The 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards is set to raise the bar once again by assembling an all-star lineup of influential buyers and hospitality tastemakers as judges. This year’s panel, featuring some of the top names in the U.S. bar and restaurant industry, will play a crucial role in evaluating spirits from a unique perspective, ensuring that only the best products make the cut for the on-premise sector. For spirits brands, this presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their products to those who know the market inside and out.

The judging panel includes leading bartenders, beverage directors, and industry influencers such as Miranda Breedlove (National Director of Bars at Hyatt Hotels), Anna Thorn – Director of Bar & Spirits at Hogsalt, Chicago, Kapri Robinson (Washington D.C.-based bartender and industry advocate, number 1 Bartender in the USA right now), and Mike Ryan (Global Beverage Director, Acurio International), among others. These professionals don’t just understand spirits—they work with them every day, making decisions that impact what ends up on bar menus across the country. Their input is invaluable for brands looking to break into or grow within the highly competitive on-premise market.

Why This Matters for Spirits Brands

1) Direct Market Exposure: Spirits brands entered into the competition are tasted and evaluated by industry professionals who are responsible for making purchasing decisions. Winning a medal is not only a mark of quality but also a direct endorsement from the very people who can influence which spirits are stocked in bars, restaurants, and hotels across the U.S.

2) Valuable Feedback: Each spirit is assessed based on quality, value, and packaging—three key factors that matter in the bar industry. For brands, receiving feedback from these seasoned judges can be instrumental in refining their products to better meet market demands.

3) Boost in Brand Credibility: Recognition from the Bartender Spirits Awards carries significant weight in the industry. A medal from this competition signals to bartenders, buyers, and consumers that a spirit is not only high-quality but also commercially viable and ideal for cocktail programs or bar menus.

4) Marketing and Sales Impact: Winning brands have the opportunity to leverage their accolades in their marketing efforts. A win or top placement can be highlighted in marketing materials, on packaging, and in sales pitches to distributors and retailers. The endorsement from leading bartenders and hospitality experts provides a compelling reason for buyers to consider stocking your product.

5) Strategic Advantage for New and Established Brands: Whether a brand is new to the market or looking to further solidify its presence, the Bartender Spirits Awards offer a competitive edge. For new brands, it's a chance to make a strong first impression. For established brands, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm their position and gain further traction in a crowded market.

Elevating Spirits for the On-Premise Sector

Citadelle Gin Jardin d'Été by Citadelle Gin Distillery from France taking home the title of Spirit of the Year. Check previous year's winners here.

The Bartender Spirits Awards was specifically designed to judge spirits from the perspective of the on-premise sector, which is what sets it apart from other competitions. This year’s elite panel of judges ensures that only the most suitable and versatile spirits make it through. For brands, this is an invaluable opportunity to be recognized by the very professionals who determine what consumers drink when they visit bars and restaurants.

Participating in the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards is more than just about winning a medal—it’s about gaining insights, building connections, and getting your spirit in front of the right people. Brands that succeed here are well-positioned to grow their presence in the bar and restaurant scene, solidifying their reputation and boosting their sales potential in the highly competitive spirits industry.

To learn more about the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards and to see the full list of judges, visit here.

The 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards, hosted in Chicago, has become a vital platform for recognizing the finest spirits for on-premise consumption in bars, restaurants, and hotels. The prestigious judging panel for this year includes:

Miranda Breedlove – National Director of Bars at Hyatt Lifestyle Operations, with over 15 years of experience in managing innovative bar programs across the U.S. Miranda is known for her ability to elevate the bar scene and bring creativity to the cocktail world.

Kapri Robinson – A renowned bartender and community advocate based in Washington D.C., Kapri is known for her leadership in the beverage industry and her role as a mentor for up-and-coming bartenders. She brings a wealth of experience and passion for spirits education. Her recent achievements are 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. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mike is well-equipped to take Acurio’s cocktail program to the next level. Acurio International, the foremost global restaurant company specializing in Peruvian cuisine, and for many years a leader in the promotion of Pisco and an innovator in its use, is proud to announce the appointment of Mike Ryan as its new Corporate Beverage Director. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. Most recently, he served as the National Director of Bars at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, where he was instrumental in shaping the beverage identity of dozens of unique restaurants within the company. In Mike’s new role, he will oversee Acurio’s global beverage program across all locations in the USA, LATAM, Europe, and the Middle East including the La Mar brand, Tanta, Yakumanka, and new concept Jarana. He will be responsible for developing new and exciting beverage offerings, creating training programs for staff, implementing organizational systems, and ensuring that all locations uphold Acurio International’s high standards for quality and service.

