“Caramel, must, and leather on the nose. A rush of creme brulee, cinnamon, leather, and candied ginger notes on the palate lead to a long finish of spice, leather, and caramel. Absolutely everything I would want out of a cognac” says Zachary Taylor, Bartender at Bar 587 and a judge at the 2021 Bartenders Spirits Awards.

Cognac Drouet et Fils’ estate covers 74 acres of Grande and Petite Champagne nestled near the town of Cognac. It is important to note that all their cognacs only come from Grande Champagne. Cognac Drouet et Fils remains faithful to the traditional production methods of the old. So faithful in fact, that you can almost taste the tradition in their cognacs ranging from their VSOP to XO to Paradis de Famille. 

Today, the 4th generation estate is still very much a family business and run by Patrick Drouet, The Drouet family still carries out their cognac production in-house, sticking to over a century of skillful traditions. Utilizing grapes grown on site, Drouet is a true Single Estate Cognac producer. You can find their cognacs throughout the world and they are instantly recognizable due to distinguished packaging and unique bottle shapes.

Drouet VSOP Cognac has quite a distinct flavor profile and rich mahogany color with tints of bronze. On the nose, the aroma is expressive, with changing notes of vanilla, cinnamon and mild spices. When tasting, you’ll enjoy finely balanced notes of apple, vanilla and spices with rich antique wood on the palate. Finally, you’ll experience a remarkably long finish, balancing bright acidity and sweetness. 

This cognac leaves you with a full and velvet hint in your mouth. Glass Revolution Imports is the sole importer of Drouet VSOP Cognac to the United States.

The Bartender Spirits Awards judge spirits across the parameters of Mixability, Balance and Versatility, Taste, Mouthfeel and Finish, Package and Price.

This competition recognizes that bartenders are the true influencers – their passions and tastes provide direction for the consumer, especially via their guidance with wine, beer or spirit recommendations. “We wanted a way to recognize those spirits that would be a great addition to any bar and that are completely on-trend in terms of packaging and price,” said Sid Patel, Founder and CEO of Beverage Trade Network. “Whether bartenders are looking to plug a very specific gap in their existing spirits inventory, or construct an entirely new cocktail menu from scratch, what better advice could they get than from fellow bartenders?”

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Medals are awarded to those spirits that meet very specific judging criteria, with a goal of identifying spirits that should become valuable additions to bar inventories. Each spirits brand was evaluated on the factors of Mixability, Balance and Versatility, Taste, Mouthfeel and Finish, Package and Price.
 

BSA was able to resume in-person judging in 2021 where America’s top bartenders came to review brands from more than 45 different countries.

Here are the top winners of the 2021 Bartender Spirits Awards

Spirit of the Year - Uncle Nearest 1820 Premium Single Barrel Whiskey

Distillery of the Year - Uncle Nearest

Best Value of the Year - Jean Fillioux Cognac Grande Champagne La Pouyade

Best Package of the Year - Green Hat Gin Citrus Floral Gin

Liqueur of the Year - Amaro Di Angostura

Gin of the Year - Green Hat Gin Citrus Floral

Vodka of the Year - Cylinder Vodka

Tequila of the Year - Espanita Anejo Tequila

World Whisky of the Year - Uncle Nearest 1820 Premium Single Barrel Whiskey

Brandy/ Cognac of the Year - Jean Fillioux Cognac Grande Champagne La Pouyade

Rum of the Year - Terra Mariae Spiced Rum

View 2021 All Bartender Spirits Awards Winners

ABOUT THE BARTENDER SPIRITS AWARDS

The aim of Bartender Spirits Awards is to provide independent and honest reviews for brands who are looking to enter the U.S. on-premise industry. The judging panel consists of some of the most renowned names in the U.S. bar industry, all of them with extensive expertise within the on-premise industry. The result will be a relevant and practical source of reference for bartenders, bar managers, bar owners, and other industry professionals when making purchasing decisions for their establishments.