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 announcing the Top Four Finalists for each category of the 9th Annual Spirited Awards. All award finalists are invited to attend the Spirited Awards ceremony on Saturday, July 18, at the Sheraton New Orleans where the winners will be announced live and will receive the Riedel crystal trophies.
“The Spirited Awards continue to recognize the very best bars, bartenders, ambassadors, and more. The standard continues to rise all over the world, both fuelled by Tales and recognized by it,” says Jacob Briars, the chairman of the International Judging Committee for the Spirited Awards. “I am thrilled to see such wonderful international talent being recognized from around the globe, showing that the modern cocktail age continues to grow and expand. There’s never been a better time to enjoy a cocktail all over the world.”
Since 2007, the Spirited Awards have recognized the year’s best bars, bartenders, writers, and experts. Finalists and winners were voted on by a panel of more than 100 industry experts and 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 checked by the Super Committee and tallied to determine the Top 10 and ultimately the Top Four finalists.
“We live in an amazing time for better cocktails, enlightened service, and beverage education,” says Cannon, the chairman of the U.S. Judging Committee for the Spirited Awards. “Congratulations, and thank you to all the finalists for Spirited Awards this year for their hard work and professionalism. I raise my glass to their consistency in producing great drinks, exceptional experiences, and for motivating and educating the next generation of hospitality professionals.”
The 9th Annual Spirited Awards ceremony is bringing Cuban flavor to New Orleans with a colorful and festive event will pay homage to the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of Cuba. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best Cuban attire, and the night will feature daiquiris and Cuban Jazz while celebrating the industry’s best. This year, the sponsoring partners of the 9th Annual Spirited Awards are Bacardi USA, BarSmarts, Beefeater, Bleu Dry Bar, Caña Brava, Chivas, Cognac Ferrand, Courvoisier, House of Angostura, Luxardo, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Nicolas Feuillatte, The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley, Rums of Puerto Rico, Silencio Mezcal, and William Grant & Sons.
“Congratulations to everyone who has made the final four nominees,” says Ford, Spirited Awardschairman. “The impact you are making is being recognized by our industry the world over and you should be proud of your accomplishment whether or not you take home the Spirited Award.”
