Michigan-based 8 Mile Vodka earns prestigious award
Michigan-based 8 Mile Vodka, produced by Detroiters Liquor LLC, has received a Gold Medal at the 2026 Bartenders Spirits Awards.
The awards, judged by a panel of bartenders, bar managers, and buyers, identify spirits that should become additions to bar inventories.
The Bartender Spirits Awards are presented by the Beverage Trade Network which hosts and organizes competitions, events, trade shows, expos, and tastings for the alcohol beverage trade around the world.
The goal of the awards is to recognize, encourage, promote, and celebrate excellence in the U.S. drinks industry by providing independent and honest reviews for brands targeting the U.S. bar trade.
Gold Medal puts 8 Mile at top
Industry professionals use the rankings as a reference when making purchasing decisions for their bars and restaurants, and the Gold Medal win situates 8 Mile Vodka at the top of buyers’ lists.
Judges’ notes from this year’s competition describe the taste of 8 Mile Vodka as, “A neutral nose with subtle lemon peel and white pepper [which] leads to a well-balanced palate with gentle spice, a touch of minerality, and a smooth, lingering finish.”
“We are honored that industry experts have recognized the superior quality of 8 Mile Vodka with the Gold Medal at this year’s The Bartender Spirits Awards,” said Anthony Tomey, co-owner of 8 Mile Vodka and CEO of The Tomey Group.
“With this honor, we are excited to expand Detroit’s own 8 Mile Vodka to more bars and restaurants across the country.”
String of awards
The 2026 Bartender Spirits Award is the latest in a string of awards and recognition for 8 Mile Vodka, which has consistently impressed critics and consumers alike with its smooth taste and high quality.
Over the last few years, 8 Mile Vodka has received a Gold Medal at the Singapore World Spirits Competition, a Master Award in the Super Premium Category from the Vodka Masters Awards in London, a Triple Gold from the MicroSpirits Liquor Association, and three awards from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
8 Mile Vodka was founded in Detroit in 2016, and in 2020 the company was acquired by two sets of brothers, Anthony and Michael Tomey and George and Alex Bourkoulas, who have carried on the pride of Detroit while showcasing and elevating the brand to international recognition.
The brand is distilled in Lansing, Michigan, in single 90-liter batches to allow for optimal quality control and care. This premium vodka can be chilled and enjoyed straight or mixed to create an exceptional cocktail.
With the 2026 Gold Medal award from the Bartender Spirits Award, 8 Mile Vodka continues to solidify its standing as one of the top vodka brands in the country.
