Lucas Bols Wins Wine Enthusiast Spirit Brand of the Year After 450th Anniversary

The Lucas Bols Company was named Spirit Brand of the Year by Wine Enthusiast's 2026 Wine Star Awards, an honor that follows the Amsterdam-based distiller's 450th anniversary in 2025. PR Newswire announced the recognition on November 12, 2026.

Lucas Bols Takes Wine Enthusiast's Top Spirit Honor

Founded in 1575, The Lucas Bols Company makes cocktail spirits and liqueurs and sells them in 110 countries. Its portfolio includes the global cocktail brands Bols, Passoã, Galliano, Tequila Partida and Fluère, a non-alcoholic line, alongside Pallini Limoncello, which it represents in the U.S., plus Nuvo, Pisang Ambon and other brands.

Frank Cocx, Global CEO of The Lucas Bols Company, said: "Being named Spirit Brand of the Year is a proud milestone for everyone at our company." Cocx added that the company sees "a great opportunity to continue growing our portfolio through strategic acquisitions and partnerships."

Jacqueline Strum, President & Publisher at Wine Enthusiast, said the publication chose Lucas Bols "because of their strong commitment to an ever-changing industry and the veterans who make it great." Strum cited the company's more than 20 brands and its focus on drinkers interested in non-alcohol beverages, additive-free tequila or the spritz.

Brett Dunne, Managing Director, North America, said the recognition reflects the work of the company's North American team, distributors, bartenders and trade partners. Dunne said several brands achieved strong growth momentum in 2025 and continue to perform well in 2026 despite challenging market conditions.

Wine Enthusiast will present the award at the 27th Annual Wine Star Awards Gala on January 25, 2027, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The award will also appear in the publication's "Best of Year" issue dated December 31.

Other Wine Enthusiast 2026 Wine Star Honors

Wine Enthusiast's 2026 Wine Star Awards also recognized Merry Edwards as American Wine Legend of the Year, The Mercury News reported in November 2026. Edwards, a Russian River Valley winemaker, helped isolate clone 37 Pinot Noir and founded her winery in 1997, retiring in 2020.

Livermore Valley was named Wine Enthusiast's Wine Region of the Year, the East Bay Times reported in October 2026, with the award announced at the Taste Our Terroir competition. In September 2026, Grgich Hills Estate was named one of five nominees for American Winery of the Year, PR Newswire reported.

Bols Liqueurs and Tequila Partida Plans for 2027

Bols has several innovations in the pipeline for 2027, including line extensions on Bols Liqueurs such as Pink Grapefruit and a newly designed Bols Liqueurs 1-liter package. The company also plans a new look for Tequila Partida and the national launch of the Pallini Limoncello Spritz ready-to-drink can following a successful test this summer.