The festive season calls for exceptional bottled spirits that elevate Christmas gatherings, New Year’s celebrations, and thoughtful holiday gifting. The 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards—judged by leading bartenders and on-premise professionals—spotlight spirits that excel not only in quality but also in versatility, balance, and commercial relevance.

From Double Gold icons to high-scoring Gold medalists, this curated list of the Top 50 Winning Spirits of 2025 represents the best across whisky, tequila, gin, rum, vodka, cognac, mezcal, and emerging categories spanning both established powerhouses and exciting craft producers worldwide.

Double Gold & Elite High-Scorers (98–99 Points)

These spirits impressed judges unanimously and are ideal for premium gifting and celebratory pours.

1. Nativo Bosque Gin (99 Points) – Argentina

2. Sly Fox Gin (98 Points) – United States

3. Sol2Noches Sotol (98 Points) – Mexico

4. Acrónimo Sotol (98 Points) – Mexico

5. Estaca Bacanora Blanco (98 Points) – Mexico

6. Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition Batch 032 (98 Points) – USA

Why they shine: Precision distillation, robust expression, and exceptional balance make them perfect for sophisticated holiday cocktails or neat sipping.

World-Class Whiskies for Winter Nights

Rich, warming, and complex. Ideal for Christmas evenings and New Year's toasts.

7. Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Cognac (97 Points) – France

8. Still Austin Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (97 Points) – USA

9. Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey (97 Points) – USA

10. Old Dominick Bonded Tennessee Whiskey (96 Points) – USA

11. Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye (94 Points) – USA

12. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel (94 Points) – USA

13. The Classic Laddie – Bruichladdich (93 Points) – Scotland

14. Sangam Whisky – Rampur Distillery (93 Points) – India

15. Four Roses Single Barrel (92 Points) – USA

Celebratory Tequilas & Agave Spirits

Perfect for festive cocktails, shared moments, and vibrant holiday menus.

16. Don Nacho Tributo Reposado (97 Points) – Mexico

17. Cabrito Blanco (96 Points) – Mexico

18. Biatch Reposado Premium Tequila (95 Points) – Mexico

19. Matiari Tequila Blanco (95 Points) – Mexico

20. Tequila Pispireto Silver (94 Points) – Mexico

21. El Tesoro Blanco (93 Points) – Mexico

22. Gran Centenario Cristalino (93 Points) – Mexico

23. Codigo 1530 Rosa Tequila (91 Points) – Mexico

Standout Gins for Festive Cocktails

From classic London Dry to modern botanical styles, these gins are ideal for Christmas and New Year cocktail menus.

24. Gin Mare (96 Points) – Spain

25. Colombo No.7 Navy Strength Gin (96 Points) – United Kingdom

26. Sugarbird Juniper Unfiltered (96 Points) – South Africa

27. WildJune Western Style Gin (95 Points) – USA

28. Broker’s Gin (95 Points) – United Kingdom

29. Tanglin Black Powder Gin (94 Points) – Singapore

30. Citadelle Original (94 Points) – France

31. Lighthouse Gin (94 Points) – New Zealand

32. Yumarrest / Ordinary Gin (93 Points) – Japan

Vodkas, Rum & Liqueurs for Holiday Versatility

Excellent for entertaining, gifting, and festive mixology.

33. Angry Giraffe Premium Vodka (96 Points) – USA

34. Arktika Classic Vodka (96 Points) – Australia

35. 9 Mile Vodka (96 Points) – Germany

36. Doré Vodka with Oat Mash (95 Points) – France

37. Old Road Rum (95 Points) – St. Kitts & Nevis

38. Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum (94 Points) – Saint Lucia

39. Underberg Bitters (94 Points) – Germany

40. Lucano Amaro (93 Points) – Italy

Mezcal & Artisanal Spirits Worth Exploring

For adventurous palates and premium gifting.

41. 400 Conejos Espadín Joven (96 Points) – Mexico

42. Mezcal Unión Uno (94 Points) – Mexico

43. Agave Mexicano (Silvestre) Mezcal (93 Points) – Mexico

44. Lobos 1707 Mezcal Artesanal (92 Points) – Mexico

Ready-to-Drink & Modern Festive Picks

Convenient, stylish, and crowd-pleasing for holiday gatherings.

45. Mai Tai – Straightaway Cocktails (95 Points) – USA

46. Thc Ol’ Fashioned – Flyers Cocktail Company (94 Points) – USA

47. The Alexander RTD (92 Points) – USA

Premium Cognac & Brandy for Elegant Celebrations

48. Courvoisier VSOP (92 Points) – France

49. Delamain Pale & Dry XO (91 Points) – France

50. Art Audry VSOP (91 Points) – France

The Top 50 Spirits of the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards reflect the evolving global spirits landscape where craftsmanship, authenticity, and bartender-driven excellence define success. Whether you are curating a holiday gift guide, building a festive bar menu, or selecting bottles for New Year celebrations, these award-winning spirits promise quality, credibility, and celebration in every glass. View all results here.

2026 Submissions are now open. Enter your spirits

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