All the winners from The Spirits Business Awards 2025
English comedian Rob Beckett had the crowd in stitches as he crowned the winners of The Spirits Business Awards 2025.
Nearly 350 guests gathered at The Underglobe Theatre in London last night (Thursday 13 November) to celebrate the 2025 winners.
The awards categories span five key sectors: Retail & Marketing, Sustainability & Innovation, Product & Brand, Culture & Tourism, and People.
Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business, commented: “From distillers, blenders and bottlers to marketers, distributors and bartenders – the spirits industry can only thrive when each part of the ecosystem works well. And that comes down to the skill and passion of industry leaders across the sector. Year after year, I’m blown away by the standard and creativity of entries we receive for The Spirits Business Awards.
“These awards represent the spirits world at its best, and I’m thrilled we were able to celebrate so much talent in style during our awards ceremony. A huge congratulations to all of our 2025 winners – the epitome of excellence.”
The Spirits Business Awards 2025 partnered with several category sponsors: Thomas Henry, El Supremo, Encirc, Casa Malka Tequila, Tipple, Proof 8, London City Bond, JC Ribeiro, V Spirits Company, Funkin, Master of Malt, ProWein, and Bacardí.
Sponsoring the bar and supplying the cocktails on the night of the awards ceremony were: Desi Daru, V Spirits Company, Everleaf, ProChile (Waqar Pisco), El Tequileño, London City Bond (Bushmills 12 Years Old), Australian Vintage, and Prime Time.
Funkin Cocktails sponsored the guests’ goodie bags.
And, lastly, the winners’ trophies were created by Glencairn Crystal.
Ryan Graves, deputy managing director of The Spirits Business, said: “We want to thank all of our sponsors, attendees, and entrants for making this year’s The Spirits Business Awards another unbelievable success.
Sophie Allan, events director at The Spirits Business, added: “This year’s The Spirits Business Awards was our biggest yet, with more guests than ever.
“Huge thanks to our amazing events team for creating such a fantastic evening and congratulations to all winners on their outstanding achievements. We can’t wait to raise the bar even higher next year.”
Keep scrolling to learn more about this year’s winners.
RETAIL & MARKETING
SPIRITS RETAILER OF THE YEAR – SUPERMARKET, SPONSORED BY THOMAS HENRY
Winner: Aldi
Aldi was celebrated for creating high-quality, affordable spirits options, ensuring everyone can enjoy delicious spirits regardless of price point. The judges praised Aldi’s focus on four key pillars: exceptional quality, unbeatable prices, sustainable packaging and exciting innovation. Plus, Aldi’s beer, wine and spirits sales have grown 8% year on year.
SPIRITS RETAILER OF THE YEAR – SPECIALIST, SPONSORED BY THOMAS HENRY
Winner: Royal Mile
The judges praised Royal Mile Whiskies for making whisky and other spirits engaging and enjoyable. The results shared with the judges were compelling and proved Royal Mile Whiskies is a true leader in the specialist retailer field.
Runner-up: Berry Bros & Rudd
As a 327-year-old merchant, Berry Bros & Rudd has a long heritage of fine, collectable spirits. In 2024, the company opened its Spirits Shop. This is a retailer whose reputation precedes it, and has become renowned for its distribution, events, and talented team.
Special Commendation: Hedonism
Hedonism appears to be bucking the wider sales decline, and has recently enjoyed double-digit revenue growth. This is attributed to the retailer’s relentless focus on quality, rarity and exclusivity.
SPIRITS RETAILER OF THE YEAR – E-COMMERCE, SPONSORED BY THOMAS HENRY
Winner: Spiritly
With an easy-to-navigate site, clear repeat customers, and the boldness to back categories such as baijiu, Spiritly stood out in a fast-growing part of the retail space. The judges loved the comprehensive collection of spirits offered by Spiritly and its work to introduce drinkers to new spirits categories they perhaps haven’t seen before.
Runner-up: Ocado Retail
Ocado has made a solid effort in making spirits accessible to regular consumers, and has done well to encourage them to experiment and go beyond their comfort zone by highlighting lesser-known spirits like cachaça and arrack.
