{"id":250633,"date":"2026-06-01T10:15:17","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T10:15:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/250633\/"},"modified":"2026-06-01T10:15:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T10:15:17","slug":"bcb-brooklyn-2026-what-not-to-miss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/250633\/","title":{"rendered":"BCB Brooklyn 2026: what not to miss"},"content":{"rendered":"

This year\u2019s BCB\u2008Brooklyn event is set to welcome almost 200 exhibitors, from major spirits companies to innovative newcomers.<\/p>\n

\"Main\"MainBCB Brooklyn has become one of the drinks industry\u2019s leading gatherings in North America<\/p>\n

*This feature was first published in the May issue of\u00a0The Spirits Business\u00a0magazine.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s something special about New York City in the summertime. Picture a cocktail in hand on the Brooklyn waterfront as you make your way through some of the most creative serves conjured by the city\u2019s best bartenders. This is what you\u2019ll come across at Bar Convent Brooklyn (BCB), the annual drinks-trade show that returns to Industry City from 9 to 10 June this year.<\/p>\n

At the event, some of the leading spirits producers from the US and overseas will descend upon the Sunset Park neighbourhood for two days of tastings, panel discussions and demonstrations.<\/p>\n

Last year\u2019s event attracted a record number of attendees, with more than 5,700 industry professionals. This year nearly 200 exhibitors are expected, including the likes of Angostura, Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Cazcanes Tequila, Choya, Disaronno, Everleaf, Mermaid Gin, and Zamora Company.<\/p>\n

\u201cCore spirits categories will continue to be the most represented at the show, particularly whiskey, Tequila and mezcal, gin and rum, as these remain the backbone
of most cocktail programmes,\u201d says Jackie Williams, event vice-president of BCB Brooklyn.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn recent years, we\u2019ve seen the biggest growth come from low-ABV and non-alcoholic drinks, along with mixers and other adjacent beverage categories, reflecting a shift in the industry.<\/p>\n

\"BCB\"BCBVisitors can sample brand cocktails<\/p>\n

\u201cBar programmes are becoming more diverse, and are continuously adapting for a range of consumer preferences.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the biggest additions to BCB Brooklyn is the new Workshop Stage, which focuses on hands-on learning and practical skills for the trade. It will cover areas such as content creation, flavour development and beverage techniques.<\/p>\n

The schedule includes sessions such as: \u2018The Bartender\u2019s Content Kit: Mastering Cocktail Photo & Video Content\u2019, which explores how to create high-quality visual assets for digital platforms; \u2018An Army of Bots\u2019, focused on leveraging automation and AI for operations and marketing; and \u2018Building Better Boilermakers: The Art of Beer & Spirit Pairing\u2019.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s event will also feature 14 Main Stage sessions curated by head of education Lynette Marrero, alongside expanded programming across the Park Street University Stage, Liquid Lounge Stages, and the VIP Lounge.<\/p>\n

The Main Stage will cover topics such as \u2018Why the Forest is the Next Frontier for Flavour\u2019, and \u2018Border Crossings: Bringing Latin American Spirits to Bar & Feed\u2019. It will also cover areas such as inflation-driven pricing, the path to ownership and building teams without burnout, alongside drink development through fermentation, flavour layering and menu engineering.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the exclusive VIP Lounge will host more intimate, discussion-driven sessions focused on leadership, creativity, and team dynamics.<\/p>\n

On the experiential side, the Brooklyn event will showcase an expanded courtyard, anchored by a dedicated bar featuring some of New York\u2019s top bartenders. Another new addition is the Garnish Garden, which will enable attendees to customise their drinks with fresh garnishes, while providing additional networking outside the traditional show floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m especially excited about a few new and evolving experiences that bring both creativity and community to the forefront this year,\u201d adds Williams. \u201cOne being Pride
on the Pour \u2013 a curated, on-site recognition moment at BCB Brooklyn, celebrating LGBTQIA+ ownership, advocacy, and leadership in New York\u2019s hospitality community through featured brands, guest bartenders, and storytelling rooted in the legacy of Stonewall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BCB\"BCBBar Convent Brooklyn made its debut in 2018 as the sister show to the flagship Berlin event, as well as the new London fair<\/a> that launched last year.<\/p>\n