Anna Thorn – Director of Bar & Spirits at Hogsalt, Chicago, a James Beard Award-winning bar. In her current role as the Director of Bar & Spirits at Hogsalt, Chicago, Anna is currently making significant strides in the industry with her inventive approach and a profound understanding of mixology. Her recent appointment as our judge at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 further solidifies her position as a tastemaker and influential figure in the spirits sector. Anna's professional journey commenced in the hospitality sector at BOKA Restaurant Group, where she served as Bar Manager for an impressive 5 years. Her commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for patrons and her leadership in enhancing the bar program at BOKA has left an enduring impact. Before her tenure at BOKA, Anna honed her bartending skills at Whiskey Street in Salt Lake City, Utah, contributing significantly to the establishment's reputation for high quality.

From left: Lance Bowman and Kapri Robinson

Lance Bowman – Top 30 at World Class USA. Lance Bowman, Chicago's most renowned mixologist and winner of the Jean Banchet Award for Best Bar in 2022, is responsible for the beverage program for the Alderman. Lance Bowman perfects tradition by putting his own spin on American classics, which are regulars on The Alderman's cocktail list. The Alderman is a cozy cocktail bar with 16 seats tucked away in Pilsen Yards. Prior to this, Lance served as the beverage director for Monnie Burke's in Chicago, where he spent over two decades tending the bar. He has previously been in charge of initiatives that have garnered praise, such as Esquire's Best Bars. He has also triumphed in a number of competitions, including being awarded Chicago's Patrón Perfectionist in 2018.

Julia Momose – Bartender, James Beard awarded author, business owner, and the creative force behind Kumiko, the acclaimed dining bar in Chicago. Momosé was raised in Japan, where she began developing the traits that would inform her approach to beverages: sophistication, elegance, and a deep respect for artisanship. Her work has garnered international renown, from features in Time magazine, Esquire, and Food & Wine to a spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars. In 2022, she was awarded the very first Exceptional Cocktails Award from the Michelin Guide. In addition, Momosé developed the cocktails and spiritfree program for Starbucks Roastery Reserve, and her debut book The Way of the Cocktail was named one of the best cookbooks of 2021 by Vanity Fair and WIRED, and received a James Beard Award in 2022.

From left: Lily Wang and Julia Momose

Lily Wang - Partner at Nine Bar and Cara Cara Club, Chicago Lily Wang is a Chicago native and hospitality professional with over 14 years of experience in the industry, but she has been a part of it her entire life. Her family has owned the neighborhood anchor, Moon Palace, for over 30 years in Chicago's Chinatown. After previously working at Moneygun and Estereo, she fell in love with the Chicago cocktail scene. After revamping her parents' restaurant to make room for Nine Bar in 2022, Chicago Chinatown's first cocktail bar was born. In its first two years, it has received local accolades (including Eater Chicago's Bar of the Year and Chicago Magazine's Best New Bar) and national recognition (Imbibe 75 and Punch's Best New Bars). Earlier this year, Lily helped open Cara Cara Club, a European-inspired cocktail and aperitivo bar in Logan Square, Chicago.

Peter Vestinos - Partner and Beverage Director at Sparrow Chicago Peter Vestinos is an award-winning, nationally recognized bartender and spirits professional with years of experience designing cocktail programs and training bartenders & sales teams. With over 20 years of experience in the bar and restaurant industry, he has worked at all levels of the business including behind the bar, distribution, and supplier. In 2012 Vestinos launched the beverage consulting company, The BarMedic, The main focus of The BarMedic has been to implement successful bar systems to help establishments deliver creative, fresh ingredient drinks quickly and with consistency by well-trained bartenders.

