The Bartender Spirits Awards have announced the first group of judges confirmed for its 2027 competition in Chicago. The panel brings together beverage directors, corporate buyers, bar operators, spirits specialists and award-winning bartenders who influence which products are purchased, poured and recommended across the U.S. on-premise market.

The 2027 lineup includes professionals responsible for beverage programmes at restaurant groups, hotels, cruise lines and independent bars, alongside bartenders who work directly with spirits and consumers every day.

This combination allows the competition to evaluate spirits from a practical behind-the-bar perspective. Judges consider more than the liquid alone—they assess whether a product is versatile, commercially relevant, appropriately priced, and suitable for real bar and hospitality environments.

First-Round Judges Confirmed for 2027

The initial judging panel includes:

Alexis Ortega — 2026 World Class U.S. Bartender of the Year

Steven Minor — Corporate Beverage Director at Starwood Hotels

Elliott Reibert — Bartender at Bambi Chicago and 2026 World Class U.S. Top 15 Finalist

Charles Steadman — Director of Food & Beverage Experience and Strategic Partnerships at Virgin Voyages

Danny Shapiro — Founding Partner and Beverage Director at Scofflaw Group, Chicago

Jared Sowinski — Director of Beverage at Upward Projects Restaurant Group, including Postino WineCafe, Joyride Taco House, Windsor and Federal Pizza

Krys Irizarry — Beverage Director, award-winning bartender and spirits expert

Emiliano Vazquez Parrales — Food and Beverage Manager at Mariela, Chicago

Michael P. Trow — Director of Bar Operations at RPM Restaurants, Chicago

Javier Arroyo — Bartender at Atomic Hospitality Group

Richard Beltzer — Beverage Director at Muhājir and BOBO, Chicago

John Chesney — Chief Whiskey Officer at Slightly Toasted and Beverage Director at Toasted Hospitality

Eric Hausser — Experienced Chicago bartender and hospitality professional

Lynn House — National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist at Heaven Hill

David Leon Jr. — Award-winning bartender, spirits specialist and founder of Plátano

John Maraffa — Corporate Beverage Manager at Landry’s

David Mor — Beverage Director and Partner at Mirra, Lilac Tiger, TRUCE and Mariela

Emanuel Santiago — Beverage Manager and Cocktail Director at Scratch Restaurants

Additional judges will be announced as the 2027 panel continues to grow.

Bringing Real Buying Experience Into the Judging Room

The Bartender Spirits Awards were created to recognise spirits that meet the needs of bars, restaurants and hospitality businesses.

A technically well-made spirit may perform strongly in a traditional tasting, but on-premise buyers must consider a much broader range of factors. They need to know whether the product works in cocktails, whether its flavour remains present when mixed, whether the packaging is practical behind the bar and whether the price makes commercial sense for both the venue and the guest.

The judges must also consider whether the spirit fills a genuine need within a beverage programme. A product may be distinctive, but it must still be easy for bartenders to understand, use and recommend. It must give the venue a clear reason to list it and the customer a reason to order it again.

The 2027 panel represents these different parts of the buying and serving process. Its members understand product selection, menu development, cocktail creation, pricing, margins, staff education, and guest preferences.

Why This Matters for Spirits Brands

Competition for space on back bars and drinks menus continues to increase. Beverage directors and buyers are regularly presented with new products, but only a limited number can earn a listing.

Entering the Bartender Spirits Awards gives domestic and international brands the opportunity to put their products in front of professionals who understand the realities of on-premise purchasing and service

Also Read:
U.S. Bartender of the Year Alexis Ortega Named Judge for Bartender Spirits Awards
Bartender Spirits Awards Announces First Round of 2027 Judges
Bartender Spirits Awards Launches Exclusive On-Premise Buyer Intelligence Report For Entrants