Starting February 8, booze and bar aficionados in Baltimore will be able to vote for their favorites in the Baltimore Drinker’s Choice Awards, organized by Drink Baltimore. A week-long first round (February 8–15) will solicit nominations in seven different categories, including Best Happy Hour, Best Beer Bar, Best Wine Bar and more. The top 10 nominees in each division will move on to the final round, which will be decided by popular vote over a two-week period (February 21–March 6).

The winner in each category will receive a custom-engraved trophy and recognition on DrinkBaltimore.com. Over 4,000 interested drinkers placed votes during the 2011 Drinker’s Choice Awards, held in Philadelphia, and a greater number are expected to participate this year.

All nominee submissions and voting for finalists will take place online at DrinkBaltimore.com/vote. Drinkers can also place votes via their mobile phones. Bars and other establishments can click here to download a printable flyer that will solicit nominations. Each of the 10 finalists will also receive a set of free postcards to give out to promote their organization in the contest.

2012 Drinker's Choice Awards Categories:

• Best Happy Hour
• Best Beer Bar
• Best Sports Bar
• Best Wine Bar
• Best Cocktail Bar
• Best Wings
• Best Bar-Hopping Neighborhood