The Bartender Spirits Awards, based in Chicago, is proud to unveil its distinguished panel of judges for the 2026 competition, representing some of the most respected leaders in hospitality, bartending, beverage direction, and spirits education.

Bringing together on-premise professionals from across the U.S., this year’s judging team will evaluate entries on taste, packaging, and value — the key factors that determine what bartenders choose to stock and pour. The competition continues to serve as a trusted benchmark for brands seeking meaningful recognition in the U.S. on-trade market.

Meet the 2026 Judging Panel

The 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards judging cohort includes a diverse lineup of accomplished beverage professionals:

Monique Huston — Vice President of Spirits Portfolio, Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits

Anna Thorn — Director of Bar & Spirits, Hogsalt, Chicago

Martin Duffy — Whisky Educator & Former Master of Whisky for Diageo’s portfolio

Jason Huffman — Director of Beverage Development, Taste & Theory

Ari Klafter — Head Distiller, Thornton Distilling Company

Jennifer Knott — Director of Operations, Levy at Forte / Levy Cultural Attractions

Meghan Konecny — Owner, Overproof Productions

Raul Rizo — Sommelier & F&B Professional

David Samuel — Regional Vice President of Operations, Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Lisa Selman CSS — Director of Beverage, The Alchemy Room, Breakthru Beverage

Danny Shapiro — Founding Partner, Scofflaw Group, Chicago

To view the full list of Round 1 judges and their profiles, please visit the “Judges 2026” section on the official site

Why This Matters for Spirits Brands

The 2026 judging panel represents every corner of the industry — from bar program design and distillation to hotel operations and distribution. Their collective experience ensures that each entry is evaluated for both quality and commercial relevance. For spirits brands, this means practical, actionable feedback from experts who shape real-world buying and pouring decisions across the U.S. on-trade sector.

Enter Before October 31 — Super Early Bird Deadline

The Bartender Spirits Awards 2026 invites domestic and international spirits brands to enter and have their products evaluated by America’s most influential bartenders, mixologists, and beverage directors.

Entries received by the October 31 Super Early Bird deadline enjoy discounted pricing and early inclusion in the Awards’ marketing campaign, maximizing visibility ahead of the competition season.

About the Bartender Spirits Awards

Based in Chicago and organized by Beverage Trade Network, the Bartender Spirits Awards celebrate and promote spirits that bartenders choose to stock and pour. Judged by leading on-premise professionals, the competition emphasizes taste, packaging, and value — the criteria that influence real-world purchase and pour decisions across bars, restaurants, and hotels.

For entry details, judging criteria, and deadlines, visit www.BartenderSpiritsAwards.com.

Also Read:
All You Need To Know Before Setting Foot In The U.S. Spirits Market
Meet the Expert: Zachary Faden Joins the Bartender Spirits Awards 2026