SPIRITS DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY EL SUPREMO
Winner: Liana Collection
In a particularly competitive category, Liana Collection was praised for its smart move to focus on smaller categories and doing some very cool things in a difficult market – and seeing the results pay off. The judges liked how passionate and innovative Liana Collection has been, and its ability to successfully pivot when needed. Key achievements included reaching 10,000 cases in 2024. Liana Collection also impressed with its work to support the growth of Regal Rogue Vermouth, which became one of the highest-value independent vermouths in the UK, alongside the distributor’s impressive recent turnover and charitable endeavours.
Runner-up: Mangrove Global
Mangrove’s stats were hugely impressive, with a 20% increase in turnover in five years and a rapidly growing team. The distributor has also supported the trade and been outspoken on topics such as gender parity and sustainability, led largely by managing director Nick Gillett.
BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN
Winner: ‘Not Your Classic’ by Bruichladdich
Funny, vibrant and totally different. The judges loved that this campaign broke away from traditional whisky tropes to create an engaging, humorous marketing activation – and the brand awareness uplift shared by Bruichladdich showed it was hugely effective in its approach.
Runner-up: ‘Lion’s Power in You’ by Aznauri
This campaign was celebrated for being slick and thorough. The judges said it was cohesive and commended Aznauri’s charismatic approach to brandy via the campaign.
BEST EVENT OF THE YEAR
Winner: Margarita Mile by El Tequileño
Events are an important part of what keeps the spirits industry thriving. The Margarita Mile by El Tequileño was deemed perfect for those looking for a spin on a classic pub crawl with a delicious Tequila twist.
Runner-Up: The Whisky Exchange for The Tequila and Mezcal Show
The Tequila and Mezcal show stood out for feeling really inclusive. The show tried to make the categories more experiential, and allowed guests who’d like to ‘geek out’ and get more education the chance to do so.
Special Commendation: Cayman Cocktail Week
The variety of content available at Cayman Cocktail Week piqued our judges’ attention. They enjoyed the cinema events, education, community focus and more, and it was clear this is a vibrant and varied event.
BEST SPIRITS PR COMPANY
Winner: Doubleshot
Sharp, to the point, personalised and hugely effective. Doubleshot is PR at its finest. Doubleshot impressed with its clear, impactful approach to PR and marketing, and proven track record of helping to grow up-and-coming brands. In the past 12 months, Doubleshot has secured more than 350 ‘tier A’ articles for its clients across both trade and consumer titles. There’s a clear reason why Doubleshot is trusted by strong brands.
Runner-up: N94 Agency
This is a PR agency that knows exactly what it is doing. With a strong roster of brands and success spanning campaigns, cocktail competitions and more, N94 Agency is undoubtedly a serious contender in the world of PR.
SUSTAINABILITY & INNOVATION
SPIRITS SUSTAINABILITY AWARD, SPONSORED BY ENCIRC
Winner: Everleaf
This award recognised a brand truly leading innovation and sustainability – and Everleaf does all that, and more. Everleaf has clearly poured its heart and soul into creating liquid in the most sustainable way possible, ensuring that from start to finish and throughout the supply chain, the right decisions are being made.
Runner-up: InchDairnie
InchDairnie currently consumes 30% less energy than the industry average and it has met the Scotch Whisky Association’s water efficiency target a decade early. The judges celebrated the distillery’s circular approach to sustainability.
Special Commendation: Ramsbury Distillery
Ramsbury Distillery left a positive impression through its closed-loop system, including drawing water for distillation from the estate’s own chalk-filtered aquifer, and cleaning and reusing wastewater from the site.
INNOVATION IN PACKAGING
Winner: Citadelle Gin Eco-Pouch
The winner of the Innovation in Packaging Award is a brand that perfectly demonstrated how to merge innovation and sustainability – Citadelle Gin Eco-Pouch. The aesthetics, functionality and sustainability of packaging are important considerations when it comes to a product’s design. The judges praised our winner for being ‘confident and ballsy enough’ to challenge the norm and succeed in doing so.
Runner-up: Drylaw
The judges appreciated how Drylaw incorporates 90% recycled glass in its packaging and introduced compostable closures. Plus, the brand operates with 100% renewable energy in its production facilities.
