## Vermont‘s Bhakti Spirits Claims “Best in Show” at 2025 TAG Global spirits Awards
The TAG spirit Awards convened in Las Vegas in early September and we’re already getting a taste of what the annual competition is calling the best on the shelf for 2025. A relative newcomer in just its fourth iteration, TAG has wasted little time making a splash across the industry with some of its biggest winners reporting an immediate sales bump upon receiving “Best In Show” honors.
The event boasts some serious pedigree to help bolster its prowess. It’s named after founder Tony Abou-Ganim, who spent two decades as judge for the granddaddy of them all – the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. From 2010 until 2020 he served as its Director of Judging. In Vegas, he’s joined in hosting duties by David Grapshi, a legend from the tequila world, and Julio Bermejo – beverage manager for Tommy’s Mexican restaurant in San Francisco.
Together they enlist the help of top talent, from bartenders to distributors to acclaimed authors, populating prestigious panels where thousands of labels are evaluated from no less than 100 distinct categories of spirit. Bourbon remains one of the most competitive – and has been since the start. So “Best in Show” here is bound to be an especially notable accolade.
Even more so this year,because it was awarded to an extremely allocated expression from a craft upstart out of Vermont. One which remains relatively obscure to the general public. We’re talking about the 2011 Vintage Bourbon from Bhakti.
Raj bhakta’s Bhakta Spirits Bourbon Wins Top Honors,Signaling Potential for a New Whiskey Empire
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Raj Bhakta,entrepreneur and former contestant on The Apprentice,is making waves in the whiskey world once again. His brand, Bhakta Spirits, recently secured a “Best in Show” award at the Tasting Panel’s annual top 500 Spirits competition, a notable achievement that positions the brand for potential rapid growth. The award-winning bourbon is currently available for direct purchase from Bhakta Spirits for $150. https://bhaktaspirits.com/
From WhistlePig to Bhakta: A Vermont whiskey Story
Bhakta’s journey in the whiskey industry began in 2007 with the launch of WhistlePig Rye. He built WhistlePig into one of the country’s leading craft whiskey brands before selling his stake in the company in 2019. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ginapace/2025/10/23/whistlepigs-boss-hog-xii-blends-rye-with-ancient-mexican-traditions/ Rather than leaving the industry, Bhakta established a new operation just a few miles from the original WhistlePig farm in rural Vermont.
This strategic move demonstrates Bhakta’s continued commitment to crafting high-quality whiskey and his belief in the potential of the Vermont landscape for whiskey production. He is now aiming to replicate the success he found with WhistlePig through his eponymous brand.
A Bold Bourbon and Art Deco Packaging
The Bhakta spirits bourbon is presented in packaging inspired by the Art Deco movement, reflecting a commitment to both quality and aesthetics. The “Best in Show” recognition suggests that Bhakta’s gamble on a second successful whiskey venture might potentially be paying off. The Tasting Panel’s Top 500 Spirits competition is a highly respected industry event,and winning its top prize is a strong indicator of product excellence. https://www.tastingpanel.com/
Bhakta’s Early Career and public Profile
Bhakta first gained national recognition as a contestant on the second season of The Apprentice in 2005, alongside Bill Rancic. https://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice His entrepreneurial spirit was evident even then, and he has as proven his ability to build successful brands in a competitive market.
[Image of Bill Rancic with Raj Bhakta from “The Apprentice” – WireImage]
The success of Bhakta Spirits’ bourbon signals a promising future for the brand and further solidifies Raj Bhakta’s position as a key figure in the American whiskey industry.