The Tasting Alliance

Please review the class codes for the competition in the entry booklet and select the most appropriate class for your product. Products will be judged within groups based on their category.

Products can only be entered in one category per Competition.

If you have questions or can't find the right category, please email us for assistance.

If you need to update product names, region, or other brand details, please email hello@thetastingalliance.com.

No, the competition does not issue refunds. However, entries can be transferred to the next competition, or may be eligible for our late tasting session. We will notify affected entrants directly with instructions and timing. To confirm if your product qualifies or to check the status, please contact hello@thetastingalliance.com with your entry details.

All 2025 competitions results are now live and can be viewed here.

Please be on the lookout for 2026 results release dates. 

Our experts at Tasting Alliance Advisors (TAA) offer tailored marketing and brand strategy support to help you get the most out of your win. Contact our team to learn more. The TAA team will be hosting a webinar on June 3rd to explore the next steps for brands looking to maximize their newfound recognition. Through a series of expert-led discussions, you’ll gain the tools and strategies needed to amplify your award, strengthen your brand presence, and scale your business effectively. Register today to secure your spot.

Winners are encouraged to showcase their achievement by using medallion artwork in packaging, retail displays, e-commerce, advertising, and other marketing materials. To do so, you must first purchase a license for the high-resolution artwork through the Winner’s Portal, where you can view available options and pricing. Once licensed, you have the right to use the medallion artwork indefinitely across all point-of-sale and promotional materials.

Please note that medallion artwork may only be used on products that were submitted to and awarded by our judging panel. Any changes made to a product after entry render it ineligible to use the artwork.

Absolutely! Please contact us at hello@thetastingalliance.com to inquire about specific entry feedback.

The Best New Spirits Awards recognize outstanding new products that are making a meaningful impact in their category. To qualify, a product must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• First released within the past 48 months
• A new expression or formulation from an existing brand (not simply a rebrand or packaging update)

Products that are only relabeled, have minor line extensions without significant change, or have been on the market for more than 48 months are not eligible.

Winners are determined through the standard San Francisco World Spirits Competition blind judging process. The highest-scoring eligible product in each category is awarded, provided it achieves a minimum score of 96 points. If no entry meets this threshold, no award will be given.

Categories include Vodka, Gin, Mezcal, Rum, Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, Japanese Whisky, Scotch, Non-Alcoholic, and Ready-to-Drink.

While this is not a guarantee, the competition reserves the right to photograph any entry for promotional use in catalogs, publications, and on the website, including social media channels.

We feature select winners on our social media and press channels. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn, and keep an eye on your email for media opportunities post-announcement.

For more information on onboarding your products with Flaviar, please email us.

The competition is a closed event and is only open to our expert judges and invited media. However, you can attend Top Shelf 2025 to celebrate the highest medalists from the 2025 competition. 

For competition-related questions, please email us at hello@thetastingalliance.com.