Following the largest nomination pool in the history of the show and a rigorous judging process by some of the most respected minds in the cocktail industry, Tales of the Cocktail® is proud to announce the winners for each category of the 10th Annual Spirited Awards®. All winners were announced live last night at the Sheraton Hotel New Orleans. In addition to this year’s judged award winners, Georgette Moger-Petraske, Sasha Petraske’s wife, accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on Sasha’s behalf.
“With this being my last year as chairman, it was a very special Spirited Awards for me. And, of course, the industry did not disappoint with such strong nominees in every category,” said Simon Ford, Spirited Awards® Chairman. “Congratulations to the winners. You absolutely earned this honor.”
The World’s Best Bar award was the final award announced at the Spirited Awards® and quite possibly the most coveted with competition between bars from every corner of the world. The winner of the World’s Best Bar award was determined by the most total votes for both American and International finalists in the following categories: Best High Volume Cocktail Bar, Best Hotel Bar, Best Restaurant Bar, Best Cocktail Bar or World’s Best Cocktail Menu. Ultimately it was The Connaught Bar at the Connaught in London that took home the Spirited Award® and the bragging rights that come with being honored as the world’s best.
“I am personally thrilled for all of this year’s winners. Recognition from peers is a special thing,” said Charlotte Voisey, incoming Spirited Awards® Chairperson. “I am excited for the Spirited Awards to continue to grow along with our industry into the next decade.”
For the past nine years, The Spirited Awards® have recognized the year’s best bars, bartenders, writers and experts, becoming the industry’s most prestigious and coveted award. 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). In 2017, Simon Ford will be stepping down as Chairman for the Spirited Awards® and Charlotte Voisey, Director of Brand Advocacy for William Grant & Sons USA, will take over in leading the Spirited Awards®.
“Every year these awards get harder and harder to win as the talent in our industry continues to grow.” said Ann Tuennerman, Founder of Tales of the Cocktail®. “I want to thank our judges who were up for the tallest of tasks in deciding the best among all the incredible and deserving nominees.”
This year, the sponsoring partners of the 10th Annual Spirited Awards® were Bacardi USA, BarSmart, Beam Suntory, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, Chivas Regal, El Dorado Rum, Fords Gin, Gazela Vinho Verde, Goose Island Beer Company, House of Angostura, Luxardo, Nikka Whisky, Parlor Lounge at The Mirage, Pernod Absinthe, Pierre Ferrand Cognac, Ramazzotti, Rutte, The Cromwell, United States Bartenders Guild and William Grant & Sons.
For more information about the Spirited Awards®, to viewpast winnersor to learn more about all the week’s spirited events, visitTalesoftheCocktail.com