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WORLD SPIRITS CHAMPIONSHIPS®

The first and most respected international spirits competition in the US.

100,000 REVIEWS AND COUNTING.

Since 1981, our spirits ratings, reviews and competitions have put countless brands on the map.

From massive names like Grey Goose, Pappy Van Winkle and Casamigos to the bootstrap-pulling craft distilleries like Few, Copperworks and Vapor Distilling, we recognize, award, and broadcast the flavor and quality that sets brands apart. To this day BevTest is the fairest, most consistent professional spirits review source. We couldn't have created the first and most respected international spirits competition in the US, the World Spirits Championships®, if we weren't.

"Grey Goose had a great taste to begin with, but it was the BevTest's score that put us on the map. Without that, I’m not sure Grey Goose could have grown into a best seller."

- Sidney Frank, Sidney Frank Import Co.

“BevTest’s Tastings.com is well known as a main reference for connoisseurs, experts and followers of spirits.”

- Otto Flores, Brand Ambassador, Otto Flores

“We have used BevTest for the last 5 years and couldn’t be happier. Not only do they have detailed professional reviews and tasting notes, the addition of the metallic stickers and shelf-talkers help us capture customers, and drive bottle sales." The trophies, medals, and printed awards are displayed as center pieces in our tasting room." Their website is easy to navigate and has great product information.”

- Mike Huffman, Mike Huffman

“[The brand [Casamigos] has won gold medals...from The Beverage Testing Institute.] From then on it gained momentum.”

- Randy Gerber, Founder, Casamigos Tequila

"When we found out that our 20 year Pappy Van Winkle had been entered in BevTest's 1997 World Spirits Championships and received their 99-point rating, that's when we started getting calls from distributors around the country looking for our whiskey. That was a benchmark moment for our business. Every time we received a high rating from BevTest over the years, interest increased for our brand. We owe a lot to Beverage Testing Institute for our success."

- Julian P. Van Winkle III, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery

"BevTest is the Cadillac of reviews and competitions."

- Bill Karlson, Co-Founder and CEO, KO Distilling, KO Distilling

“These winners can go to the bank with with a BevTest score!”

- Robin Robinson, Author of "The Complete Whiskey Co, Robin Robinson, LLC

“Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest), one of the industry’s most respected spirit competitions.”

- Joe Micallef, Forbes Magazine

“I truly appreciate the BevTest platform—it’s such a valuable opportunity for small brands like ours to gain recognition and build brand awareness”.

- Flor Palacios, Salvadores Mezcal

Love what y'all do! I think you are the best at it and am very proud of the Peach Whiskey score. We will be using that everywhere we can!

- John Eason, CEO, Sidewalk Side Spirits

2026 SPIRITS competition calendar

All entries must be commercially available

2026


June
North American Whiskey

Tennessee|Canadian|Mexican|American|Moonshine|Corn|Wheat|Flavored|Straight|Blended|Hybrid|Un-aged|Spirit Whiskey

Bourbon Whisky

Bourbon|Straight Bourbon|Blended Bourbon|Blended Straight Bourbon|Cask-Finished|Infused|Distilled with Bourbon Mash

American Single Malt Whisky

American Single Malt Whiskey

North American Rye

Rye|Straight Rye|Malted Rye|Cask-Finished|Blended|Infused|Distilled from Rye Mash

  • Registration Deadline: Jun 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Jun 15 2026
  • Results Release: Aug 03 2026
  • Registration Deadline: Jun 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Jun 15 2026
  • Results Release: Aug 03 2026
  • Registration Deadline: Jun 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Jun 15 2026
  • Results Release: Aug 03 2026
  • Registration Deadline: Jun 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Jun 15 2026
  • Results Release: Aug 03 2026
July
Brandy & Eau-de-Vie

Aged Brandy|Unaged Brandy|Spanish|Calvados|Eau-de-Vie|Fruit Brandy|Pisco|Singani|Applejack|Grappa

Liqueurs, Aperitivos & Amaros

Fruit|Cream|Chocolate|Coffee|Herb/Spice|Anise|Floral|Nut|Schnappst|Bitter Liqueurs|Aperitivos|Aperitifs|Vermouth|Vermut|Amaro|Fernet|Genepy|Absinthe

Armagnac

VSOP|XO|Napoleon|Luxury

Cognac

VS|VSOP|XO|Napoleon|Luxury|Vintage|Age-Stated|Single Distillery|Single District|Pale Color|Flavored

Last Call Spirits

All Spirits Categories

  • Registration Deadline: Jul 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Jul 15 2026
  • Results Release: Sep 01 2026
  • Registration Deadline: Jul 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Jul 15 2026
  • Results Release: Sep 01 2026
  • Registration Deadline: Jul 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Jul 15 2026
  • Results Release: Sep 01 2026
  • Registration Deadline: Jul 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Jul 15 2026
  • Results Release: Sep 01 2026
  • Registration Deadline: Jul 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Jul 15 2026
  • Results Release: Sep 01 2026
August
Luxury Spirits

All Styles & Distillates $50 and above retail. Includes entry into our packaging competition.

  • Registration Deadline: Aug 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Aug 15 2026
  • Results Release: Oct 01 2026
September
Last Chance Spirits Review

All Spirits Categories

  • Registration Deadline: Sep 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Sep 15 2026
  • Results Release: Nov 02 2026
October
Battle of the Private Label Spirits

Commercially Available Private Label Brands Only: All Spirits, RTD, & Mixer Categories

Single Barrel Spirits

Open to commercially available single barrel bottlings of all spirits categories: Whisk(e)y, Cognac, Armagnac, Tequila, Mezcal, Rum, etc.

  • Registration Deadline: Oct 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Oct 15 2026
  • Results Release: Dec 01 2026
  • Registration Deadline: Oct 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Oct 15 2026
  • Results Release: Dec 01 2026
November
Specialty, Heritage & Innovative Spirits

All spirits that meet the US TTB Distilled Spirits Specialty definition as well as regionally specific Specialty Spirits of all kinds from around the world, including Raicilla, Bacanora, Sotol, Cachaça, Pisco, Singani, Shochu, Soju, Baijiu, Genever, Korn, Arak, Raki, Aguardiente, Moonshine, Grappa, Marc, & Eau-de-Vie as well as innovative distillates that push the boundaries of the spirits world, like Koji-fermented whiskey, and hybrid blends of different spirits categories.

  • Registration Deadline: Nov 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Nov 15 2026
  • Results Release: Jan 01 2027
December
Cans: RTD

Spirits-Based, Single-Serve Ready-to-Drink Cocktails| Spirits-Based Hard Seltzers & Sodas|Spirits-Based, Single-Serve, Low-Alcohol RTDs|Single-Serve Non-Alcoholic RTDs

Mixers & RTDs

Ready-to-Drink Cocktails|Cocktail Mixers|Sodas|Bar Syrups|Shrubs|Vinegars|Tinctures

2027 U.S. Craft Spirits Championships

All spirits from US craft distilleries compete for regional and national ‘Best of Category’ craft spirits awards

  • Registration Deadline: Dec 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Dec 15 2026
  • Results Release: Feb 01 2027
  • Registration Deadline: Dec 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Dec 15 2026
  • Results Release: Feb 01 2027
  • Registration Deadline: Dec 15 2026
  • Sample Deadline: Dec 15 2026
  • Results Release: Feb 01 2027
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Questions about our spirits competition calendar or category deadlines?

Contact us as support@bevtest.com

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