The AWSC was created to recognize spirits that resonate with both trade professionals and consumers throughout Asia and Australasia. From whisky and gin to baijiu, soju, rum, tequila, ready-to-drink cocktails, and emerging craft categories, the competition celebrates quality across the full spectrum of the industry.

By expanding beyond Singapore, the AWSC now offers brands broader visibility throughout key regional markets, helping winners stand out in increasingly competitive retail and hospitality spaces. For producers looking to grow their presence in Asia-Pacific, a medal from the AWSC can become a valuable trust signal for buyers, distributors, bartenders, and consumers alike.

One of the defining features of the AWSC is its 100% blind judging process. Every product is evaluated without branding or packaging visible, ensuring that awards are based purely on what’s in the glass.

Panels are made up of some of Asia’s most respected:

• Bartenders
• Beverage buyers
• Educators
• Sommeliers
• Spirits specialists

This approach ensures that each spirit is assessed fairly and consistently based on aroma, flavor, balance, mouthfeel, and overall quality. Blind judging removes marketing influence from the equation and gives emerging brands the opportunity to compete directly alongside globally recognized names.

The AWSC recognizes excellence through a tiered medal structure designed to highlight truly standout products.

Bronze

Awarded to solid, well-made products that meet professional quality standards.

Silver

Given to spirits that demonstrate strong craftsmanship, balance, and character.

Gold

Reserved for exceptional entries that impress judges across all key tasting criteria.

Double Gold

Awarded when all judges on a panel unanimously agree that a spirit deserves Gold-level recognition — one of the competition’s highest honors.

Platinum

A top distinction within the competition, recognizing consistently exceptional products that have achieved Double Gold consecutively for three or more years.

For brands, these medals can become powerful marketing tools — appearing on packaging, menus, retail displays, digital campaigns, and distributor presentations.

Beyond the medals themselves, the AWSC offers producers a chance to gain meaningful industry recognition in one of the world’s fastest-growing beverage markets.

Winning brands often use their results to:

• Build credibility with importers and distributors
• Increase consumer trust
• Support retail placements
• Enhance international marketing efforts
• Stand out in crowded categories

For smaller producers and emerging craft brands, blind tasting competitions can also provide validation that helps open doors internationally.

The AWSC continues to attract entries from established global producers as well as rising independent brands looking to make an impact across Asia and Australasia.

Registration is officially open now, with entries closing on June 26.

For spirits producers seeking trusted third-party recognition in the Asia-Pacific market, the AWSC represents an opportunity to put their products in front of some of the region’s most influential palates — and potentially earn recognition that carries far beyond the judging room.