Vancouver, B.C., April 23, 2026 – Last night, two of Vancouver’s leading cocktail destinations, and , earned spots on the prestigious 2026 North America’s 50 Best Bars list. The Keefer Bar ranked No. 7 overall and was named The Best Bar in Canada, while June made an impressive debut at No. 17 as a new entry (and third best bar in Canada).

“We’re incredibly honoured to see both of our bars recognized on this year’s North America’s 50 Best Bars list, alongside such a strong showing from across Canada,” says Keenan Hood, co-proprietor of both The Keefer Bar and June. "I've been in this industry a long time – almost my whole life and bartending about half of them. I've been a dishwasher, a cook, a bar back, but my heart is behind the bar. It's in my blood."

"To have The Keefer Bar named The Best Bar in Canada is the culmination of years of dedication and a continued deep love for this industry. And for June, which just celebrated its first anniversary, to be welcomed on the list at No. 17 is truly special. We’re immensely proud of both our teams and grateful to be part of such a talented community, representing both our city and our country.”

Hood’s fellow co-proprietor Cam Watt says, “I’m very proud of Keenan and his crew for placing both The Keefer Bar and June within the top 20 bars in all of North America. Keefer took top spot in all of Canada. It’s really an accomplishment given the level of competition. Good work, guys!”

The Keefer Bar, an apothecary cocktail bar located in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, opened in February of 2010 on the first day of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Since then, it has landed on several 50 Best Bars lists, including being recognized on the 2012 World’s 50 Best Bars as one to watch, and on the 2013 World’s 50 Best Bars extended list. In 2022, The Keefer Bar claimed the No. 25 spot on the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Bars list. In 2025, it landed at No. 28. The Keefer Bar is managed by Keenan Hood and fellow award-winning bartenders Amber Bruce (beverage director), Tristan Young (general manager), and Hugo Finan (bar manager).

June, a brasserie-inspired bi-level concept in Vancouver’s Cambie Village, just opened in March of 2025. Since opening, the neighbourhood has warmly embraced its creative cocktails and take on classic French dishes upstairs and has made LaLa, its 40-seat vinyl listening basement bar, a destination. June is founded by owner-operators Keenan Hood and Cam Watt, Dunya Hood (partner), and its opening team: Leticia Castro (general manager), Amber Bruce (beverage director), Connor Sperling (head chef), Satoshi Yonemori (bar manager), and Riley Maggs (head bartender).

“The bartending community is one of the most tight-knit in the hospitality industry, and these accolades are very special and not something we take for granted,” adds Bruce. “We’re always working and furthering our technique, while developing new flavours and creating spaces where guests feel genuinely welcome. It’s truly rewarding to see the work we put in resonate on an international stage.”

The North America’s 50 Best Bars rankings are of more than 300 anonymous industry experts, including bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, and well-travelled discerning drinkers from across the region.

For more information about The Keefer Bar, please visit .
For more information, please visit .

April 22, 2026 — The list of North America’s 50 Best Bars was announced at a live awards ceremony at the Vancouver Convention Centre, celebrating the very best of the region’s cocktail industry. This was the second year in a row the awards were held in Vancouver, highlighting Canada’s growth as a leader in North America’s cocktail scene. The annual ranking showcases standout bars from across the US, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, recognizing excellence in drinks, hospitality and innovation.

New York’s Sip & Guzzle is crowned No.1 as The Best Bar in North America, sponsored by Perrier, and The Best Bar in Northeast USA. The venue has rapidly established itself as a defining force in the region’s cocktail culture, celebrated for its dynamic approach to hospitality and expertly executed drinks program. With a concept that seamlessly blends precision and creativity, Sip & Guzzle delivers an experience that resonates with both industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Mexico City’s Bar Mauro follows at No.2, while New York’s Bar Snack takes the No.3 position, underscoring the continued dominance and diversity of cocktail culture across both cities.

The full list of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026 is attached below.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America’s 50 Best Bars, says: “The bars on this year’s list are exemplary in their ability to push boundaries and influence hospitality not only in North America, but across the globe. From established leaders to exciting new entries, the bars featured continue to push the standard of what a world-class drinks experience can be with their talent, creativity and resilience. We are thrilled to congratulate Sip & Guzzle for earning the No.1 position, along with all the incredible bars recognized this year.”

New York continues to assert itself as a global cocktail capital, with a significant number of bars featured on the list, including Sip & Guzzle (No.1), Superbueno (No.9), Clemente Bar (No.15), Martiny’s (No.23), Angel’s Share (No.31), Overstory (No.33), Double Chicken Please (No.35), Attaboy (No.37), Maison Premiere (No.40) and Employees Only (No.45). New entries include Bar Snack at No.3, also winner of the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award; this year’s Three Cents Best New Opening Award recipient Schmuck (No.4) and Bar Madonna (No.36). The city’s strong showing reflects its depth of talent and continued innovation across a range of bar styles and concepts.

