James Bayley named Alan Lodge Young International Drinks Writer of the Year
James Bayley of the drinks business has won the Alan Lodge Young International Drinks Writer of the Year 2025. The announcement was made at The Spirits Business Awards 2025 in London, hosted by Rob Beckett.
The award recognises emerging drinks writers aged 35 and under from across the world. Sponsored by Bacardi, the award was created to honour the late drinks writer and editor Alan Lodge.
Entries are open to journalists, columnists and bloggers who write about wine, beer, spirits and or cocktails. Previous winners include Tyler Wetherall, Felipe Schrieberg and Millie Milliken.
Judges’ comments
This year’s judging panel comprised freelance wine and spirits writer Lucy Shaw, freelance drinks writer Clinton Cawood and freelance drinks and hospitality writer Millie Milliken.
Their feedback on Bayley’s entry included, “James has a distinctive writing style and his pieces were timely, tackling hard subject matter in an assured way. His articles showcase what really good drinks journalism is. I felt in safe hands reading his stories: I trusted his sources and take on things. He does his subject matter justice while weaving his personality into his pieces.”
Another judge said, “James writes with real flair, tackling difficult topics in an engaging way. He successfully walks the tightrope of writing appropriately for his audience while injecting his personality into his stories. He showed so much range across the three articles he submitted and gave us solid journalism. When it comes to drinks writing James is the whole package.”
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A further comment read, “James is a confident and skilled writer who isn’t scared of tackling topics many in the drinks industry would shy away from, from addressing labour standards in Champagne to why raising taxes won’t solve the UK’s drinking problem. His writing is clean, well-researched and engaging and his articles are insightful and informative bringing important issues to light.”
Bayley’s career to date
Bayley is news and website editor at the drinks business, where he oversees all online editorial content. He previously worked as a senior reporter at Harpers Wine & Spirit.
Before moving into drinks media he worked as a reporter for Reach PLC. In 2019 the company sponsored him to complete a master’s degree in journalism at Goldsmiths, University of London. He has since built experience as a writer, editor and presenter.
In March 2020 he founded Attaboy!, an independent publication focused on masculinity and the men’s magazine market.
Reflecting on the award Bayley said: “I’d like to begin by thanking my friends and family for their unwavering support. I’d also like to thank Reach PLC for financing my Master’s in Journalism; Goldsmiths, University of London, for the education that followed; Harpers for giving me my start in drinks; and finally the drinks business for providing the platform for this recognition.”
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