The entire blind judging process is supervised by ACSA.
Every submission is tasted and graded on a point system, and defining characteristics are noted and recorded. Points determine medal winners (gold, silver and bronze) and all distillers receive detailed judging notes on their submission(s).
Judges are chosen from the food and beverage industry for their knowledge of craft spirits and their contribution to the contemporary hospitality space.
Best of State is are awarded to the highest-scoring whiskey from each sponsored state.
Best-of-Show and Farmer-Distiller trophies are awarded to the highest-scoring whiskies in their respective competitions from sponsoring states.
Blended Whiskey
Bottled In Bond
Bourbon Whiskey
Corn Whiskey
Flavored Whiskey
Four Grain (Corn Plus 3)
Other*
Ready to Drink (RTD)
Rye Whiskey (Corn Mash)
Straight Whiskey
* The competition will make every effort to judge whiskey submissions that do not fall within traditional whiskey categories and award medals based on the regular scoring system.
Farmer-Distiller awards are restricted to distilleries whose owners maintain a working farm. More than 30% of participating distilleries in the 2023 competition met the Farmer-Distiller criteria. Farmer-Distiller awards are determined during regular judging and the points awarded during that process.
Please visit the Farmer-Distiller page for more information.