In the ever-evolving world of bartending and mixology, staying ahead of the curve requires knowing which spirits are making waves. The Bartender Spirits Awards 2024, judged by bartenders for bartenders, celebrates the best in the industry by recognizing an array of exceptional spirits that should be on every bartender's radar. This curated list of award-winning selections across various categories ensures that your bar is stocked with the finest drinks, elevating your cocktail game to new heights.

1. Citadelle Gin Jardin d'Été, Double Gold Medal (99 points)

Winning the Double Gold Medal and earning the title of Spirit of the Year and Gin of the Year at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024, Citadelle Gin Jardin d'Été is a standout from France. This gin starts subtly before unveiling a robust botanical profile that finishes bright, making it incredibly mixable. Perfect for crafting a variety of cocktails, this gin is an essential addition to any bar.

Image Title & Source: Citadelle Gin Jardin d'Été

2. Lost Voyage - Hamilton Rum, Gold Medal (92 Points)

Guyana's Lost Voyage - Hamilton Rum secured a Gold Medal and the prestigious Rum of the Year award. This rum is a delightful blend of perceivable fruit, coffee, and subtle wood notes, with a dry finish. The flavors of banana, molasses, and cacao nibs are beautifully balanced, making this rum a versatile choice for both sipping neat and mixing into cocktails.

Image Title & Source: Lost Voyage - Hamilton Rum

3. Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2, Double Gold Medal (98 Points)

A testament to its legacy, Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2 garnered the Double Gold Medal and was named World Whisky of the Year. This American whiskey captivates with its nose of cooked black fruits and baking spices. On the palate, it delivers complex notes of raisins, dark chocolate, and cinnamon, making it a luxurious choice for whisky enthusiasts.

Image Title & Source: Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2

4. Del Maguey Vida Clásico Mezcal, Double Gold Medal (97 Points)

From Mexico, Del Maguey Vida Clásico Mezcal shines with a Double Gold Medal and the title of Mezcal of the Year. This mezcal offers a delicate bouquet of cherry blossoms and pitted fruit on the nose, with a soft palate featuring hints of peat and chocolate bitterness. Its complexity and balance make it a remarkable spirit for those who appreciate the nuances of mezcal.

Image Title & Source: Del Maguey Vida Clásico Mezcal

5. Los Poblanos Botanical Spirits Western Dry Gin, Double Gold Medal (98 Points)

Los Poblanos Botanical Spirits Western Dry Gin, a Double Gold Medalist from the United States, is described as "walking along the forest floor." This gin is bright and flavorful, offering a versatile finish that makes it suitable for both stirred and shaken cocktails. Its unique flavor profile is sure to impress and elevate any gin-based drink.

Image Title & Source:  Los Poblanos Botanical Spirits Western Dry Gin

Also Read: Top 10 Bourbons of 2024 to Catch the Old Fashioned Mixology Trend

6. DeLeón Añejo Tequila, Double Gold Medal (98 Points)

This exceptional tequila from Mexico, awarded a Double Gold Medal and named Tequila of the Year, boasts rich and bold flavors. The charred red bell pepper and softness from barrel aging create a complex yet balanced profile, with a strong finish that highlights its agave origins. DeLeón Añejo Tequila is a prime example of how barrel aging can enhance the depth of flavor without overshadowing the core agave notes.

Image Title & Source: DeLeón Añejo Tequila

7. Wisher Vodka, Gold Medal (95 Points)

The United States’ Wisher Vodka earned a Gold Medal and was named Vodka of the Year for its impeccable quality. This vodka is clean, smooth, and well-rounded, allowing the grain profile to shine without being overwhelmed by heat. Its purity makes it an excellent base for cocktails, offering a crisp and refined drinking experience.

Image Title & Source: Wisher Vodka

8. Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Double Gold Medal (97 Points)

Awarded the Double Gold Medal and named Single Barrel Bourbon of the Year, Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey from the United States is a must-try for bourbon lovers. It offers complex notes of cinnamon, canned fruit, and chocolate, with a touch of clove and orange that coats the mouth. Whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, this bourbon delivers a rich and satisfying experience.

Image Title & Source: Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey

9. PB Rum, Gold Medal (91 Points)

PB Rum, a Gold Medal winner from the United States, captivates with its light and pleasing flavor profile, characterized by sweet pistachio butter notes on both the nose and palate. This rum's subtlety and well-integrated flavors make it a unique choice for those looking to explore different rum profiles.

Image Title & Source: PB Rum

10. L'Excuse Yellow Liqueur, Double Gold Medal (98 Points)

This American liqueur, L'Excuse Yellow, took home the Double Gold Medal and the title of Liqueur of the Year. Its flavor profile is a harmonious blend of witch-hazel, mint, lemon peel, and dandelion root, offering a perfect balance of sweet and bitter. This liqueur is ideal for adding depth and complexity to cocktails.

Image Title & Source: L'Excuse Yellow

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11. Australian Distilling Co. Vodka, Gold Medal (94 Points)

Australian Distilling Co. Vodka, awarded a Gold Medal at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 with an impressive 94 points, is a spirit that showcases the finesse of Australian craftsmanship. This vodka presents a mildly grassy nose that transitions beautifully into a full-bodied experience. The spirit is creamy and crisp, with a finish that is quick and clean, making it a versatile choice for a variety of cocktails. Its smooth texture and refined flavor profile ensure it stands out, whether sipped neat or mixed into your favorite drink.

