Using the tagline “Judged By Bartenders, Bar Managers and On-Premise Buyers For The On-Premise Industry,” the Bartender Spirits Awards will recognize, encourage, promote and celebrate excellence in the U.S. drinks industry. Awards are based on a weighted overall score that takes into account the following factors: Taste, Price, and Packaging.

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Each Spirit Brand Will Be Scored Based On:

1. Mixability

2. Balance and Versatility

3. Taste, Mouthfeel and Finish

4. Package

5. Price

Taste

Blind tasting samples are presented by category based on their style and origin. Each spirit brand is reviewed on the basis of mixability; balance and versatility; taste, mouthfeel and finish. Top bartenders within the industry review all blind tasting samples, ensuring that every entrant receives unbiased consideration by top influencers within the industry.

Price

The price score creates a strong reference tool for the bar industry and consumers. Following the blind tasting, judges are presented with the price of the spirit to analyze the price score. The objective is to understand how a particular spirit is priced vis-à-vis its peers. In today’s competitive marketplace, relative value is a very important consideration.

Packaging

In the final assessment for packaging, judges are asked to evaluate bottles by their creative design, back-bar appeal, and functionality (including shape, size, weight and ease of pouring).

Judging Panel

The judging panel of the Bartender Spirits Awards consists entirely of top bartenders at U.S. restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs. In order to be selected as a judge, bartenders need to provide evidence of their expertise within the on-premise industry. In some cases, these bartenders may also be cocktail consultants for on-premise establishments or play an important buying role for their on-premise establishment.

List of Bartender Spirits Awards

Double Gold

Gold

Silver

Bronze 

Spirit of the year
Distillery of the year

Best Value of the Year
Best Package of the Year

Liqueur of the Year
Bitter of the Year
Gin of the Year
Vodka of the Year
Tequila of the Year
Scotch Whisky of the Year
World Whisky of the Year
Brandy/Cognac of the Year
Rum of the Year

Bartender Spirits Producer Awards

The producer awards recognize the best-performing drinks producers in the competition. The results are determined by a weighted points system, which scores the achievement of all brands entered into a single category. Awards include:

Gin Producer of the Year
Liqueurs Producer of the Year
Vodka Producer of the Year
Tequila Producer of the Year
Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year
World Whisky Producer of the Year
Brandy/Cognac Producer of the Year
Rum Producer of the Year

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Bartender Spirits Awards gathers the top on-premise buyers, bar managers, and bartenders who have a direct influence on the US on-premise market.

Grow Your On-Premise Brand Presence In The US Market by put your spirits in front of them and get rated by Mixability, Balance & Versatility, Price, Packaging, and Taste, Mouthfeel, & Finish. 

BSA Entry Process & Fees

Super Early Bird Ends October 31, 2021

Leading spirits brands from around the world now have an opportunity to grow their business and gain the attention of top on-premise buyers, Bar managers, bartenders, and influencers within the U.S. on-premise industry. Time to submit your spirits in the 2022 Bartender Spirits Awards.