Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured is Tobin Shea, who is a finalist for Cocktail Excellence, by the James Beard Foundation.

Warren County has a new reason to raise a glass.

Tobin Shea, a native of Warren and nationally celebrated Bar Director at Redbird in Los Angeles, has been named a finalist for the 2025 James Beard Award in the Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service category — one of the culinary world’s most prestigious honors.

The recognition from the James Beard Foundation, which celebrates excellence in culinary arts, hospitality, and food media, marks a significant milestone in Shea’s impressive career and places his name among the best in the industry.

“It is very flattering to be recognized as being one of the best bartenders in the country, especially for such a coveted organization as the James Beard Foundation,” Shea said. “I have tried to continue learning throughout my 30-year career as a bartender, and I am grateful that it has been noticed.”

Shea’s journey began far from the glamour of Los Angeles, behind the bar at a local watering hole near his Pennsylvania college. After a brief stint in the corporate world, he discovered his true passion wasn’t in spreadsheets–but in spirits.

“I started bartending in college to pay the bills, but I fell in love with it almost instantly,” he said. “My father gave me a book from the past about how cocktails were made in the 1950s, and that opened up a whole new world. I started finding books from the 1860s and I have tried to incorporate techniques from the 1860s to the current times.”

Shea’s love of cocktail history has become his signature. At Redbird and its sister venue Vibiana, he has crafted a beverage program that’s both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly innovative. His menu features resurrected classic cocktails from the 19th and early 20th centuries–given a modern twist to complement the globally inspired dishes of chef and owner Neal Fraser.

“Tobin’s style–blending forgotten 19th and early 20th-century classics with a modern flair–mirrors the history and restoration of Redbird and Vibiana,” reads a statement from the Redbird team. “We’re thrilled the James Beard Foundation has recognized his work.”

Known for his elegant and balanced creations, Shea has racked up accolades including Time Out’s Best Restaurant Bar Program in 2017 and several finalist placements for Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Restaurant Bar Award.

“These days bourbon is really having its moment,” he noted. “Old Fashioneds have been the most popular cocktail of the past decade, which is funny because it was originally published in 1867. One of my all-time favorite cocktails is the Allegheny, which consists of rye whiskey, dry vermouth, fresh blackberries, and fresh lemon juice.”

While Shea’s star has risen far beyond his hometown, he hasn’t forgotten his roots.

“Being raised by Toby Shea, doing your best was instilled at a young age,” he said. “We always strive to do our best no matter what the situation. Growing up in such a supportive community has helped shape the person that I am today. I am grateful for my family and all my friends from Warren who have always supported me throughout my journey. Hopefully I win the award and have a celebration in Warren for the Fourth of July, but either way I am still very proud of this recognition.”

The 2025 James Beard Awards will be held in Chicago, June 14-16, marking the 35th anniversary of the ceremony. The Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service category recognizes professionals who have made a significant impact in the beverage industry and who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment to their craft.

To learn more about the awards and Shea’s work, visit www.jamesbeard.org and www.redbird.la.