Spirited Awards® Judges

DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA, CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV, FL

AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY, AZ, CO, NM, UT, CA, HI, NV

IL, IN, MI, OH, AL, AR, LA, MS, TX, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, OK, SD, WI

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho,  Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,  Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe      

Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, East Timor, Easter Island, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, North Korea, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Philippines, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Russian Far East, Samoa, Singapore Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam Wake Island, Wallis and Futuna 

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico,  Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago,  Uruguay,  and Venezuela  

All Provinces

This award recognizes the best collection of talent working in an American and International bar today, including bartenders, barbacks, servers, and front of house. Eligible recipients may range from two dynamic bartenders who bring unique, compelling chemistry to their small bar to a larger team that orchestrates the theater of high-volume craft experience.

Considerations include:

• Professionalism
• Dedication
• Hospitality
• Consistency of service
• High quality cocktails
• Must have opened prior to April 1, 2019

This award recognizes the individual or individuals who, in their professional life, play a crucial role in raising the quality of bars, bartenders, and cocktails without currently working as a bartender.

Considerations include:

• Inspiration to others in the industry
• Level of professional standards
• Positive impact on the industry in their career
• Innovation in the industry
• Exceptional industry insights
• Willingness to foster and educate the next generation

This award recognizes an American and International bartender who has had the most influence on drinks styles and cocktail culture. This bartender works regularly behind the bar of a single establishment and develops and serves incredible drinks.

• Innovation in drink creations
• Personability, hospitality and generous spirit
• Technical, practical skills and knowledge
• National recognition of their work and personal recipes that have crossed borders and appeared on cocktail menus in other areas
• Must work regularly behind a single bar–at least 3 shifts a week or more

This award recognizes an American and International ambassador whose creative use of brand communication, combined with personality, has had the most impact on the promotion of drink brands through engaging the trade and executing compelling education and seminars.

Considerations include:

• Trade engagement
• Quality of education and seminars
• Creativity in brand communication
• Must be working as a full-time Brand Ambassador in the field with a primary focus on education for the trade
• Excludes any Brand Executives

This award recognizes an American and International bar that sets the highest of standards in the industry and has influenced national cocktail trends.

Considerations include:

• Menu
• Bar teams
• Atmosphere
• Cocktail quality
• Must have opened prior to April 1, 2019
• Must be a free-standing bar

Note: The bars that qualify for Best American or International Cocktail Bar, Best American or International High Volume Cocktail Bar, Restaurant Bar or Hotel Bar will only be considered for the final ten and final four in one of the above categories. In case of ambiguity, the judging panel reserves the right to decide which category is the most appropriate.

This award recognizes an American and International High Volume Cocktail bar that has taken steps and designed systems in order to excel in the service of cocktails at high volume.

Considerations include:

• Menus with a variety of cocktail styles
• Bartender team who work quickly and consistently under pressure
• Reliable quality of service for large groups
• Excellent standard of cocktails served
• Consistently produces a high-number of quality cocktails weekly
• Minimum capacity: 75 people
• Must have opened prior to April 1st, 2019

Note: The bars that qualify for Best American or International Cocktail Bar, Best American or International High Volume Cocktail Bar, Restaurant Bar or Hotel Bar will only be considered for the final ten and final four in one of the above categories. In case of ambiguity, the judging panel reserves the right to decide which category is the most appropriate.

This award recognizes an American and International hotel bar that offers the best service and consistently well-made drinks in a comfortable setting, ultimately upholding the tradition of the classic hotel bar.

Considerations include:

• Service
• Consistency
• Cocktail quality
• Atmosphere
• Ability to cater to an international guest
• Must have opened prior to April 1, 2019

Note: The bars that qualify for Best American or International Cocktail Bar, Best American or International High Volume Cocktail Bar, Restaurant Bar or Hotel Bar will only be considered for the final ten and final four in one of the above categories. In case of ambiguity, the judging panel reserves the right to decide which category is the most appropriate.

This award recognizes an American and International restaurant bar that is dedicated to creating a great cocktail experience for their dining guests.

Considerations include:

• Aperitif and digestive drinks
• The food and cocktail menus need to be well integrated
• Bartending
• Mixology excellence
• Establishment must have full dinner menu
• Must have opened prior to April 1, 2019
• Must already have high ratings as a primarily food and wine business

Note: The bars that qualify for Best American or International Cocktail Bar, Best American or International High Volume Cocktail Bar, Restaurant Bar or Hotel Bar will only be considered for the final ten and final four in one of the above categories. In case of ambiguity, the judging panel reserves the right to decide which category is the most appropriate.

