The Bartender Spirits Awards is proud to announce the first round of esteemed judges for its 2025 competition. This panel of experts is set to bring unparalleled expertise and insight to the evaluation of spirits from around the world. Their involvement not only enhances the credibility of the awards but also provides spirits brands with an exceptional opportunity for recognition and growth in the industry.

“The 2025 lineup of Bartender Spirits Awards judges is the most powerful lineup of bartenders you will find in the USA. This unique opportunity to present your spirits to America's top Bartenders and benchmark the spirits for on-premise channels of USA says Sid Patel, CEO and Founder of Beverage Trade Network, we are very pleased to share with you our first round of judges”. 

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

Here are a few of the names that will be judging the 2025 event:

Kapri Robinson US Bartender of the Year 2024, Netflix Drinks Master's and Bartender of The Year 2023 at Liquor.com

Mike Ryan Global Beverage Director, Acurio International, Chicago

Joseph V. Micallef Journalist and commentator on food, wines, spirits, and travel. (Forbes)

Michael Lindgren Career Beverage Professional, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Jared Givens Director of Restaurants, Bars, and Events at The Thompson, Hyatt Hotels, Dallas

Anna Thorn, Director of Bar & Spirits at Hogsalt, Chicago

Kiki Avalos 2024 US Tastemaker of the Year at the USBG and Bar Manager at Red Feather Kitchen, Cincinnati, Ohio

Martin Duffy Whisky Educator and Ex Sr. Master of Whisky for the entire Diageo whisky portfolio, Chicago

Raj Sabharwal Founding Partner at Glass Revolution Imports, Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area, North Carolina

Danny Shapiro Founding partner in Scofflaw Group, Chicago

These professionals are at the forefront of trends and innovations in the spirits world, making their evaluation highly valuable for participating brands.

Why Spirits Brands Should Enter the Competition?

1. Expert Evaluation by Industry Leaders: The judges' extensive experience ensures that each spirit is assessed with a keen eye for quality, authenticity, and market potential. Their feedback can be instrumental in refining products and positioning them effectively in the market.

2. Enhanced Brand Visibility: Winning an award or receiving high scores can significantly boost a brand's reputation. It opens doors to new distribution channels and attracts the attention of bar managers, retailers, and consumers.

3. Marketing and Promotional Opportunities: Awarded brands gain access to marketing materials, including medals and badges, which can be used on packaging and promotional campaigns to highlight their achievements.

4. Networking Opportunities: The competition facilitates connections with industry professionals, leading to potential collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships.

5. Insight into Market Trends: Participation provides brands with valuable insights into current market trends and consumer preferences, helping them stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

How the Judges Add Value to the Brands

- Credibility and Trust: The judges' reputations lend credibility to the awards. Their endorsement acts as a powerful testimonial to the quality of the winning spirits.

- Professional Feedback: Detailed tasting notes and scoring provide brands with professional insights that can guide product development and improvement.

- Industry Influence: Judges often have significant influence within the industry. Their appreciation of a brand can lead to increased interest from bars, restaurants, and retailers.

- Trendsetting: As trendsetters, the judges can help spotlight emerging brands and unique spirits, bringing them to the attention of a wider audience.

About the Bartender Spirits Awards

The Bartender Spirits Awards is a premier international competition designed to recognize and promote excellence in the spirits industry, specifically from the perspective of bartenders, bar managers, and on-premise buyers. The awards focus on the needs of the on-premise sector and aim to provide a credible and comprehensive quality assessment that can guide professionals in the hospitality industry.

Why the Bartender Spirits Awards Stand Out

a) Judging Criteria Tailored to On-Premise Success: Spirits are evaluated based on mixability, balance and versatility, taste, packaging, and price. This ensures that awarded spirits meet the specific needs of bars and restaurants.

b) Exposure to Key Decision-Makers: Winners are showcased to a network of industry professionals who are instrumental in purchasing decisions.

c) Comprehensive Promotion: Awarded brands are featured across various media platforms, including industry publications, social media, and the Bartender Spirits Awards website.

How to Enter

Spirits brands interested in entering the 2025 competition can submit their entries through the official Bartender Spirits Awards website. Early registration is encouraged to take advantage of discounted entry fees and to ensure ample time for shipping samples.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-31]]

Join the Ranks of Award-Winning Spirits

Participating in the Bartender Spirits Awards offers brands a unique opportunity to stand out in a crowded market. With the endorsement of some of the industry's most respected professionals, your spirit can gain the recognition it deserves.

For More Information

Visit our website at www.bartenderspiritsawards.com for entry guidelines and submission deadlines.

Header Image: Kapri Robinson US Bartender of the Year 2024.