Chilled 100 Spirits Awards Judge Ariel Neal on Why Brands should be Ranked by Bartenders

Chicago bartender Ariel Neal has been behind the bar for over a decade. We are honored to host Ariel as one of our Chilled 100 Spirits Awards Judges this year.

 

The Chilled 100 Spirits Awards Deadline has been extended to May 31st. Enter HERE

Ariel E. Neal is leading the bar industry to better days, one pour at a time. The Chicago native fell head-over-heels for the hospitality industry during her first job behind the bar. From that point forward, she gradually evolved into what she proudly is today—an entrepreneur and multicultural hospitality influencer. As a community advocate, she ultimately aims to use her platform to open the door for others.

She has positioned herself to reimagine how society perceives hospitality. “If you can take better care of yourself, you can do that within your community.” As VP of USBG Chicago, Owner of Leira Knows Cocktails & Events LLC, Co-Creator of Good Vibes Healing Haven, Sponsor Chair for Sip of Paradise, Ariel believes hospitality shapes society. She is passionate about providing the bar industry with sustainable resources that allow growth and development as a hospitality professional.

Ariel holds two Whiskey Certifications, CRT, Whiskey University, Pisco training/certification BTI, and proficient in many other aspects of spirits education.

The Chilled 100 Spirits Awards Deadline has been extended to May 31st. Enter HERE

We asked Ariel Why Brands should enter The Chilled 100 Spirits Awards:

 

 

Why are Spirits Awards useful to bartenders?

Spirit Awards are useful to bartenders because that is a clear indication we matter.  We are often overlooked or not taken seriously. it also allows us to grow and learn and qualify for other amazing features and or resources.

 

What are the benefits to spirits brands to enter?

The benefits of entering as a brand is being acknowledged by a person who uses many other products, and they happily choose spirits that they can love, understand, or just are delicious.  Most often then not these are spirits they appreciate, and price is not something that is considered.

 

What should other bartenders know about the Chilled 100 Bartender Seal of Approval?

The bartenders should know that the Seal of Approval is an honor to speak about spirits we know and love. Most bartenders are not afraid to speak about taste, color, and flavor.  We use this opportunity to grow and develop over time. We get great and brands start to listen to our wants and needs.

 

What should spirit brands know about the Bartender Seal of Approval?

Brands should know the Bartender Seal of Approval allows improvements and real opportunity to have a great product. You can pay marketing to make numbers and letters that may help you out but in the long run if we don’t enjoy it, we don’t pour it.