This award recognizes a recently opened American and International cocktail bar that made an immediate impact on cocktail culture and set new high standards for the industry.

Considerations include:

• Creativity
• Décor
• Service
• Execution of drinks
• Must have opened between April 1, 2019 and February 26, 2020

Note: The bars that qualify for Best American or International Cocktail Bar, Best American or International High Volume Cocktail Bar, Restaurant Bar or Hotel Bar will only be considered for the final ten and final four in one of the above categories. In case of ambiguity, the judging panel reserves the right to decide which category is the most appropriate.

This award recognizes outstanding print journalism (magazine, newspaper, online media) that features bars, bartenders, cocktails, spirit reviews, trends, and drinks culture.

Considerations include:

• Beverage-related content.
• Innovative, engaging, and notable writing.
• Distinguished and dynamic collection of writers.
• Exciting and impressive photography and design.
  • For print magazines, a sample of a single issue published during the date range specified below must be submitted with the nomination. Digital issues are preferred, but hard copy samples are also acceptable.
  • For newspapers and online publications, samples of specific, relevant articles published within the date range specified below must be submitted with the nomination.
  • For hard copy samples, the cost of submitting and shipping the sample is the responsibility of the publisher, publicist, or editor.
  • Please contact us at spiritedawards@talesofthecocktail.org to arrange coordination and shipping of hard copy samples (as applicable). Samples must be shipped after the close of the submission period (February 26th, 2020). Sample must have been published between April 1, 2019 and February 26th, 2020.

Disclaimer: English is the shared language for the judging committee. For the most thorough consideration by the judges, samples should either be published in English or translated into English. Samples in non-English languages are welcome, but the judges’ abilities to read and score such samples may be limited.

Great journalism is one of the best ways to communicate the value and significance of great bars, bartenders, cocktails, and drinks culture. This award recognizes the writing and publication of a single piece of outstanding work (magazine, newspaper, online media) that highlights bars, bartenders, cocktails, spirits, trends, and drinks culture.

Considerations include:

• Influence and following within the industry.
• Innovative, engaging, and notable reporting, research, and writing.
• This award recognizes a single, exceptional piece of work—candidates must upload one published writing sample per nomination.
• Samples must have been published between April 1, 2019 and February 26th, 2020

Disclaimer: English is the shared language for the judging committee. For the most thorough consideration by the judges, samples should either be published in English or translated into English. Samples in non-English languages are welcome, but the judges’ abilities to read and score such samples may be limited.

This award recognizes the best book published in the past year regarding cocktails, bars, bar design, or bartending in general.

Considerations include:

• Bartending or cocktail-related content (this includes books focusing on low- or no-alcohol cocktails).
• Innovative, engaging, and compelling writing.
• Book must have an initial designated publication date between April 1, 2019 and February 26th, 2020
  • New editions of previously published books may be nominated.
• Books must be readily available for retail purchase; works prepared and distributed as menus, marketing material, or that are only available to limited audiences are not eligible for consideration.
• A sample of the final, finished book must be submitted with the nomination form; nominations without judging samples cannot be considered.
  • When submitting book samples, hard copies are greatly preferred, though digital samples may also be accepted.
  • For hard copy samples, the cost of submitting and shipping the sample is the responsibility of the publisher, publicist, or author.
  • Please contact us at spiritedawards@talesofthecocktail.org to arrange coordination and shipping of hard copy samples (as applicable). Samples must be shipped after the close of the submission period (February 26th, 2020).
  • For hard copy samples, the submission may only include a standard version of the published work, and a cover letter or copy of the submission form. Samples that are signed by the author, or that include promotional material, personal notes, gifts, or other items will be disqualified.

Note: A book can only be nominated in one of these categories (“Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book” or “Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History or Spirits”). In case of ambiguity, the judging panel reserves the right to decide which category is the most appropriate.

Disclaimer: English is the shared language for the judging committee. For the most thorough consideration by the judges, samples should either be published in English or translated into English. Samples in non-English languages are welcome, but the judges’ abilities to read and score such samples may be limited.

This award recognizes the best long-form nonfiction published in the past year, including works on drinks culture, cocktail history, drinks-related personal memoir, spirits, and distillation, or other aspects of the drinks world as it relates to spirits and cocktails.

