For Bitter For Worse, Portland OR based drinks startup took five medals at the Bartenders Spirits Awards, including RTD (ready-to-drink) Producer of the year.
Smoky no.56, the brand’s potent nightcap, won a silver medal in the Non-alcoholic Spirits category. Founder Shelley Elkovich said, “Smoky no.56 is a potent spirit alternative that is delicious in a bloody Mary, a Mai Tai, or simply mixed with ginger beer.”
The Bartenders Spirits Awards is unique in the industry because contest judges are all bartenders, and the judging panel consists of some of the most renowned names in the U.S. bar industry. For Bitter For Worse sparkling aperitif Eva’s Spritz won a double-gold medal and was named RTD of the year. The brand’s newest sparkler, Rose City Fizz also won a RTD gold medal.
Each entry is judged on a matrix of qualities. The process begins with a blind tasting that includes balance and versatility, taste, mouthfeel, and finish. The judges then evaluate each entry on price, value, and packaging design. The 2023 competition saw more than 1400 submissions from 45 countries. Bartenders Spirits Awards reported that RTD had “huge growth” in RTD submissions, this year. RTD was one of the top four most competitive categories.
For Bitter For Worse uses a proprietary “reverse bootlegging” production process incorporating raw certified organic botanicals rather than off-the-shelf extracts or lab-derived natural flavors. The brand is proudly woman-owned and disability-owned. Sample sips at the NEW NOW NEXT pavilion, Booth IV 28. For more information, contact [email protected].