s Leading On-Premise Spirits Competition

Unlike other spirits competitions that focus solely on blind tasting, the Bartender Spirits Awards evaluates spirits based on their commercial relevance in bars and restaurants. The judging criteria is based on quality, value for money, and packaging, ensuring that awarded spirits are not only exceptional in taste but also market-ready for on-premise establishments. Participating in this competition is a must for brands looking to expand their presence in bars, restaurants, and hotels across the U.S.A. Because if your spirit is bartender-approved, it is more likely to be stocked, recommended, and featured in cocktail menus, leading to greater sales and in turn drive up consumer demand.

Why Enter Before March 12?

The March 12 special pricing deadline offers spirits brands the best opportunity to enter at discounted entry fees. Early entrants also receive a priority positioning in media features and pre-event promotions, increasing visibility ahead of the results announcement.

By entering now, brands can maximize their exposure, ensure industry recognition, and gain valuable expert feedback that can help refine their product strategy. Don’t miss the chance to get your spirit evaluated by the industry’s top bartenders and beverage professionals!

Enter now at: Bartender Spirits Awards

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