INNOVATION IN PRODUCTION, SPONSORED BY CASA MALKA TEQUILA
Winner: Never Never Signature Vodka
Never Never Signature Vodka impressed with its production process, designed to offer a texturally superior spirit. To make the vodka, a trio of cold-pressed oils – olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil – are distilled separately before being blended into the vodka. These oils are then blended into a wheat spirit before being diluted and slowly filtered through activated carbon for 24 hours. Lastly, the water used to dilute the vodka to bottling strength is filtered using reverse osmosis filtration to remove all minerals and impurities.
ETHICAL AWARD
Winner: Drinklusive (The Three Drinkers x Aidy Smith)
Leading the way when it comes to inclusivity and uplifting those from marginalised backgrounds is this year’s winner of the Ethical Award – Drinklusive, by The Three Drinkers and Aidy Smith. Many companies are doing incredible things to not only make positive impacts on the spirits industry, but the wider world as well. Drinklusive stands out for its excellent work to uplift and support often marginalised groups in the industry.
PRODUCT & BRAND
SPECIALITY BRAND OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY TIPPLE
Winner: Allora Aperitivo Al Limone
Our winner is bringing a strong serve of creativity to the category. Allora Aperitivo Al Limone was celebrated for identifying a gap in the market and filling it with a great product. The judges enjoyed how Allora is showcasing a modern side to limoncello and creating a point of difference in the category.
Runner-up: Everleaf
Everleaf was lauded for its nature-driven ethos and investment in biodiversity, and for being a true leader in the non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ category. The brand also saw its volume sales grow by 39% in the 12 months to July 2025.
GIN BRAND OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY TIPPLE
Winner: Barra Atlantic Gin
Taking the winning title of Gin Brand of the Year 2025 with its impressive sustainable endeavours and wins domestically and overseas is Barra Atlantic Gin. This was a hotly contested category, but Barra Atlantic Gin brought its unique island provenance to the product, and ensured sustainability was at its core.
Runner-up: Citadelle Gin
Born from a forgotten French gin recipe, Citadelle oversees the entire process from field to bottle. More than 5,700 juniper trees have been planted across 12 hectares of Château de Bonbonnet in Charente, France, the brand’s home. It’s just one of many steps Citadelle is taking to become self-sufficient with its ingredients.
Special Commendation: Never Never
Very good liquid, clearly doing well from a sales perspective and with commendable sustainability endeavours, there is huge potential for Never Never to continue growing in the future, the judges noted.
VODKA BRAND OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY TIPPLE
Winner: Bravada Vodka
The judges enjoyed how Puerto Rican vodka Bravada is highlighting the quality coming from a lesser-known vodka-producing region – and even overtaking a powerhouse vodka brand in certain areas. In fewer than three years, Bravaada has become the number-two vodka in Puerto Rico with an impressive 13.6% of the market share. In 2024, Bravada delivered a 160% uptick in sales compared with 2023.
TEQUILA/MEZCAL BRAND OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY TIPPLE
Winner: El Tequileño
A standout quality about El Tequileño is how it has been showcasing quality across mixto Tequila – an important part of the category that has arguably struggled to show quality in the past. El Tequileño is demonstrating how mixto and quality can absolutely co-exist.
Runner-up: Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal
The judges liked the messaging behind the brand and its story – particularly its focus on working with different families and local companies in Oaxaca, Mexico. To have stood the test of time after 30 years, and to be evidently thriving, made Del Maguey a deserving Runner-up.
Special Commendation: Celaya Tequila
Celaya Tequila successfully signed a distribution deal with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and has grown its retail presence by 40% across key markets in 2024.
COGNAC/BRANDY BRAND OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY TIPPLE
Winner: Aznauri
Aznauri is quickly becoming a leader in the category with impressive year-on-year growth. This brandy really stood out for its strong sales growth, awards and flavour innovation – made all the more impressive as it navigates the complexities of its home market, Ukraine.
Runner-up: Burnt Faith
Burnt Faith has had another strong year, launching a crowdfunding campaign after tripling its growth, and moving into the ready-to-drink category. It also branched into liqueurs, showing versatility in the brandy space.
RUM BRAND OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY TIPPLE
Winner: Camikara
Winning brand Camikara is a rum that’s positioning itself as a ‘bartender-first brand’ – particularly among its homeland of India. Described by the judges as a “pioneer in its category”, Camikara was celebrated for putting India’s rum-making on the map. And with multiple awards for its liquid, the quality also meets the mark.