Mexico City remains a powerhouse within the rankings, represented by Bar Mauro (No.2) as The Best Bar in Mexico, sponsored by Torres Brandy, Tlecān (No.5), Form + Matter (No.13), Mecenas (No.18), Licorería Limantour (No.20), Kaito del Valle (No.25) and Baltra Bar (No.48). This year’s winner of the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award is Mexico City’s Handshake Speakesy (No.12). The city’s bars continue to set global standards, blending tradition with cutting-edge techniques.

New Orleans’ Jewel of the South (No.6) is named The Best Bar in South USA, sponsored by Mr Black, and Cure (No.21) is the winner of the Nikka Highest Climber Award, maintaining the city’s reputation for exceptional hospitality and cocktail heritage.

Chicago is represented by Kumiko (No.11), the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award and The Best Bar in Midwest USA, Best Intentions (No.16), Gus’ Sip & Dip (No.27) and Bisous (No.30). San Francisco’s True Laurel (No.14), the winner of The Best Bar in West USA, sponsored by St-Germain, and Pacific Cocktail Haven (No.41) highlight the West Coast’s dynamic scene.

Additional entries in the US include Los Angeles’ Mírate (No.28) and Daisy Margarita Bar (No.44), Washington DC’s Press Club (No.34) and Service Bar (No.39), Miami’s Café La Trova (No.42) and Viceversa (No.46) and Houston’s Bandista (No.47).

The Best Bar in Canada, sponsored by Monkey Shoulder, is Vancouver’s The Keefer Bar (No.7). Additional Vancouver bars include June on Cambie (No.17), Prophecy (No.32) and Botanist Bar (No.38). Toronto features prominently with Bar Pompette (No.8), Library Bar (No.19), Mother (No.22) and Civil Works (No.29), reinforcing the Canada’s growing influence on the global cocktail stage.

Beyond major metropolitan hubs, the list also celebrates standout bars across the wider region, including El Gallo Altanero (No.10) from Guadalajara, Bekeb (No.24) from San Miguel de Allende and Selva (No.43) from Oaxaca.

La Factoría (No.26) from San Juan is named The Best Bar in the Caribbean, sponsored by NOAM, Library by the Sea (No.49) from Grand Cayman and Bon Vivants (No.50) from Nassau.

Allegory from Washington DC is named the winner of the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award. The bar’s highly conceptual cocktail menu stands out for its imaginative storytelling, weaving together literary and cultural narratives with innovative drink design to create a deeply immersive guest experience. Ranked No.57 on this year’s extended 51–100 list, the bar was selected by the global Academy Chairs to receive this honor. First introduced in 2021, the award celebrates bars that excel in innovation, design, drink craftsmanship and menu storytelling.

This year’s Roku Industry Icon is Chris Hannah of Jewel of the South. For this award, all 300 members of the voting Academy are invited to nominate the individual who has made the most significant contribution to advancing the bar industry. Hannah is celebrated as a defining figure in modern American bartending, renowned for his deep respect for classic cocktail traditions and his role in shaping New Orleans’ contemporary drinks culture. His dedication to hospitality, mentorship and preserving the city’s rich cocktail heritage has rightfully earned him this recognition.

Schmuck (No.4) from New York earns the Three Cents Best New Opening Award, as the bar makes a standout debut on the list. Bringing a bold, unconventional energy to the city’s cocktail scene, Schmuck has quickly gained recognition for its irreverent approach to hospitality and genre-defying drinks. With a menu that balances technical precision with playful creativity, the bar has captured attention for its ability to reimagine classic formats through a distinctly modern, boundary-pushing lens.

Library Bar (No.19) in Toronto is awarded the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, recognized for its refined yet responsible approach to modern hospitality. The bar integrates seasonal ingredients, thoughtful sourcing and low-waste practices into its cocktail program, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability without compromising its elevated guest experience.

Identidad (No.73) from San Juan is named the Campari One To Watch, an award given to a bar outside of the main list that the 50 Best team believes has the potential to feature in a future North America’s 50 Best Bars ranking. Rooted in Puerto Rican identity, the bar delivers a cocktail experience that celebrates Caribbean and Latin flavors while supporting local producers and ingredients. With a strong emphasis on culture, creativity and hospitality, Identidad is quickly emerging as a standout in the region’s drinks scene.

Daydream Rum Bar in Albuquerque is awarded the SevenRooms Best Bar Design Award, recognized for its transportive, escapist approach to design and atmosphere. Conceived as a momentary paradise, the bar blends tropical influences with an intimate, hidden setting to create a cocktail-focused retreat from the everyday. Its rum-driven program, paired with both classic and inventive drinks, enhances the immersive experience and reinforces its distinct sense of place.

Additional special award winners announced prior to the reveal of this year’s list include Chicago’s Kumiko (No.11) receiving the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award and Freddy Andreasson of El Gallo Altanero (No.10) in Guadalajara, as the winner of Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.