Williams notes that the US-focused show has \u201cgrown tremendously in recent years\u201d. She says: \u201cIn 2018 we launched with the goal of creating a gathering place for working hospitality professionals \u2013 a space where bartenders, brand founders, distributors, and hospitality professionals could come together to exchange ideas, discover new products, and learn from one another.<\/p>\n

\u201cEight years later, the event has expanded in both reach and scope, attracting a more global mix of attendees and exhibitors, while significantly growing its education-programming offering across multiple dedicated stages. What began as a focused industry gathering has evolved into a broader platform for discovery, learning, and business development, attracting professionals all across the bar and beverage world.\u201d<\/p>\n

She adds that this year\u2019s focus is to bring new experiences to the stage by expanding the educational programming.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeyond that, it\u2019s about continuing to listen to feedback from the community, and making sure BCB Brooklyn remains much more than just a trade show,\u201d Williams notes. \u201cWe want it to continue to be the place where the industry comes together to share ideas and learn from one another year after year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keep reading to see some of the stands worth visiting.<\/p>\n

Beluga Vodka<\/p>\n

\"Beluga\"Beluga<\/p>\n

Stand: 8A-506<\/p>\n

Making its debut at this year\u2019s BCB Brooklyn show is Beluga Vodka<\/a> because the US is a \u201cstrategic priority market\u201d for parent company Noblewood Group.<\/p>\n

Brand manager Dejana Vucinic says the appetite for super-premium vodka has \u201cnever been stronger\u201d, with BCB providing \u201cdirect access to the on-trade community at exactly the right moment in our US expansion\u201d.<\/p>\n

The key focus will be on the brand\u2019s flagship Beluga Gold Line vodka, but
the company will also showcase Oyster Gin in the US for the first time. It is \u201crooted in the botanicals and coastal culture of the Adriatic\u201d. Both brands will be presented through signature cocktail serves.<\/p>\n

A highlight of the cocktail offering will be the Beluga Gold Martini with caviar, which is said to \u201ccapture the essence of the Beluga experience\u201d, and taps into bartender interest in \u201csavoury, ultra-refined cocktail serves\u201d.<\/p>\n

Spirit of Gallo<\/p>\n

\"Gallo\"Gallo<\/p>\n

Stand: 8B-732<\/p>\n

Californian wine-and-spirits producer and distributor Gallo will be showcasing its newly acquired Four Roses Bourbon<\/a> at BCB Brooklyn. The Kentucky brand joined Gallo\u2019s portfolio following the company\u2019s US$775 million purchase from Kirin.<\/p>\n

Beyond Four Roses, Gallo will bring its portfolio of brands, including Ron Del Barrilito, Lo-Fi Aperitifs, Montenegro Amaro, Select Aperitivo, Condesa Gin, Don Fulano, Tequila Komos, Germain-Robin, Jura, Mezcal Derrumbes, Horse Soldier Bourbon, and Montucky Cold Snacks.<\/p>\n

Spirit of Gallo will be the first company in Bar Convent Brooklyn history to showcase beer.<\/p>\n

In addition, Gallo\u2019s stand will feature an \u201cinteractive and engaging component\u201d, details of which remain under wraps.<\/p>\n

Heaven Hill Brands<\/p>\n

\"EC\"EC<\/p>\n

Stand: 8B-812<\/p>\n

A returning exhibitor to Brooklyn, family-owned spirits company Heaven Hill is behind American whiskey brands such as Elijah Craig<\/a> and Evan Williams, as well as Ocho Tequila.<\/p>\n

\u201cBCB Brooklyn offers a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders, partners and customers,\u201d says Elayne Duff, Heaven Hill\u2019s global director of advocacy.
Heaven Hill Brands will be putting the spotlight on several of its brands, including Ocho, Mezcal Vago, Elijah Craig, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, Old Fitzgerald whiskey, Widow Jane, and Bluecoat American Dry Gin.<\/p>\n