Runner-up: Planteray
Planteray’s unwavering commitment to authenticity and craft makes it a deserving Runner-up. The judges also enjoyed how the brand is making meaningful connections through rum, such as via the Planteray Addicts Festival, which brings hundreds of fans together over a weekend.
WHISKY/WHISKEY BRAND OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY TIPPLE
Winner: Teeling Whiskey
This was seriously competitive and there could only be one winner. Teeling blew the judges away for having it all: fantastic whiskeys, a focus on social sustainability and a thriving visitor centre. Is there anything Teeling can’t do?
Runner-up: Turntable Spirits
Turntable Spirits aims to ‘flip the record on the ordinary’ and show blended whiskies can be just as exciting as single malts. The judges enjoyed the brand’s fun approach to whisky, while still focusing on creativity, flavour and quality.
Special Commendation: Woven
Woven’s mission since the beginning has been to create new ways for people to experience whisky. This approach was praised for helping curious new drinkers enter the whisky category. The judges also remarked on Woven’s creativity.
BEST NEW PRODUCT, SPONSORED BY JC RIBEIRO
Winner: SirDavis American Whisky
This year’s Best New Product sent shockwaves through the industry when it launched, but has proven to be of exceptional quality, and able to balance being a crowd-pleaser and a serious contender in American whiskey. Our judges praised this whiskey for being super successful, premium, tactile and professional.
Runner-up: El Tequileño Still Strength
This is a “really nicely made” Tequila, the judges agreed. The alcohol integration is fantastic and overall, it’s a delicious spirit. Bottled at its natural distillation strength of 50% ABV, this is a Tequila that’s able to stand up neat, on the rocks, and mixed in cocktails.
CULTURE & TOURISM
DISTILLERY CONSUMER EXPERIENCE AWARD
Winner: Scapa
It was evident how Scapa has so strongly rooted its distillery consumer experience in the local community, offering authentic, fun and thoughtful guest visits. The judges felt the distillery offered a real sense of place, and the terroir of Orkney – particularly through The Scapa Pairing Experience.
Runner-up: Roe & Co Distillery
In 2024, Roe & Co welcomed 50,000 visitors – 48.6% more than in 2023. Beyond traditional whiskey tours, Roe & Co delivers initiatives such as its Summer Garden series, and collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs.
SPIRITS BOTTLER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Contract Bottlers Glasgow
Contract Bottlers Glasgow is inarguably an expert in its field – efficient, reliable, and able to work at scale. This is a company well-equipped to find bottling solutions, to innovate, and one that is also generating solid turnover. A key example of Contract Bottlers Glasgow’s success is its work with a customer who had developed a vodka-based drink for the on-trade. With the bottler’s help, that brand has scaled up to 100,000 bottles and secured a listing with Booker.
Runner-up: The Heart Cut
“Warmth and humanity, and a clear, effective strategy,” noted the judges, who loved how The Heart Cut showed “heart and soul” with their bottlings. Flavour-forward and truly celebrating the distilleries they work with, the judges also liked how drinkers could get as geeky as they liked with The Heart Cut, but also found it incredibly approachable for newer whisky fans.
Special Commendation: GreatDrams
GreatDrams was celebrated for its bespoke whisky service, catering for corporate events, weddings and more. Plus, the judges applauded the firm’s values around transparency, provenance and accessibility.
BAR GROUP/OPERATOR OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY FUNKIN
Winner: Urban Pubs and Bars
This is a new award for 2025, and Urban Pubs and Bars is the inaugural winner. The operator shone for its top-tier food and cocktail options and for being a venue to cater for every mood and occasion. Urban Pubs and Bars’ venues span everything from slick city bars to beautifully designed pubs, creating a warm and inviting space for any mood or occasion.
Runner-up: The Alchemist Bars & Restaurants
The theatrics of The Alchemist are second to none. This is a bar offering a creative cocktail programme, combining molecular mixology with volume efficiency – and doing it well. The judges loved how fun The Alchemist’s approach to bartending was, and how staff had options to develop their skills and careers.
