In this edition of our  "Meet the Buyer" series, Dylan O'Brien, Owner and Operator of Prizefighter Bottle Shop, shares his journey through the spirits industry. His expertise sheds light on the key qualities he values when evaluating spirits—craftsmanship, authenticity, and the story behind the bottle.

The USA Spirits Ratings aims to recognize, reward, and promote spirits that resonate with consumers and meet the needs of the trade. Each entry is evaluated by a panel of judges based on quality, value, and packaging. In this interview, Dylan reveals his approach to evaluating spirits, key factors he looks for when judging, and what makes a brand succeed in today’s competitive market.

Q. Can you tell us a bit about your journey in the spirits industry? What inspired your career in spirits and how did your experiences shape your path in this field?

Dylan: I started out waiting tables and quickly realized that being behind the bar was much more fun. I was lucky enough to work at a Tapas Bar in Berkeley California called Cesar in the early 2000's. It was one of the first places to have a really extensive back bar of spirits and an incredible craft cocktail program. We were very often the first or only place to carry a bunch of rare spirits so I was fortunate enough to get to taste tons of incredible stuff at work. That was also where I fell in love with Mezcal when I met Ron Cooper from Del Maguey in 2002. That led to tons of trips to Oaxaca to visit Palenques and learn as much as I could. That eventually carried over to my Bar Prizefighter which I opened in 2011. We had a massive selection of Mezcal before it was widely known and loved.

 Dylan O'Brien 

Q. When you evaluate a spirit, how do you balance quality, value, and packaging in your judging? Are there any particular aspects that tend to stand out to you?

Dylan: The quality of the spirit is the first and most important thing. If it doesn't taste great, I'm not interested. But how/why/where it's made is super important as well. Is it produced in an ethical manner? Is everyone involved in the process treated fairly? Is it expressive or typical of the place from which it comes? Value and packaging matter a lot in terms of sales of course, but I never buy anything just because it's cheap or pretty. The other stuff is more important.

Q. Are there any specific regions or types of spirits you’re particularly passionate about? What do you hope to see in this year’s entries?

Dylan: I have been a lover of Agave Spirits and Malt Whisky for my entire adult life and I don't think that will ever change. I'm particularly enamored with Overproof/Still Strength Tequila at the moment and I'm delighted that more and more brands are releasing their own marques. I've also fallen back in love with Rum/Rhum so I'm looking forward to seeing what's coming around in that category as well.

Q. In your opinion, what role does packaging play in influencing consumer perception, and how much weight do you place on it when judging?

Dylan: I think it has a huge impact on consumer perception. There are some bottles that we carry that are absolutely stunning spirits but they come in mediocre packages and they can be difficult to sell for that reason. In terms of judging, I suppose I'll defer to what the criteria are in terms of weighing things, but it counts for something in my book for sure. Just not as much as the quality of the liquid inside.

Judging at USA Spirits Ratings

Dylan O’Brien’s journey in the spirits industry offers an insightful window into the craft of spirits, showcasing a commitment to quality and authenticity. From his early days behind the bar to opening Prizefighter Bottle Shop, Dylan’s commitment to discovering and sharing exceptional spirits has shaped his approach to the industry.

Stay tuned for more expert insights in our "Meet the Buyers" series, where we uncover insights from the judges of the USA Spirits Rating, exploring their stories and the key factors that influence their decisions.

The 2025 USA Spirits Ratings is the ultimate platform for spirits brands looking to shine. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or a newcomer, the USA Spirits Ratings is the place to connect, celebrate innovation, and elevate your brand to new heights.

Submit your spirits today to seize this exclusive chance to highlight your brand!

Header Image by: Prizefighter Bottle Shop

Also Read:

Ziggy Eschliman: Spirits Judge & Creative Head at ZigStyle
Judges’ Insights on USA Spirits Ratings: Quality, Value, Innovation