Standing out is crucial for spirits producers in the crowded and highly competitive US market. Spirits competitions and professional reviews offer a powerful way to boost brand credibility and grab consumer attention. These accolades can sway importer decisions and influence buying choices, ultimately propelling spirits brands toward success.
Thanks to our collaboration with Steve Raye of Bevology, a highly respected expert in the U.S. beverage market, we present you a guide that shows you how to enter the right competitions and earn top reviews.
1.
Name: BevTest – Beverage Testing Institute
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes, wines, spirits, and beer
Deadline: Deadlines by country and category throughout the year for both wines and spirits. Schedule for domestic and international spirits https://bevtest.com/services/reviews/spirits/
Link for entry form/process: Monthly rolling schedule for wines, spirits, and beers and does private reviews and studies on request: https://secure.bevtest.com
Entry cost per SKU: $165-600
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 2
2.
Name: American Craft Spirits Association Awards
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes
Deadline: Not published yet
Link for entry form/process: https://americancraftspirits.org/programs/judging/
Entry cost per SKU: $200 to $375 depending on membership and timing
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 2
3.
Name: American Distilling Institute
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes
Deadline: Not published yet
Link for entry form/process: https://distilling.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ADI-2023-ISC-Submission-Guidelines.pdf
Entry cost per SKU: $425/spirit for domestic entries, $475 for international entries from non-members
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 2
4.
Name: Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes
Deadline: 20 May 2024
Link for entry form/process: https://vegasspiritawards.com/entry/
Entry cost per SKU: $450 per SKU
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 3
5.
Name: New York International Spirits
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes
Deadline: 13 April 2024
Link for entry form/process: https://nyispiritscompetition.com/how-to-enter/
Entry cost per SKU: $325
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 2
6.
Name: San Francisco Spirits
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes
Deadline: 5-7 April 2024
Link for entry form/process: https://thetastingalliance.com/tasting-competition/
Entry cost per SKU: $550
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 2
7.
Name: IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition)
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes
Deadline: Varies by category and region: https://www.iwsc.net/entry-zone/entry-and-shipping-deadlines
Link for entry form/process: https://iwsc.net/how-to-enter
Entry cost per SKU: £159/SKU
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 4
If you would also like to read a guide about the relevant wine competitions and reviewers, you can find it here.
