Using the tagline “Judged By Bartenders, Bar Managers and Off-Premise Managers For The On-Premise Industry,” the Bartender Spirits Awards will recognize, encourage, promote and celebrate excellence in the U.S. drinks industry for the 3rd time.

The aim of this international spirits competition is to provide independent and honest reviews for brands targeting the U.S. bar trade. The judging panel consists of some of the most renowned names in the U.S. bar industry, all of them with extensive expertise within the on-premise industry. The result will be a relevant and practical source of reference for bartenders, bar managers, bar owners and other industry professionals when making purchasing decisions for their establishments.

Influential Judges

Judges are made up of some of the most influential bartenders, mixologists, bar managers and owners in the United States– arguably the world’s most attractive spirits market.  By tasting, sipping and assessing your products the judges are also the ones that will potentially then go on to then pour and serve them in their outlets.

This competition recognizes that bartenders are the true influencers – their passions and tastes provide direction for the consumer, especially via their guidance with wine, beer or spirit recommendations. The creation of new drinks is often driven by bartender tastes and perceptions of current trends. Here are the latest 3 judges to join the 2021 Bartenders Spirits Awards.

1. Eryn Reece, Head Bartender at Banzarbar, New York

Eryn Reece, Source: Bartender Spirits Awards 

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Eryn Reece has worked in the restaurant industry for over two decades. Her interest in cocktails was piqued while still in the Pacific Northwest, during her time at Seattle favorite Mona’s Bistro & Lounge. It was her 2007 move to New York City, however, that jump-started her career and set her on the path she walks today.

Her concept of cocktails was revolutionized under mentor Tony Abou-Ganim at the storied Bar Milano. Since then, she’s had the opportunity to work at some of the most celebrated bars in the city. At the beloved East Village destination Mayahuel, she fell in love with tequila and mezcal, harnessing her knowledge of all things agave. From there, she segued into her noteworthy tenure as head bartender at world-renowned Death & Company and the rest, they say, is history.

2. David McPhillips, Director Beverage Strategy & Innovation for Buffalo Wild Wings, Atlanta, GA

David McPhillips, Source: Bartender Spirits Awards 

David McPhillips serves as Director of Beverage Strategy & Innovation for Buffalo Wild Wings, the largest sports bar brand in the United States with more than 1,200 locations and the largest retailer of draft beer in the U.S.  Buffalo Wild Wings is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants.

As Director of Beverage Strategy & Innovation, McPhillips leads all beverage research, programming, innovation development, assortment and analysis that supports Buffalo Wild Wings’ liquid intelligence initiatives.

Prior to Buffalo Wild Wings, McPhillips most recently served as Director of On-Premise Customer Marketing for the HEINEKEN USA portfolio of brands during his twelve-year tenure with the company holding a variety of positions in sales and marketing.  Based in New York, he was responsible for developing consumer insights and brand programming for all on-premise national retail accounts in the U.S.

Before HEINEKEN USA, McPhillips worked six-year stints at both TGI Friday’s and Champp’s Restaurants in operations. McPhillips is a summa cum laude alumnus of the University of Maryland, where he received a Bachelor of Communication Studies with a concentration in Speech & Diversity.

3. Zachary Faden, Lead Bartender & Manager at Brasserie Liberté, Washington DC

Zachary Faden, Source: Bartender Spirits Awards 

Zachary Faden is an academically trained historian turned bartender with a passion for the craft and the story of spirits and cocktails.  He has bartended and overseen drink programs throughout the Washington, DC area, and is currently the Director of Spirits Curation and Education with the Museum of Distilled Spirits. 

Among other honors, he won the 2017 Tales of the Cocktail Official Cocktail Competition and was the 2nd place runner up in 2018; was selected to the Top 100 for Bombay Sapphire’s Most Imaginative Bartender competition in both 2018 and 2019; and has been a Woodford Reserve’s Manhattan Experience regional finalist in 2018, 2019, and 2020. View all judges.

About Bartenders Spirits Awards

The Bartender Spirits Awards will take place in San Francisco on May 17, 2021. Using the tagline “Judged By Bartenders, Bar Managers and Off-Premise Managers For The On-Premise Industry,” the Bartender Spirits Awards will recognize, encourage, promote and celebrate excellence in the U.S. drinks industry. Bartender Spirits Awards Aims To Deliver The Best Spirits For On-Premise Sector In USA.

The aim of the spirits competition is to provide independent and honest reviews for brands targeting the U.S. bar trade. The judging panel consists of some of the most renowned names in the U.S. bar industry, all of them with extensive expertise within the on-premise industry. The result will be a relevant and practical source of reference for bartenders, bar managers, bar owners, and other industry professionals when making purchasing decisions for their establishments. 

Winners of 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards, Source: Top 100 On-premise Spirits 

View previous Bartender Spirits Awards winners

This competition recognizes that bartenders are the true influencers – their passions and tastes provide direction for the consumer, especially via their guidance with wine, beer or spirit recommendations. The creation of new drinks is often driven by bartender tastes and perceptions of current trends. 

Medals will be awarded to those spirits that meet very specific judging criteria, with a goal of identifying spirits that should become additions to bar inventories. Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded to the best-performing spirits based on the following metrics: taste; packaging; and price. Medal winners will be showcased in the Bartenders Spirits TOP 100 SPIRITS Guide, which will be distributed to thousands of bartenders in the U.S. in 2021

Further information: Bartender Spirits Awards