Last weekend the years best bars, bartenders, writers, and cocktail experts from around the world were recognized at the 9th annual Spirited Awards held at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. Sadly we missed the festivities this year for the first time since 2011 but we’ll be there next sure, we’re already making our plans.
The Spirited Awards are the Oscars of the drink industry and not only does it recognize a lot of hard-working individuals from around the world but it sets a roadmap for the drinkers and cocktail snobs around the world looking for the best bars to go to, best drinks to try, and more. This year was the largest nomination pool in its history and thats a good thing, that means the industry is growing, people’s curiosity and demand for good drinks, good service, and good writing is growing.
Winners were announces live at the Sheraton Hotel and in addition to the winners, two people were honored for professional achievement. Winners were voted on by a panel of more than 100 industry experts, led by Simon Ford (Chairman), Jackson Cannon (U.S. Judging Committee Chairman), Jacob Briars (International Judging Committee Chairman), and David Wondrich (Writing Committee Chairman). Voting was a weeklong process that required extensive knowledge in each category. The votes were verified by the Super Committee and tallied to determine the Top 10, Top Four and ultimately this year’s winners. We’ll cut right to the chase and list all the winners below. If you’re in one of these cities, or planning to travel to one of them in the future, take note and drink well.
For more information about the Spirited Awards®, to view past winners or to learn more about all the week’s spirited events, visit SpiritedAwards.TalesoftheCocktail.com or call 504-948-0511.
Spirited Awards 2015 Winners
American Categories
Best American Bar Team
Employees Only (New York)
Employees Only (New York)
American Bartender of the Year
Ivy Mix (New York)
Ivy Mix (New York)
Best American Brand Ambassador
Brooke Arthur (House Spirits)
Brooke Arthur (House Spirits)
Best American Cocktail Bar
Williams & Graham (Denver)
Williams & Graham (Denver)
Best American High Volume Cocktail Bar
Employees Only (New York)
Employees Only (New York)
Best American Hotel Bar
The Broken Shaker (Miami Beach)
The Broken Shaker (Miami Beach)
Best American Restaurant Bar
Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks (Boston)
Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks (Boston)
Best New American Cocktail Bar
ABV (San Francisco)
ABV (San Francisco)
International Categories
Best International Bar Team
28 Hong Kong Street (Singapore)
28 Hong Kong Street (Singapore)
International Bartender of the Year
Ryan Chetiyawardana (London)
Ryan Chetiyawardana (London)
Best International Brand Ambassador
Claire Smith-Warner (Belvedere Vodka)
Claire Smith-Warner (Belvedere Vodka)
Best International Cocktail Bar
Artesian (London)
Artesian (London)
Best International High Volume Cocktail Bar
The Black Pearl & The Attic (Melbourne)
The Black Pearl & The Attic (Melbourne)
Best International Hotel Bar
Beaufort Bar, The Savoy (London)
Beaufort Bar, The Savoy (London)
Best International Restaurant Bar
Blind Pig at Social Eating House (London)
Blind Pig at Social Eating House (London)
Best New International Cocktail Bar
Dandelyan (London)
Dandelyan (London)
Writing Categories
Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication
PUNCH
PUNCH
Best Cocktail & Spirits Writer
Dave Broom
Dave Broom
Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book
Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave ArnoldBest New Spirits Book
Whisky: The Manual by Dave Broom
Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave ArnoldBest New Spirits Book
Whisky: The Manual by Dave Broom
Overall Categories
Best Bar Mentor
Jim Meehan (Portland)
Jim Meehan (Portland)
Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient
Amaro di Angostura
Amaro di Angostura
World’s Best Cocktail Menu
Dead Rabbit (New York)
Dead Rabbit (New York)
World’s Best Spirits Selection
Canon (Seattle)
Canon (Seattle)
World’s Best Bar
Dead Rabbit (New York)
Dead Rabbit (New York)
Special Recognitions
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jonathan Downey
Jonathan Downey
Sam Guarino Citation
Steve Mannan
Steve Mannan