Considerations include:

• Content must be related in some way to spirits, cocktail history, bar culture, or similar themes.
• Well-researched, innovative, and compelling writing.
• Book must have been published between April 1, 2019 and February 26th, 2020.
  • New editions of previously published books may be nominated.
• A sample of the final, finished book must be submitted with the nomination form; nominations without judging samples cannot be considered.
  • When submitting book samples, hard copies are greatly preferred, though digital samples may also be accepted.
  • For hard copy samples, the cost of submitting and shipping the sample is the responsibility of the publisher, publicist or author.
  • Please contact us at spiritedawards@talesofthecocktail.org to arrange the coordination and shipping of hard copy samples (as applicable). Samples must be shipped after the close of the submission period (February 26th, 2020).
  • For hard copy samples, the package may only include a standard version of the published work, and a cover letter or copy of the submission form. Samples that are signed by the author, or that include promotional material, personal notes, gifts, or other items will be disqualified.

Note: A book can only be nominated in one of these categories (“Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book” or “Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History or Spirits”). In case of ambiguity, the judging panel reserves the right to decide which category is the most appropriate.

Disclaimer: English is the shared language for the judging committee. For the most thorough consideration by the judges, samples should either be published in English or translated into English. Samples in non-English languages are welcome, but the judges’ abilities to read and score such samples may be limited.

This award recognizes the best broadcast, podcast or online video series regarding bars, bartenders, cocktails, spirits, drinks culture, and bartending in general.

Considerations include:

• Beverage-related content.
• Influence and following within the industry.
• Innovative, engaging, and notable media pieces.
• Judges will consider a single episode first broadcast or posted online during the date range specified below. A sample file of a single, eligible episode, or a link to a single, eligible episode, must be included with the nomination form. The selected samples must have been broadcast or posted online between April 1, 2019 and February 26th, 2020

This award recognizes the item that has made the most significant impact on the cocktail and bar industry in the past year.

Considerations include:

• Must be a spirit (liquor, liqueur) or a cocktail ingredient (tonic, bitters, syrup or garnish)
• Must be available for purchase with a minimum of three state distribution in the U.S. or in three countries in the rest of the world.
  • Provide a list of outlets in key markets where the product on distribution
• Top 10 selected candidates will be asked to submit a sample product
• Item may be new or a new reformulation
• Item must have been launched between April 1, 2019 and February 26th, 2020

This award recognizes the bar’s ability to communicate its offerings to their guests in a physical manner–via hard copy bar menu or board.

Considerations include:

• Originality and creativity of design
• Content: range of spirits and specialty cocktails
• Diversity of cocktail styles
• To be considered, a PDF or JPG copy of the menu must be uploaded along with nomination form

This award recognizes a venue that stocks an outstanding range of spirits.

Considerations include:

• Comprehensiveness of one particular spirit or category
• Discernment and extraordinary dedication to the spirit or category
• Number of bottles stocked
• A focus on specialty, rare or vintage selections
• Staff knowledge of the spirit or category
• PDF or JPEG copy of the spirits selection must be uploaded along with nomination form

This award recognizes outstanding service by an individual or institution that demonstrates outstanding commitment to the hospitality community either through direct financial support, development of charitable or educational programs, volunteering and/or leadership in philanthropy.

Considerations include:

• Depth/breadth of reach
• Lasting Impact in community
• Innovation/Creativity to address an issue or need in the hospitality industry

This award recognizes an individual who has encouraged mentorship and contributed to making the hospitality industry equitable and inclusive by working to remove barriers as it pertains to gender identity, race, religion, and socioeconomic status.

The Pioneer Award Winner is an individual who has:

• Made unique and lasting contributions to the accessibility and intersectionality of the global drinks community
• Shaped the beverage landscape and provide visible models of achievement for tomorrow’s leaders
• Served as a leader and mentor

This award recognizes the achievement of an individual, whom over the course of their career, has made significant contributions and lasting impact in the hospitality industry

This award recognizes an American bar that is a pillar in its community, has built a strong reputation for being an important space within its local and regional community, and one that has provided a benchmark for the industry there. The American Classic is a bar that is both welcoming and familiar but also respected as an institution that has encouraged the culture and growth of other establishments and has been a staple for locals and visitors alike. Eligible recipients should embody the culture and warmth of the city or location in which it resides, offer quality cocktails, consistent customer service and a certain compelling quality that makes it truly resonate within its community.

This award recognizes an International bar that is a pillar in its community, has built a strong reputation for being an important space within its local and regional community, and one that has provided a benchmark for the industry there. The International Classic is a bar that is both welcoming and familiar but also respected as an institution that has encouraged the culture and growth of other establishments and has been a staple for locals and visitors alike. Eligible recipients should embody the culture and warmth of the city or location in which it resides, offer quality cocktails, consistent customer service and a certain compelling quality that makes it truly resonate within its community.

Established in 2007, World’s Best Bar is awarded to one of the winners in the bar categories: Best American and International Cocktail Bar, Best American and International Restaurant Bar, Best American and International Hotel Bar and Best American and International High Volume Bar.