Chicago, September 16, 2025, Beverage Trade Network is proud to announce the much-anticipated annual Bartender Spirits Awards 2025, a premier competition that acknowledges and celebrates the finest spirits in the industry. This esteemed event, scheduled to take place in May in Chicago, brings together an assembly of distinguished spirits, expert judges, and influential bartenders to highlight the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of spirits from around the globe.

With a focus on recognizing spirits that resonate with both bartenders and consumers, the Bartender Spirits Awards is a beacon for the industry, shining a light on excellence, innovation, and outstanding taste. This year, the competition will witness an unparalleled array of spirits vying for recognition across various categories, all evaluated through the discerning eyes of top-notch judges.

Renowned spirits professionals, industry leaders, and highly skilled bartenders will join forces to assess and select the most exceptional spirits in the competition. Their expertise and diverse backgrounds contribute to the rigorous evaluation process, ensuring that only the most exceptional spirits receive recognition at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2025.

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

“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”. 

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

In its commitment to championing excellence in the spirits industry, the Bartender Spirits Awards 2025 will provide a platform for spirits brands to showcase their quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Winning a medal at this prestigious event signifies not only superior quality but also recognition from some of the most respected professionals in the industry.

As the Bartender Spirits Awards 2025 approaches, Beverage Trade Network invites spirits brands from across the globe to participate in this exceptional opportunity to gain recognition and accolades for their outstanding spirits.

For more information and registration details, please visit the Bartender Spirits Awards Website.

About Bartender Spirits Awards

The Bartender Spirits Awards aims to identify and celebrate the best spirits for the on-premise sector in the U.S. Under the tagline, "Judged By Bartenders, Bar Managers, and Buyers For The On-Premise Industry," the competition provides a platform for spirits brands to gain recognition in this highly competitive market.

The goal is to offer independent and honest reviews for spirits brands targeting the U.S. bar trade. The judging panel is made up of renowned bartenders, bar managers, and buyers with deep expertise in the on-premise industry. This makes the competition an essential resource for bartenders, bar managers, and bar owners when making purchasing decisions for their venues.

The Bartender Spirits Awards recognizes that bartenders are the true influencers in the spirits industry. Their tastes and trends often drive the creation of new drinks, and their recommendations help guide consumer choices. By understanding the preferences of bartenders and bar managers, spirits brands can position themselves more effectively in the U.S. market.

Why Enter the Bartender Spirits Awards?

Winning at the Bartender Spirits Awards gives brands a competitive edge by elevating their profile in the U.S. on-premise sector. This competition is a trusted source of reference for the industry’s decision-makers, and the recognition gained here can open doors to new partnerships and opportunities.

Take Advantage of Super Early Bird Pricing

Submissions for the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards are now open, with a Super Early Bird pricing of just $175 per spirits available until October 31, 2024. This is an excellent opportunity for distilleries to showcase their products to a global audience and receive valuable feedback from industry experts.

Enter your spirits now to secure your place in the competition and take the first step towards international acclaim.

Both international and domestic spirits submissions are now open. International Distilleries without U.S. importers will receive assistance with shipping and obtaining COLA waivers.

Other relevant articles:

Mike Ryan, Global Beverage Director, Acurio International Joins 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards Judging Panel
Introducing Anna Thorn, Director of Bar & Spirits at Hogsalt to the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards
Discover the award-winning mezcals from the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024, perfect for delivering exceptional experiences to your customers

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