The Spirits Business Awards reveals 2025 shortlist
The nominations have been made, the entrants have been meticulously assessed, and now the countdown is under way to crown the winners of The Spirits Business Awards 2025.
The Spirits Business Awards has a clear goal: to find and celebrate the industry’s boldest innovations, talented individuals and trailblazing brands. The competition this year was fierce, demonstrating the high standard the drinks trade continues to strive for – and those successfully leading the way.
Since 2019, The Spirits Business Awards has covered five key categories: Retail & Marketing; Sustainability & Innovation; Culture & Tourism; Products & Brands; and People. There is also a new category addition to this year’s: Bar Group/Operator of the Year.
To narrow down the hundreds of entries for 2025, Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business, chaired three days of judging in August. Independent experts were invited in person and remotely to weigh in on various categories, lending their expertise to their designated segments to find the most deserving winners.
The shortlists have been agreed – and the winners will be announced at The Underglobe Theatre in London on 13 November at a glitzy evening celebration. This year’s celebrity host will be English comedian Rob Beckett, who will be sure to keep guests on the edge of their seats – and in stitches – as the worthy winners are crowned.
“Judging The Spirits Business Awards is one of my favourite things to do as editor-in-chief,” Kiely noted. “It’s a great experience to spend a few days looking through some truly incredible accomplishments across the global spirits industry, and a reminder of the brilliant work that so many are doing in the sector. The standard was incredibly high, making choosing the winners tricky, at times. I’m delighted that we can now share the shortlisted entries for each category. Every name on the shortlist has earned their place, and demonstrated excellence in their respective field. Congratulations to all the shortlisted entries – I’m excited to celebrate the winners at our ceremony in November.”
The judges were: Jenny Rea, lead product developer at Marks & Spencer; Nick Larsson-Bell, spirits and beer buyer, Harvey Nichols; Anne Jones, owner and director of Limestone & Jones; Michelle Brampton, CEO of WSET; Nicola Burston, CEO of The Drinks Trust; Kristiane Westray, whisky writer, educator and author of Savour; Millie Milliken, drinks writer, head of content for the OurWhisky Foundation, and author of Tequila: A Tasting Course; Leah van Deventer, writer, judge and consultant; Guy Hodcraft, spirits buyer for Bordeaux Index; Lauren Bowes, bars editor of The Spirits Business; and Nicola Carruthers, deputy editor of The Spirits Business.
The winner of The Alan Lodge Young International Drinks Writer of the Year will be announced at the ceremony in November. This award was judged by: Lucy Shaw, freelance wine and spirits writer; Clinton Cawood, freelance drinks writer; and Milliken. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented during the awards ceremony in November.
Keep reading for the full shortlist for 2025.
Retail & Marketing
Spirits Retailer of the Year – Commerce
Ocado Retail
Spiritly
Drinksupermarket
Spirits Retailer of the Year – Specialist
Hedonism
Berry Bros & Rudd
Royal Mile Whiskies
Skylark
Spirits Retailer of the Year – Supermarket
Marks & Spencer
Aldi UK
Tesco
Spirits Distributor of the Year
Liana Collection
Mangrove Global
Amathus
Best Marketing Campaign
‘Not Your Classic’ by Bruichladdich
‘Lion’s Power in You’ by Aznauri
‘1800 Tequila x Mr Flower Fantastic’ by Complex
Best Event
Margarita Mile
The Whisky Exchange – The Tequila Show
Cayman Cocktail Week
Botanica Gin & Spirits Journey
Best Spirits PR Company
N94 Agency
Richmond & Towers
New Make Communications
Doubleshot
Sustainability & Innovation
Spirits Sustainability award
Eden Mill
InchDairnie
Ramsbury Distillery
Everleaf
Agitator
Ethical award
Downton Distillery
Serengeti Spirits
Drinklusive (The Three Drinkers)
Innovation in Packaging
Citadelle Eco Pouch
Planteray
One Cask at a Time
Drylaw
Innovation in Production
Archie Rose Smoked Cask Single Malt
Vanaha Artisanal Forest Gin
Never Never Signature Vodka
Culture & Tourism
Distillery Consumer Experience Award
Roe & Co Distillery
Citadelle Distillery
Archie Rose
Stade’s West Indies
Scapa
Bar of the Year
Viajante87
The Spy Bar
Side Hustle
Bar Group/Operator of the Year
The Alchemist Bars & Restaurants
Thesleff Group
Urban Pubs & Bars
Products & Brands
Best New Product
Ilegal Mezcal
SirDavis American Whisky
El Tequileño Still Strength
Almave Humo
The Dram Team Scotch Whisky Tasting Map
Woven WxC
Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola Cherry
Brand of the Year – Brandy/Cognac
Burnt Faith
Hermitage Cognac
Aznauri
Brand of the Year – Gin
Citadelle
Barra Atlantic Gin
Never Never
Brand of the Year – Rum/Cachaça
Rhum Clément
Planteray
Camikara Cask Aged Rum
Duppy Share
Brand of the Year – Speciality Spirits (Low/no, liqueurs, pre-mixed, other)
Allora Aperitivo al Limone
Diistil
Everleaf
Gingor Elixir
Brand of the Year – Tequila/Mezcal
El Tequileño
Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal
Celeya Tequila
Brand of the Year – Vodka
Bravada Vodka
Belvedere Organic Vodka
Ramsbury Vodka
Brand of the Year – Whisky
Teeling Whiskey
Turntable
Woven
Lochlea
Indri
People
Blender of the Year
Chris Tomson, Lark Distillery
Jorge Antonio Salles Herrera, Tequila El Tequileño
Pete Allison, Woven Whisky
Alexandre Gabriel, Maison Ferrand
Cameron George, SirDavis American Whisky
Distiller of the Year
Adam Hannett, Bruichladdich Distillery
Alex Chasko, Teeling Whiskey Company
Tim Boast, Never Never Distilling Co
Dave Withers, Archie Rose Distilling Co
Bartender of the Year
Jack Sotti, Archive & Myth
Katie Rouse, Couch Stirchley
Danilo Frigulti, Viajante87
Mirko Furci, Scarfes Bar
Mathilde Rougé, Side Hustle
Young Achiever of the Year
Ally Stevenson, Turntable
Gerbe Suttels, Erbe Gin
Jaynie Kean, Raer Scotch Whisky
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