At Drinks World, we’re pumped to be bringing back Top 25 Bartenders for 2026.
Behind the scenes, we’ve been locking in an incredible judging panel from across Australia – a group of respected operators, venue owners, ambassadors / educators and industry leaders who help shape both the Top 100 and Top 25 Bartenders lists each year.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing the people behind the process – who they are, where they work, their experience in the industry and why the T25 judging process continues to be one of the most respected and independent programs in Australian hospitality.
The strength of T25 has always come down to the people involved. Our panel is intentionally diverse, highly experienced and deeply connected to the industry, ensuring the final list reflects the talent, creativity and contribution shaping bars around the country.
This is just a snapshot of some of the judges helping define this year’s Top 25 Bartenders.
Michael Jagger – Brand Ambassador, Starward
Michael began his hospitality career more than 25 years ago as a dishwasher in a small family-owned diner before moving to New York City to work at the iconic Union Square Cafe, founded by Danny Meyer. After relocating to Sydney, he became a gin educator and distiller at Four Pillars Gin’s Gin Laboratory in Surry Hills before moving to the dark side of spirits as the NSW/ACT Brand Ambassador for Starward Whisky.
Over the past 20 years, Michael has travelled the globe meeting the makers and personalities behind some of the world’s best distilleries, breweries and wineries. His deep passion for spirits education is matched only by his appreciation for warm hospitality and ice-cold martinis.
Kate McGraw – Head of Advocacy, Diageo Australia
Diageo Australia’s Kate McGraw is an internationally awarded and published brand ambassador, bartender and digital creator. With more than 17 years of hospitality experience and a career spanning three continents, she is widely recognised as one of the most influential bar personalities in Australia.
Kate currently serves as Head of Advocacy for Diageo Australia, while also running her social media platform, Kate Likes Cocktails — a natural extension of her passion for fine drinks, good food and the cultural significance of third spaces.
Carmen Hartwich – National Advocacy Manager, Starward
Carmen Hartwich is the National Advocacy Manager at Starward Whisky, bringing more than a decade of experience across the hospitality and spirits industries. A trailblazer in her field, Carmen is Australia’s first Master of Bourbon and notably the first woman in the world to achieve the prestigious title.
Her expertise is backed by a number of formal qualifications, including WSET Level 3 in Spirits, along with WSET Level 2 certifications in both Wine and Sake. Carmen’s extensive knowledge, combined with her passion for education and advocacy, has positioned her as a respected leader and influential voice within both the Australian and global whisky communities.
Nick Miles, QLD & NSW Manager, Hellyers Road Distillery
With 15 years in the drinks industry, I’ve had the privilege of working across some of the world’s most iconic brands such brands as Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Estrella Damm, Jameson, and Redbreast Whisky. Each of these brands brought its own unique culture, community, and story, and working across all of them has given me a deep appreciation for what it truly takes to build something people connect with. Today, I’m proud to be part of the next chapter at Hellyers Road Whisky, championing an Australian-owned brand built on real heart and craftsmanship.
What keeps me passionate about this industry is simple: people. There’s something genuinely special about the way a great drink brings people together the stories shared across a bar, the celebrations toasted with friends, the quiet moments of connection over a glass. Drinks have always been a backdrop to life’s most meaningful moments, and getting to play even a small part in that never gets old.
Beyond the brands and the bottles, I’m equally proud of the community that exists within this industry itself. We’re a tight-knit world, and in recent years I’ve seen it show up in ways that go far beyond the bar. The conversations we’re having about mental health and wellbeing, about late-night pressures, the weight of a demanding industry, and the importance of looking after ourselves and each other, are more open and honest than ever. That matters to me deeply. It’s a reminder that the best thing about this industry has always been the people in it, and that looking after one another is just as important as the work we do.