About USA Spirits Ratings

The USA Spirits Ratings is the only Spirits Competition in USA that is focused on independents, regional and national retailers. It is designed to recognize and reward spirits that are not only high in quality but also deliver value and packaging that appeal to consumers. To ensure a fair and transparent judging process, the competition evaluates entries across three key criteria: Quality, Value and Package.

Judges work in groups to assess spirits against the three criteria: Quality, Value, and Packaging. Each spirit is scored on a 100-point scale, with points allocated based on the respective weights of the criteria. Judges provide comments to highlight the key attributes of top-scoring spirits. Each panel has a mix of independents, regional and national retail wine buyers.

USA Spirits Ratings judges are top trade buyers. Get key feedback from these top buyers and grow your brand in the off-premise channels of USA.

Judging Process

The USA Spirits Ratings is the only Spirits Competition in USA that is focused on independents, regional and national retailers. It is designed to recognize and reward spirits that are not only high in quality but also deliver value and packaging that appeal to consumers. To ensure a fair and transparent judging process, the competition evaluates entries across three key criteria:

1. Quality (50%)

Judges assess the spirits for its aroma, taste, and finish. Spirits are scored based on balance, complexity within their style. Each entry undergoes a blind tasting to ensure impartiality. The aim is to reward spirits that display excellence in craftsmanship and deliver a memorable drinking experience.

2. Value (25%)

Judges consider the spirit's price point in relation to its quality. Spirits offering exceptional drinking experiences at competitive prices are scored highly. This criterion ensures that consumers receive great value for their money when choosing a medal-winning spirits brand.

3. Packaging (25%)

Packaging is judged for its design, functionality, and shelf appeal. Judges evaluate the label clarity, bottle design, and the overall presentation to determine how well the spirits brand captures consumer attention and aligns with market trends. Spirits with thoughtful and innovative packaging receive higher scores, as presentation plays a critical role in influencing consumer purchasing decisions. View full judging process and medal definations here.

Key Dates and Deadlines

International Submission Closes - May 31, 2025
Domestic Submission Closes - June 30, 2025
Warehouse Closes - July 10, 2025
Judging Day - July 27, 2025
Winners Announced - August 12, 2025

The USA Spirits Ratings is the only Spirits Competition in USA that is focused on independents, regional and national retailers.

Pricing:

Early Bird Pricing - $250 per spirit(December 21, 2024, to February 20, 2025)
Regular Pricing - $300 per spirit (February 21, 2025, to June 20, 2025)

USA Spirits Ratings Organized By Beverage Trade Network

The USA Spirits Ratings has been created exclusively by the Beverage Trade Network, the US drinks events, services, business, and publishing group dedicated to helping drinks producers and brand owners get closer to the buyers, distributors, and retailers that can bring their products to market.

*INSTRUCTIONS IF SHIPPING FROM OUTSIDE THE U.S.

It is best to use your own importer or agent to clear your shipment through U.S. Customs. All beverages shipped from outside the U.S. require import documents that must be obtained from your own importer or through import partners that provide TTB / Cola service.

If you do not currently work with a US Importer, our partner importer can help you prepare the COLA waiver and FDA Permit approval PRIOR to your shipment. DO NOT SHIP OUT TO THE U.S. BEFORE OBTAINING YOUR COLA WAIVER AND FDA APPROVAL. Please note that TTB / Cola waiver charges varies which you can directly pay the service provider that quotes you.

The sender is responsible for shipping costs and any duties, taxes, customs charges, or other fees accessed by your carrier or third parties with whom you contract. Do not ship until the necessary COLA waivers have been obtained from TTB. Please see detailed instructions for sending samples from outside the US on the shipping instructions page.

Location

Organizer & More Info

Web: https://usaspiritsratings.com/