As canaries in coalmines go, industry competitions are excellent indicators of the mood of their respective industries. Amidst all the turbulence buffeting beverage alcohol right now, you’d expect – not unjustifiably – that Adam Levy, the organiser of the Berlin International Spirits Competition, has had a challenging start to his year.
Not a bit of it.
“We were very happy with the increased number of entries this year,” he tells Global Drinks Intel. “Our judges enjoyed the wide range of liquors submitted to this year’s competition.”
Adding to the reassurance emanating from the German capital’s spirits awards – now in their 12th year – is the impressive level of entries submitted by “new producers from new countries”, according to Levy. ” Several of the new producers are also winners in our other wine and spirits competitions in New York, Melbourne and Asia,” he notes.
Curiously, the return of Donald Trump to the White House in January has impacted even Levy’s competitions.
“We were fortunate that the entry deadline for the Berlin competition was before the proposed tariffs were announced,” he explains. “We are seeing the impact on the possible number of entries from Europe to the New York Competitions with the uncertainty of tariffs on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Branded Content – Bandero
Bandero Tequila, crafted with the passion and expertise of John Paul DeJoria, co-creator of Patrón, continues to redefine excellence in the world of tequila. Bandero Tequila is proud to announce its standout performance at the 2025 Berlin International Spirits Competition, one of Europe’s most respected spirits showcases. Bandero Blanco Tequila took home Gold Best in Class, was named Blanco Tequila of the Year, and received a 95-point score – the highest possible rating in the competition, and the top-ranked agave spirit overall.
This recognition comes at a pivotal time as Bandero continues to expand its global footprint, with distribution now across eight US markets – California, Colorado, Texas, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Illinois – and a growing presence in the UK.
“We are incredibly honoured to receive such prestigious awards from an international panel of judges,” said Johanna DeJoria, VP of sales at Bandero. “Our Blanco is a true sipping tequila – additive-free, smooth and steeped in heritage. To see it recognised among the best in the world is an exciting validation of our craft.”
Bandero offers two expressions, both crafted from 100% blue weber agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Bandero Blanco Tequila is a smooth, additive-free tequila with notes of slow-roasted agave, pepper and caramel – perfect for sipping or classic cocktails. Bandero Café Tequila blends the award-winning Blanco with Mexican coffee concentrate and agave honey, creating a rich, velvety spirit with notes of freshly roasted coffee, vanilla and cacao. Both are produced in small batches using traditional methods, delivering a refined taste that appeals to both seasoned tequila aficionados and curious newcomers.
Branded Content – Vodka 57
Vodka 57 is an award-winning single grain pure glacier vodka handcrafted in Switzerland in small batches using traditional methods from the Dorrucci lineage and the finest French winter wheat. Vodka 57 is masterfully blended with the purest Swiss glacier water, passing through five distillations and seven filtrations at sub-zero temperatures at our centuries-old distillery nestled in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protecting over 9,000 hectares of valleys and mountains reaching an altitude of 2,350m in the pristine Swiss Alps.
Vodka 57 is 100% natural without any additive or enhancer, is certified vegan and gluten-free and is embraced in an unique Italian designed illuminated bottle. Vodka 57 has received numerous awards and accreditations and was voted as Europe Vodka of the Year 2024 and Switzerland Vodka of the Year 2025.
Tasting Notes – Captivating appearance that is both shimmering and crystal clear with a delightful aroma that carries floral notes, harmoniously balanced with sweet oatmeal and a subtle hint of citrus zest, adding a zing of tangy freshness.
Exceptionally silky palate, accompanied by a tingle of vanilla and honey sweetness over fresh milled grains and a touch of spices with a satisfying sensation that is both dry, smooth and clean with lingering fades.
