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 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 awarded to the highest-scoring whiskey from each participating state.
Best of Show is awarded to the highest-scoring whiskey from the Best of State winners.
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 percent of all entries in the 2023 competition met the Farmer-Distiller criteria. Farmer-Distiller awards are determined during regular judging and the points awarded during that process.
Top Farmer-Distiller**
Farmer-Distiller: Best Bourbon
Farmer-Distiller: Best non-Bourbon Whiskey
** Top Farmer-Distiller Award is determined by the average of the three highest-scoring bottles from one distillery eligible for the award.
Please visit the Farmer-Distiller page for more information.