Attachments:

50 Best Bars List 2026.pdf

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LORETTO, Ky., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Maker's Mark® today announced the highly anticipated second release of Star Hill Farm Whisky, the brand's first new mash bill and first wheat whisky in 70 years. Awarded Star Hill Farm Whisky celebrates the role regenerative agriculture plays to create healthier soil and better flavor. The annual release will be available in Japan and Duty Free this year, as well as in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

"My grandparents built Maker's Mark on the belief that when we invest in the land, it gives back in flavor," said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director of Maker's Mark."Star Hill Farm Whisky extends that vision by embracing ingredients sourced from regenerative agriculture. As a proud B Corp and Regenified-certified distillery, we're helping to define leadership in sustainability for the industry, while working to make Star Hill Farm the most endearing, culturally rich and environmentally responsible homeplace in the world."

While Maker's Mark has always used the same mash bill to create a consistent and balanced bourbon, Star Hill Farm Whisky evolves each year, revealing how nature impacts flavor. The inaugural release spotlighted soft red winter wheat—the signature grain in Maker's Mark's mash bill. The 2026 release introduces hard red and hard white wheat types, demonstrating how grain diversity translates into greater depth of flavor through distillation, maturation and expert blending.

Star Hill Farm 2026 is crafted from two mash bills: one composed entirely of malted wheat, and another of 70% wheat and 30% malted barley. The final blend—27% wheat, 62% malted wheat and 11% malted barley—delivers a darker, more layered aromatic profile, with a rounder structure and amplified fruit notes compared to that of 2025.

"The first release of Star Hill Farm Whisky was bright, approachable and straightforward; this year we've dialed up the complexity," said Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller at Maker's Mark. "The 2026 release is a balanced blend of seven and eight-year whiskies bottled at cask strength, evolving from first sip to finish. It opens with aromas of molasses, fig and delicate baking spices, followed by notes of zesty citrus, ripe pear and buttery shortbread, and lingers with a soft cinnamon finish."

In 2025, Star Hill Farm Whisky became the first to earn Estate Whiskey certification—a designation Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 will carry from the Estate Whiskey Alliance® (EWA), established by the University of Kentucky to highlight local sourcing and sustainable production, and recognize whiskey produced entirely on the distillery estate, using grains grown on estate-owned or controlled land.*

Star Hill Farm Whisky expanded Maker's Mark's ambition to advance regenerative agriculture with last year's launch of the Maker's Mark Regenerative Alliance, whose mission is to foster healthier farm ecosystems through education and hands-on support—already helping convert 58,000 acres of conventional farmland to certified regenerative practices. Extending its impact to consumers, the Alliance invites farms, bars and restaurants to adopt regenerative sourcing and operations, and to bring the story to life through menu storytelling and consumer engagement, with more than 14 partners already signed on.

Bottled at 58.2% ABV (116.4 proof), Star Hill Farm Whisky 2026 will be available for a suggested retail price of $100 USD. In the United States, the limited release will be available at select retailers nationwide and at the Maker's Mark Distillery with a bookable experience that includes a guided tour of Star Hill Farm paired with cocktails highlighting flavor from nature.

For more information, visit or .

MONTEREY, Calif., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Republican Red Winery today announced it has received three prestigious awards at the 2026 Monterey International Wine Competition, including Best of Show and Platinum for its America 250 Sparkling Wine (scored 94 points) and Gold for its Vino MAHA Cabernet Franc (scored 91 points).

The Monterey International Wine Competition is recognized as one of the nation's respected wine judging events, bringing together experienced industry professionals including winemakers, sommeliers, wine writers, retailers, and educators. Wines are evaluated through a rigorous blind tasting process designed to ensure impartiality, with judges assessing entries based on quality, balance, structure, varietal expression, aroma, and finish.

At a time when the U.S. wine industry is experiencing declining consumption and an oversupply of grapes, Republican Red Winery continues to expand its portfolio through thoughtfully developed releases that resonate with consumers seeking meaning and connection in the products they choose. By focusing on craftsmanship, American sourcing, and wines tied to cultural moments and shared values, the winery has identified a distinct niche that continues to support growth even amid broader industry headwinds.

America 250 Sparkling Wine was created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and to honor the spirit of liberty, resilience, and unity that has shaped the American story. Bright and refined, the wine features lively bubbles, balanced acidity, and a crisp finish intended for meaningful celebrations and historic moments. As part of a limited commemorative collection, the wine reflects the belief that certain milestones deserve to be marked with intention and shared with others.

Vino MAHA Cabernet Franc reflects a philosophy rooted in heritage, authenticity, and intentional living. Thoughtfully crafted to emphasize balance, structure, and purity, the wine is inspired by traditions that have shaped the rhythm of home life for generations. Vino MAHA encourages a return to the table as a place of connection, conversation, and appreciation for the values that bring people together.

Both award-winning wines reflect Republican Red Winery's commitment to producing wines that prioritize quality while also embracing meaning and identity. The recognition highlights the winery's continued focus on thoughtful sourcing, careful production, and wines designed to complement meaningful occasions.

"These awards affirm what we believe at Republican Red Winery — that our customers love the labels, but it's the quality of the wine that keeps them coming back," said Founder Paul Johnson. "America 250 Sparkling Wine and Vino MAHA were both created to reflect values that bring people together: heritage, craftsmanship, and intentional living. We are proud to support American-made wine from grapes to glass and the farmers who make it possible, and we are honored to see these wines recognized by such a respected panel of judges."