Kate Wise, Prohibition Pig — She may still be in her twenties, but this restaurant lifer has a devoted following that migrated with her from Stowe's Rusty Nail to the exceptionally well-stocked bar at Prohibition Pig. Her cocktails may be sophisticated, but Wise is happily down to earth.

Other Finalists

• Buck Frisch (Church Street Tavern)
• Chris Maloney (Hen of the Wood, Burlington)
• Ross Meilleur (Red Square)
• Scott Kerner (Three Penny Taproom, Montpelier)