Pop by the stand to get involved in the new Heaven Hill Passport Experience, with a special prize up for grabs for the first 50 participants. \u201cEach stop in the booth reveals a hidden detail tied to a brand\u2019s story,\u201d Duff explains.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuests will use the clues on each page to find each element and earn a stamp.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce they\u2019ve all been found, guests can head to the Competition Bar to complete their passport.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jose Cuervo<\/p>\n

\"Jose\"Jose<\/p>\n

Stand: 8B-832<\/p>\n

Back for its fourth year, the world\u2019s biggest-selling Tequila brand<\/a> is bringing a sensory agave-bar experience to BCB Brooklyn, with a focus on sustainability. The experience includes a full-scale sensory wall where visitors can interact with the process of breaking down and repurposing agave fibres, alongside sustainable cocktails served in agave-fibre cups and straws prepared by world-class bar teams from Mexico. \u201cWe\u2019re spotlighting the full Cuervo Tradicional 100%-agave portfolio, and leaning into one of the most important conversations in our industry right now: sustainability in spirits and cocktails,\u201d says Jaime Salas, head of Cuervo legacy and advocacy.<\/p>\n

The brand\u2019s Sustainable Sips programme was launched in 2023 to help bars reduce their environmental impact. For 2026, the programme \u201cfeatures working operators who are actively redefining sustainable bar practices with techniques attendees can implement immediately\u201d, adds Salas.<\/p>\n

The full range of Cuervo Tradicional 100%-agave products will be on offer and guests will also be able to take home their own pack of agave straws.<\/p>\n

Sazerac<\/p>\n

\"Sazerac\"Sazerac<\/p>\n

Stand: IC20 and IC11<\/p>\n

Two high-ABV expressions will be showcased for the first time at BCB Brooklyn by Sazerac: Myers\u2019s Navy Strength Rum, and Sazerac Rye Full Proof. The latter expression is bottled at 62.5% ABV, and is \u201can intense sipping whiskey\u201d, with aromas of rye spice, fresh dill, and smoky oak.<\/p>\n

\u201cBCB is one of the most important events, globally, in the spirits industry,\u201d says Matt Ray, USA industry manager. \u201cWe can partner with many of our favourite accounts and introduce thousands of hospitality professionals to new products at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The company will highlight products it distributes including Marie Brizard liqueurs, Cutty Sark Scotch, St James Rhum, Soho Lychee, Warner\u2019s Gin, and Sobieski Rye Vodka.<\/p>\n

\u201cExpect bubble machines, swimsuits, and some exclusive BCB giveaways,\u201d Ray adds.<\/p>\n

\"Thomas\"Thomas<\/p>\n

Stand: 8A-610<\/p>\n

For a refreshing taste, head to Thomas Henry\u2019s stand to try its latest mixer: Vivid Watermelon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There are also other fruity flavours on offer, including Mystic Mango and Pink Grapefruit. Beyond its mixer portfolio, Thomas Henry will also present its alcohol-free drinks range, Undone, with both non-alcoholic and alcoholic serves on offer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe focus is on modern drinking occasions: premium mixers that work both in cocktails and as sophisticated adult soft drinks, alongside non-alcoholic \u2018spirits\u2019,\u201d says Marco Frizzarin, team lead international marketing. \u201cWe\u2019re leaning into the growing low- and no-alcohol trend while showcasing versatility and quality.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s appearance marks the third time that Berlin-based Thomas Henry has exhibited at the Brooklyn fair. \u201cAs a long-standing partner of BCB globally, it\u2019s important for us to continue growing this relationship and supporting the community and connect with our spirits brands partners,\u201d Frizzarin adds.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This year\u2019s BCB\u2008Brooklyn event is set to welcome almost 200 exhibitors, from major spirits companies to innovative newcomers.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":250634,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[97715,98,100,99,4619,4969,9,24,63,8604,89989,618],"class_list":["post-250633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-brooklyn","tag-bcb-brooklyn","tag-brooklyn","tag-brooklyn-headlines","tag-brooklyn-news","tag-events","tag-feature","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc","tag-on-trade","tag-trade-show","tag-us"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/250633","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=250633"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/250633\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/250634"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=250633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=250633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=250633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}