Image Title & Source: Australian Distilling Co. Vodka

12. Jaisalmer Gin Classic, Double Gold Medal (98 Points)

Jaisalmer Gin Classic from Rampur Distillery, a proud Double Gold Medal winner with 98 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024, is an exquisite gin that encapsulates the essence of India. This gin greets you with a classic bouquet on the nose, featuring elegant notes of juniper, coriander, anise, citrus, and pepper. Gentle on the palate, it hits every mark that you would expect from a top-tier gin, culminating in a delightful juniper and lemon finish. Perfect for both traditional gin cocktails and innovative new creations, this spirit is a testament to fine Indian distillation.

Image Title & Source: Jaisalmer Gin Classic

13. Spirit in Niagara Pleasure Me Plumoncello, Gold Medal (91 Points)

Earning a Gold Medal and the title of Fruit Spirits Of The Year at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 with 91 points, Spirit in Niagara Pleasure Me Plumoncello is a standout fruit spirit. This Canadian creation is floral and fruity on the nose, leading to a tart palate bursting with dried fruit and candy flavors. Smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced, it also offers hints of elderflower and ginger. This unique spirit is a delightful choice for those looking to add a fruity twist to their cocktails or enjoy it as a sweet, standalone treat.

Image Title & Source: Spirit in Niagara Pleasure Me Plumoncello

14. Embargo Blanco, Gold Medal (91 Points)

Embargo Blanco, hailing from France and crafted by Les Bienheureux S.A.S., was honored with a Gold Medal at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024, earning 91 points. This rum is characterized by a hint of grassy funk on both the nose and palate, providing a unique and intriguing flavor profile. Despite its mild salinity, the palate remains clean and precise, making it a versatile option for mixing or sipping. Embargo Blanco is a refreshing choice that brings a touch of complexity to any cocktail.

Image Title & Source: Embargo Blanco

15. Bar Boss Bourbon, Double Gold Medal (96 Points)

Bar Boss Bourbon from Northwest Spirits is a stellar bourbon that was awarded the Double Gold Medal with 96 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024. This bourbon embodies everything you look for in an everyday bourbon—hot flavor, sweet notes, and a long, satisfying finish. The rich, robust character of Bar Boss Bourbon makes it perfect for enjoying neat or as the base for a classic cocktail. Its balance of heat and sweetness ensures it will be a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.

Image Title & Source: Bar Boss Bourbon

Also Read: Top 10 Best Liqueurs for Today’s Mixology

16. Ferrand 10 Générations Cognac, Gold Medal (92 Points)

Ferrand 10 Générations Cognac, crafted by Maison Ferrand, was recognized with a Gold Medal and 92 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024. This Cognac offers an aromatic profile filled with dried fruit, wood spice, and burnt sugar. The palate is complex, with ribbons of caramel, soft tannins, and hints of vanilla, leading to a moderate to long finish. This well-balanced Cognac is not only great for sipping but also highly mixable, making it a versatile addition to any bar.

Image Title & Source: Ferrand 10 Générations Cognac

17. Zucca Rabarbaro, Double Gold Medal (97 Points)

Zucca Rabarbaro, a distinguished Italian liqueur, took home the Double Gold Medal with 97 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024. This liqueur impresses with amaretto, almonds, and herbs on the nose, followed by sweet-bitter licorice. The palate is rich with flavors of allspice, nuts, rosemary, and a hint of ginger, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and bitter. Zucca Rabarbaro is an exceptional choice for those looking to add a complex, herbal note to their cocktails.

Image Title & Source: Zucca Rabarbaro

18. Grappa Riserva Selezione 7 Anni, Gold Medal (90 Points)

Grappa Riserva Selezione 7 Anni, produced by Distilleria Nardini SPA, was awarded a Gold Medal and 90 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024. This Italian brandy offers an intense experience with bruised plum notes on the nose, complemented by slight toffee and cacao in the background. The palate is complex, featuring ash, cedar, and high heat, making it a bold and flavorful spirit. Perfect for those who appreciate the depth and richness of a well-aged grappa, this spirit is a standout in its category.

Image Title & Source: Grappa Riserva Selezione 7 Anni

19. Charcoal Filtered Blanco, Gold Medal (94 Points)

Charcoal Filtered Blanco by Noel Family Distillery, which earned a Gold Medal and 94 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024, is a vodka that brings a unique flavor profile to the table. The spirit has a pronounced aroma of green peppers, which gives the impression of higher proof. However, the taste is refined and exceptionally clean, making it a versatile option for a variety of cocktails. Its distinct character and smooth finish make it a must-try for vodka enthusiasts. 

Image Title & Source: Charcoal Filtered Blanco

20. Reserve Collection Añejo, Double Gold Medal (96 Points)

Reserve Collection Añejo by Cierto Tequila is a luxurious tequila that was awarded the Double Gold Medal with 96 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024. This añejo tequila is well-crafted, with solid flavors of agave on both the nose and palate. The taste is rich and feels indulgent, with notes of butterscotch toffee adding to the rounded mouthfeel, and a hint of smoke providing an extra layer of complexity. This premium tequila is perfect for sipping slowly to savor its intricate flavors.

Image Title & Source: Reserve Collection Añejo

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For bartenders and spirits enthusiasts alike, these handpicked winners represent the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship. By adding these brands to the bar, bartenders will not only drive profits but will also be offering customers award-winning select spirits that were judged and scored by the best bartenders of the USA. Explore the full list of winners to find more spirits that will elevate your cocktails and impress your clientele.

Header image sourced from Adobe Stock Images.

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