Special Commendation: Thesleff Group
With Viajante87 part of its roster, it was clear to the judges that Thesleff Group is a leading operator. Under the ownership of Thesleff Group, Viajante87 – led by bar director Pietro Collina and Veronica Di Pietrantonio – has made it onto several ‘Best Bar’ lists, and deservingly so.
BAR OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY MASTER OF MALT
Winner: Viajante87
This award is all about celebrating excellence behind the bar – and Viajante87 delivers that in spades. Cultural exchange is a huge part of this bar’s success story and it has also been massively influential to the drinks they create.
Runner-up: The Spy Bar
The Spy Bar was described as “fantastic”. The venue has paid great attention to the concept without feeling gimmicky, and part of this came down to its focus on real people. The Spy Bar also demonstrated great staff retention and happiness.
PEOPLE
BARTENDER OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY V SPIRITS COMPANY
Winner: Mathilde Rougé, The Nomad Hotel
Mathilde Rougé showed technical expertise and was praised for her mentorship work, building up others in the hospitality community. She personifies all that is great about the hospitality industry: excellent technical skills, warm hospitality, and an understanding of community across the sector.
Runner-up: Mirko Furci, Scarfes Bar
Mirko Furci showed real passion for the industry. He showed potential to be a great leader in years to come and someone who could really nurture a team. Furci was commended for being exceptionally passionate.
THE ALAN LODGE YOUNG INTERNATIONAL DRINKS WRITER OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY BACARDI
Winner: James Bayley, the drinks business
Media is another important facet of the global drinks industry and The Spirits Business has long championed talented young writers from around the world. Bayley was chosen to receive this award by an independent group of expert judges, for his ability to tackle difficult topics in an engaging way, making the reader feel safe in the hands of reading their stories.
BLENDER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Jorge Antonio Salles Herrera, El Tequileño
Our Blender of the Year is so much more than their job title. They’re an educator, a fierce champion of sustainability and showcasing how to do mixto Tequilas well. Third-generation family member of El Tequileño Jorge Antonio Salles Herrera isn’t afraid to push boundaries. He was also celebrated for creating limited edition blends of aged añejos with wine industry techniques.
Runner-up: Chris Thomson, Lark Distillery
Chris Thomson is credited with being a “driving force” behind the rise of Australian whisky, and has more than 18 years of experience in distilling, cask maturation and blending. In the past 12 months, he’s overseen the development of more than 20 new whiskies.
DISTILLER OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY PROOF 8
Winner: Tim Boast, Never Never Distilling
Going above and beyond the key responsibilities of a distiller is Tim Boast from Australia’s Never Never Distilling. Boast is not only hot on the production side, from custom distillation to fitting out the distillery and operating it, but also a keen mentor and eco warrior.
Runner-up: Dave Withers, Archie Rose Distilling
Ground-breaking production techniques put Dave Withers on our judges’ radar. He also impressed with the expansion of his role and responsibilities from 2024 to 2025 to encompass all operational functions, including bottling, supply chain, finance and new product development.
YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY LONDON CITY BOND
Winner: Ally Stevenson, Turntable Spirits
This award celebrates the brightest young minds in the spirits world and the future of the trade. Ally Stevenson from Turntable Spirits stood out to the judges as someone focused on changing the perception around single malt whisky worldwide without compromising on quality. Plus, the award-winning liquid bottled at Turntable Spirits speaks volumes about Stevenson’s strong skill set.
Runner-up: Gerbe Suttels, Erbe Gin
Gerbe Suttels was celebrated for creating a brand with a point of difference, and for highlighting Belgium as a gin-making country. “His credentials speak for themselves,” the judges noted.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, SPONSORED BY PROWEIN
Winner: Steve Olsen, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal
Del Maguey’s Steve Olsen is a titan in the mezcal world.
Few people have had the same profound impact on the agave spirits category as Olsen. A mentor, educator and pioneer, he has been instrumental in transforming the mezcal category.
Over his five-decade-long career in hospitality, Olsen has not only helped to establish Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, but championed education and mentorship opportunities through co-founding Beverage Alcohol Resource, which has grown into a rigorous, inclusive spirits education platform.
Through Olsen’s unwavering commitment to the local mezcal communities, since the start Del Maguey has always been uncompromising on its ethos of maintaining 100% traditional production, honouring the integrity of each single village expression, and returning profits to village producers, prioritising people over profits.
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