America’s Best rules:

America’s Best Spirits Awards (ABSA) Rules & Regulations:

Eligibility:

1.1. All brandss entered into the ABSA must be commercially produced or bottled in the United States and available for purchase in at least one US state at the time of the competition. Products with an approved COLA, but not yet commercially available can also be entered.

1.2. Entries must come from a licensed distillery / producer / bottler and comply with all federal, state, and local laws related to the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic or hemp beverages. 

Registration and Submission:

2.1. Entries must be registered and submitted by the brand or a legally authorized representative. 

2.2. Each distillery may submit multiple entries, but each entry must be a different product.

2.3. Two (750 ml) samples of each spirit must be submitted for judging. One additional sample must be submitted if entered in the Packaging competition. 

Judging and Scoring:

3.1. Judging will be performed by a panel of experts selected by the ABSA committee. The panel will consist of beverage industry professionals, including, but not limited to, bartenders, retailers, restaurateurs, and spirits journalists.

3.2. Brands will be judged on a 100-point scale, with the following categories considered: appearance, aroma, taste, body, finish, and overall balance.

3.3. The competition will be conducted "blind," meaning judges will not be aware of the brand or origin of each spirit.

3.4. Each category (regionally and nationally) will have a Double Gold (top ranked in category with at least a 95+ score), Gold (90-100 points), Silver (80-89 points), and Bronze (70-79 points) winner. Additionally, there will be a “Best in Show” award given to the highest-scoring entry across all categories and “Best in State” and “Best in Region” awards given to the highest-scoring brands in each state and region. Additional categories can be added at the discretion of the ABSA committee. 

Confidentiality and Integrity:

4.1. All scores and judging notes will remain confidential until the ABSA awards announcement.

4.2. Any attempt to influence the judges or the ABSA committee may result in disqualification.

Winners:

5.1. Winners will receive a digital ABSA and regional medal, along with unrestricted rights to use the medals in their marketing and packaging.

5.2. The results will be published on the ABSA website and shared with major industry publications, as well as on social media. 

Fees and Deadlines:

6.1. The entry fee for the competition will be determined annually by the ABSA committee. 

6.2. All entry fees are non-refundable, regardless of disqualification, withdrawal, or any other reason for non-participation.

6.3. Entries must be registered and samples received by the date set annually by the ABSA committee. Late entries will not be accepted.

By submitting an entry, participants agree to abide by these rules and decisions of the ABSA committee and judging panel, which are final and binding in all respects. 

The ABSA reserves the right to revise these rules at any time and for any reason. Notification of any changes will be made on the official ABSA website.