About Bartender Spirits Awards

The Bartender Spirits Awards is an international spirits competition dedicated to identifying and recognising spirits that deliver real value to the U.S. on-premise market. Organised by Beverage Trade Network, the competition is judged exclusively by leading bartenders, bar managers, beverage directors, and hospitality professionals who make buying and pouring decisions every day.

Unlike traditional spirits competitions that focus solely on technical quality, the Bartender Spirits Awards evaluates every entry based on three commercially important criteria: Quality, Value, and Packaging. This unique judging approach ensures that winning spirits are not only outstanding in taste but also offer strong value and packaging that appeals to today's hospitality professionals and consumers.

Winning a Bartender Spirits Awards medal provides producers with independent recognition from the people who influence purchasing decisions behind the bar. The competition helps distilleries and brand owners strengthen conversations with importers, distributors, retailers, and on-premise operators by demonstrating that their products have been endorsed by respected industry professionals.

Each year, the Bartender Spirits Awards attracts entries from around the world, giving producers an opportunity to benchmark their spirits against international competition while gaining exposure across Beverage Trade Network's global media and trade platforms. The competition has become a trusted benchmark for brands looking to build credibility, increase visibility, and grow their presence in the U.S. market.

More than a medal, the Bartender Spirits Awards is designed to provide practical commercial value. Entrants receive detailed judging feedback and exclusive buyer market intelligence, offering insights into what hospitality professionals are looking for and helping producers better position their brands for success in one of the world's most competitive spirits markets.

Key Dates:

Super Early Bird Ends — September 30, 2026
Early Bird Ends — January 20, 2027
Registration Closes — April 20, 2027
Warehouse Closes — April 30, 2027
Judging Day — May 23, 2027
Winners Announced — June 10, 2027

Fee Schedule (Per Spirits Entry)

Super Early Bird Pricing — $300 per spirit (now to September 30, 2026)
Early Bird Pricing — $350 per spirit (November 1, 2026 to January 20, 2027)
Regular Pricing — $400 per spirit (January 21, 2027 to April 20, 2027)

*Instructions if shipping from outside the U.S.

It is best to use your own importer or agent to clear your shipment through U.S. Customs. All beverages shipped from outside the U.S. require import documents that must be obtained from your own importer or through import partners that provide TTB / Cola service.

If you do not currently work with a US Importer, please contact us for assistance. DO NOT SHIP OUT TO THE U.S. BEFORE OBTAINING YOUR COLA WAIVER AND FDA APPROVAL. Please note that TTB / Cola waiver charges you can directly pay the service provider that quotes you.

Please see detailed instructions for sending samples from outside the US on the shipping instructions page.

Location

Organizer & More Info

Web: https://bartenderspiritsawards.com