What to Drink
5 Award‑Winning Gins from the USA You Should Try
Gins That Impressed the Industry in 2025
The Bartender Spirits Awards 2025 is one of the few international spirits competitions judged exclusively by bartenders, bar managers, and beverage directors. Winning here does more than please the palate—it signals to the on-trade world that a spirit shines in real-world bar environments. These five U.S. gins caught that attention in 2025.
Savor Spear Gin
Produced by Northwest Spirits in Washington State, Savor Spear Gin earned a Gold medal and 93 points at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards. Judges described it as “clean and balanced with soft citrus and subtle spice,” noting its smooth finish and standout versatility in cocktails.
Image Source: Northwest Spirits
High Mountain Desert Gin Distilled
High Mountain Desert Gin from High Desert also appeared on the winners list, praised for its desert-inspired botanical profile. With a dry, savory edge and understated juniper, it demonstrates how a regional expression can work seamlessly in bartending contexts—mixing seamlessly in artisan martinis and specialty cocktails.
Image Source: Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery
Midwestern Dry Gin
J. Rieger & Co.’s Midwestern Dry Gin received a well-deserved medal for its classic structure and layered complexity. Crafted with traditional botanicals complemented by floral and peppery accents, this award highlights the gin’s readiness for classic and contemporary bar menus alike.
Image Source: Natural Wine Company
Coppers Barrel Aged Gin
Vermont Spirits’ Coppers Barrel Aged Gin stood apart by earning recognition for innovation. Barrel aging added vanilla, baking spice, and citrus dimensions to its bouquet and palate, and judges praised it for pushing gin styles forward while still performing in cocktails that demand structure and depth.
Image Source: Copperhead
WildBark West Texas Dry Gin
WildGins Co.’s WildBark West Texas Dry Gin earned its place among the winners with bold desert herb notes, wild sage, and bright citrus peel. Judges highlighted its texture and lifted finish, confirming that regionally driven expressions are increasingly valued in the bar industry.
Image Source: Total Wine
Winning at the Bartender Spirits Awards is a powerful endorsement from the very professionals who choose and pour spirits daily. With medals awarded based on taste, mixability, packaging, and value, medalists get visibility among the bartenders who influence bar menus and consumer trends. For producers, this can translate into increased on-premise listings, brand credibility, and export exposure. For consumers, a medal here means they’re getting something bartenders already believe in. These five gins not only impressed a panel of experts but also gained standing as dependable bar-ready spirits with strong craft credentials.