The 2018 Spirited Awards winners have been named at the awards ceremony which took place in New Orleans this weekend during Tales of the Cocktail.
There are several awards presented on the night, including World’s Best Bar, World’s Best Cocktail Menu and the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award, which this year was presented to renowned bartender and bar owner, John Lermayer, who died in Miami last month.
The World’s Best Bar award compiles the gross 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 and World’s Best Cocktail Menu.
From this pool of finalists, The American Bar at The Savoy London took home the Riedel Crystal Trophy and the honour of being recognised as the best bar in the world.
Neal Bodenheimer, Co-Chair of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, said: “As someone who has been on the other side of the Spirited Awards and has been nominated over the course of many years, I know how significant it is for an owner, operator, bartender or spirits professional to be recognised by his or her peers.
“Congratulations to this year’s winners who represent a global group of talent setting the bar incredibly high for our industry.”
Since its establishment in 2007, the Spirited Awards have developed into a prestigious awards night, which recognise writers and brand ambassadors alongside bartenders and bars.
“Very special congratulations to all of the winners of the 2018 Spirited Awards,” said Charlotte Voisey, Director of Brand Advocacy for William Grant & Sons and Chairperson of the Spirited Awards.
“We celebrate your success but are also grateful for the excellence and inspiration you generate to the industry through your bars, teams, people, products, books, broadcasts and journalism.”
2018 Spirited Award Winners:
American Categories
Best American Bar Team
Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co., Miami, FL
American Bartender of the Year
Yael Vengroff, The Spare Room, Los Angeles, CA
Best American Brand Ambassador
Anne Louise Marquis, Campari America
Best American Cocktail Bar
Lost Lake, Chicago, IL
Best American High Volume Cocktail Bar
The NoMad Bar, New York City, NY
Best American Hotel Bar
The Broken Shaker Miami at The Freehand, Miami, FL
Best American Restaurant Bar
Clyde Common, Portland, OR
Best New American Cocktail Bar
Navy Strength, Seattle, WA
International Categories
Best International Bar Team
The American Bar, The Savoy, London
International Bartender of the Year
Joe Schofield, Tippling Club, Singapore
Best International Brand Ambassador
Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador
Best International Cocktail Bar
Happiness Forgets, London
Best International High Volume Cocktail Bar
The Clumsies, Athens
Best International Hotel Bar
The American Bar, The Savoy, London
Best International Restaurant Bar
Sager & Wilde, London
Best New International Cocktail Bar
Coupette, London
Writing Categories
Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication
The Daily Beast, Half Full Section
Best Cocktail & Spirits Writer
M. Carrie Allan, The Washington Post, Imbibe, and more
Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book
Meehan’s Bartender Manual by Jim Meehan
Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History or Spirits
By the Smoke and the Smell by Thad Vogler
Best Broadcast, Podcast or Online Video Series
Life Behind Bars
Global Categories
Best Bar Mentor
Andy Seymour, Liquid Productions
Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient
Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal Jabali
World’s Best Cocktail Menu
Dandelyan, London
World’s Best Spirit Selection
Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co., Miami, FL
World’s Best Bar
The American Bar at The Savoy, London
Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award
John Lermayer
