A unique blind tasting, design and value-tested competition for spirits and drinks products for the UK bar industry.

The Bartender's Brand Awards - now in its eighth year - is like no other drinks competition around.

Our judging is designed to reflect the buying behaviour of bar operators - with each product assessed not only by taste, but also by design and value for money.

Our judges are bartenders, bar owners, operators, and managers from many of the best venues around the country, with each panel of judges chosen for their expertise in a given category.

With an on-trade focus, the Awards are open to drinks brands (spirits, liqueurs, beer, wine and cider) available - or about to market - to UK bars.

The results of the BBAs are published in CLASS magazine (and on Classbarmag.com) as a buying guide to our audience of bartenders, bar managers and bar owners.

Entering the Bartenders’ Brand Awards has been fantastic for Franklin & Sons. Having our products blind-tasted by leading bartenders across the UK offers unmatched validation of both quality and usability. As a brand created by bartenders, for bartenders, this recognition truly matters. It’s not just about medals, but credible, trade-focused feedback on taste, packaging, versatility, and value. The BBAs highlight our standout flavour profiles and carbonation. The process delivers actionable insights and a powerful endorsement that strengthens our visibility, sharpens our offering, and supports our market positioning.

Lauren Edwards, Brand Manager

Franklin & Sons

The Bartenders’ Brand Awards use a unique, holistic approach - judging brands on quality, value, and bar appeal. They provide a trusted, peer-to-peer guide for bartenders selecting products for their menus. Del Maguey Mezcal’s recognition is a powerful endorsement from bartender professionals, celebrating our exceptional taste, iconic packaging, artisanal quality, and standout value.

Mark Makin, Enterprise Brands Controller

Pernod Ricard

As an on-trade marketeer, the Bartenders’ Brand Awards are an invaluable tool for building credibility where it counts - with bartenders. The judging process, based on taste, value, and design, gives a well-rounded view of a brand’s appeal. Whether you're a challenger or an established name, endorsement from expert bartenders is a powerful differentiator. We genuinely trust the panel’s expertise, and showcasing that endorsement has helped open doors and spark meaningful trade conversations.

Aiste Valiukaite, Trade Marketing Manger, On Trade

Disaronno

The Bartenders’ Brand Awards offer incredible value—especially for emerging brands looking to earn the trust of the industry’s most discerning voices. For both ITALICUS and Savoia, being recognised by those behind the bar has not only helped validate the quality of our liquids, but also opened doors to new conversations and opportunities. It’s a benchmark we’re proud to have achieved.

Giuseppe Gallo, Founder & CEO

ITALICUS & Savoia Vino Aperitivo

entry deadlines