When are the Spirited Awards®?
The Spirited Awards® will be held Saturday, July 20, 2013 in New Orleans.

Where are the Spirited Awards® being held?
The Spirited Awards® are being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel New Orleans.

How does the nomination process work?
To make a nomination, visit  http://www.talesofthecocktail.com/2012-spirited-awards-nominations/ and complete the nomination form.  You will receive a confirmation via email that your nomination was received.

When is the deadline for nominations?
Nominations close on Saturday, March 30, 2013

What are the specific categories being recognized?
American Bartender of the Year, International Bartender of the Year, Best American Brand Ambassador, Best International Brand Ambassador, Best Bar Mentor, Best American Cocktail Bar, World’s Best Cocktail Bar, World’s Best New Cocktail Bar, Best High Volume Cocktail Bar, World’s Best Hotel Bar, Best Restaurant Bar, World’s Best Cocktail Menu, World’s Best Drink Selection, Best Cocktail Writing, Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book and Best New Product.

What is the difference between the USA Judging Committee and the International Judging Committee?
The USA Judging Committee is comprised of 26 members who will vote on the categories of American Bartender of the Year, Best Bar Mentor, Best High Volume Cocktail Bar, Best American Brand Ambassador, Best American Cocktail Bar, Best Cocktail Writing – author, Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book, Best New Product and Best Restaurant Bar.

The International Judging Committee is comprised of 16 members who will vote on the categories of Best Bar Mentor, Best High Volume Cocktail Bar, Best Cocktail Writing – non-book publication, Best Cocktail Writing – author, Best International Brand Ambassador, Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book, Best New Product, Best Restaurant Bar, International Bartender of the Year, World’s Best Cocktail Bar, World’s Best Cocktail Menu, World’s Best Drinks Selection, World’s Best Hotel Bar and World’s Best New Cocktail Bar.

How does the voting process work?
Judges will vote using a ranking system of their top five choices for each category. Their first choice will receive five points, their second choice four points, their third choice three points, their fourth choice two points and their fifth choice one point. These points will then be tallied in order to narrow down the top ten nominees for each category.

Can the Judges vote for themselves?
No, judges may not vote in a category in which they are nominated.

When are the top 10 nominees announced?
The top ten will be announced on the Tales of the Cocktail® website on Friday, May 17, 2013.

When are the top 4 nominees announced?
The top four nominees will be announced on the Tales of the Cocktail® website on Friday, June 7, 2013

Are the judges notified of the final winners prior to the Spirited Awards®?
No, judges will not be notified until the ceremony.