Meet the Judges of The Spill Awards 2026

"Fill out a survey with about 30 questions related to the best spirits of the previous year (they had to have been released in 2025) and some more esoteric requests, such as best bar bathroom, a person doing good and best cocktail throw. For the best brewery, vineyard and spirits producers, we asked the judging panel to consider the prior year and the overall body of work."

"Because these were fill-in-the-blank answers, many categories ended up without a consensus (or, to put it another way, too many good answers!). From there, the InsideHook editorial team curated the final results, selecting winners who received multiple votes or simply stood out amongst the finalists."

"The only other rule was that the judges couldn't choose themselves or anyone they currently worked with."

The Spill Awards 2026 expanded its judging panel to 40 participants, including journalists, mixologists, bar owners, distillers, and other drinks professionals. Judges completed surveys with approximately 30 questions evaluating spirits released in 2025, alongside creative categories like best bar bathroom and best cocktail throw. For breweries, vineyards, and spirits producers, judges considered prior-year performance and overall body of work. Fill-in-the-blank answers often produced multiple strong contenders rather than clear consensus. The InsideHook editorial team curated final winners from entries receiving multiple votes or standout finalists. Judges were prohibited from selecting themselves or current colleagues. The judging panel included both InsideHook editors and external industry professionals with extensive experience in food, spirits, wine, and drinks journalism.

Read at InsideHook