The American Distillers' Awards

The American Distillers’ Awards is set to raise the bar and toast to excellence in the world of fine spirits. Open to all distilleries, and all products produced in the United States, this competition sets itself apart from the others as being the only event judged exclusively by other distillers and distillery owners. Our goal is to create a true peer-review competition that not only awards the best in each class, but provides useful learned feedback.

There are FOUR WAYS for distilleries to WIN for every submission:

Gold, Silver, & Bronze: Our panel of judges will be scoring each submission on a double blind custom designed scale. This point-based scoring system allows for multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards per category. By using this method of scoring and medaling, distilleries are not competing against each other, but rather being evaluated on an individual basis. Learn more about scoring HERE.
Best in Class: The top score holder in each category will be recognized as "Best in Class of 2024"
Distillery of the Year: Submitting four or more items will automatically enter you into the running for Distillery of the Year. Then, an average of each Distilleries overall scores will be calculated to determine the highest overall score.
Bottle Art & Label Design: While it may be true that its' what's inside that counts, oftentimes it's what's outside that catches attention. Distilleries have the option of also having their submissions considered for "curb appeal"

Accepted categories for this event are:

Bourbon, Single Malt, American Whiskey, Flavored Whiskey, Finished Whiskey, Rye, Moonshine, Flavored Moonshine, Rum (Clear, un-aged, aged, spiced, & Flavored), Vodka, Flavored Vodka, Gin, Agave Spirits, Brandy, Cordials, & Canned Cocktails