Katie Renshaw - 2019 US World Class Bartender of the Year When Katie started working as a bartender in Chicago after quitting her "day job." She loves cocktails which motivated her to seek guidance behind and bar and she has never looked back since then. Her genuine passion for the industry propelled her career forward quickly, and her creativity helped her achieve quick success. She has held positions at some of Chicago's most renowned establishments, such as Billy Sunday, Moneygun, and Drumbar. Katie has also won numerous bartending competitions, like the Midwestern Speed Rack and Heaven Hill Bartender of the Year. Additionally, in 2018 she won the Italicus Bar Artist of the Year and in 2019 she bagged the US World Class Bartender of the Year awards. Her innovativeness, love for cocktails, and attention to detail made High Proof's digital content and cocktail classes a reality. Today she is not only one of the best mixologists you will get around Chicago but also in the entire world.

Danny Shapiro - Founding partner in Scofflaw Group, Chicago Danny Shapiro moved to Chicago in the summer of 2009 to take comedy writing classes at Second City and work his way into the food and beverage scene. Shortly thereafter, he became obsessed with the cocktail trade, working at first for Boka Group, then later for The Whistler under Paul McGee. Danny is a founding partner in Scofflaw Group and continues to preside over its beverage programs (Scofflaw, Slippery Slope, The Heavy Feather, The Moonlighter). Along with his partners, he aims to provide genuine hospitality, while approaching his craft with a passion for knowledge and infectious excitement. He has been recognized for his gin expertise by a wide range of publications including GQ and The New York Times.

Monique Huston - Vice President Spirits Portfolio at Winebow, USA Monique Huston began her spirits career over two decades ago at the Dundee Dell in Omaha, Nebraska where she helped build and educate across one of the largest whisky and spirits collections in the world. An avid spokesperson and educator, Huston has served as a spirits judge and panelist at events and competitions around the world, and has been featured in the Whisky Advocate, Forbes, and the Wall Street Journal. In addition to membership in many industry groups, she has been inducted into the exclusive international society, the Keepers of the Quaich, focused on outstanding commitment to the Scotch Whisky industry. She proudly serves on the advisory board of the Council of Whisky Masters, WSWA’s Craft Spirits Access advisory panel, and as a board member of the Tequila Interchange Project. Passion for whisky has led to a deep exploration of the incredible, terroir-driven spirits of Mexico – her second great love. Monique is the Vice President – Spirits Portfolio for Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits, a national importer and distributor.

Tyler MacLellan - Bar Manager at Three Dots and a Dash, Chicago Bar Manager Tyler MacLellan joined the team at Three Dots and a Dash in 2022, bringing a rich background in hospitality and mixology. Raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, Tyler's career began in the restaurant industry at just 15. He quickly advanced, earning a General Manager position by the age of 20, which fueled his passion for exceptional service. In his role as Bar Manager, Tyler leads with enthusiasm and a hands-on approach, ensuring smooth operations and inspiring his team to excel. His commitment to the craft is reflected in his participation in the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Cocktail Apprenticeship program in 2023 & 2024. Tyler is eager to further explore the world of rum and rhum agricole, sharing his knowledge and experiences with both his team and the next generation of restaurateurs.

For more information about the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards and to see the full list of judges, visit here.

These industry leaders are not just shaping the future of the beverage industry—they’re defining the criteria by which the best spirits for the on-premise sector are judged. With their extensive experience and deep understanding of the spirits landscape, they will evaluate entries with a focus on identifying those products that are exceptional for both bartenders and consumers.

Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network

Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network and organizer of the Bartender Spirits Awards, stated, "We are honored to have such an outstanding panel of judges. Their expertise will help elevate the competition and ensure that the best spirits for bars and restaurants are recognized. This year's lineup of judges brings a diverse range of perspectives, making it one of the most exciting editions yet."

The Bartender Spirits Awards is designed to evaluate spirits through the lens of the bar industry, focusing on how well spirits perform in cocktails, their versatility, and value for money. With the involvement of these top bartenders and hospitality experts, the awards will highlight spirits that deliver exceptional value to both the trade and consumers.

For more information about the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards and to see the full list of judges, visit here.

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