THe Cupbearer’s guild Awards
The 2nd Award To Offer Retail Placement!
Top 3 in each category win a retail placement!
The 1st Award To Offer Retail Placement!
Top 3 in each category win a retail placement! Triple Gold Awards Standard.
Opens March 15th, 2026
Closes June 15th, 2026
2026 Announced July 16th, 2026
2026 Awards Entry Ending June 16th, 2026
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Our Semi-Annual Award Features
Top 3 win a retail placement!
Top 3 in each category score retail placement for a 1-case order in one of the following markets: AZ, WA, or OR.
Opens March 15th, 2026
Closes June 15th, 2026
2026 Announced July 16th, 2026
Judging That Reflects the Industry
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Judges From Retail Locations
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Judges Who Serve Alcohol
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Judges Who Work In Distribution
Our Process
This isn’t your typical tasting panel. We’ve brought together influential voices from across the alcohol industry to assess spirits where it truly matters: in the market, on the shelf, and in the glass.
Our judges include expert bartenders, respected sommeliers, high-volume retail buyers, and hospitality entrepreneurs with real industry pull. Every spirit is blind tasted and evaluated not just for craftsmanship, but for how it performs in real-world settings — from cocktail menus to consumer shelves.
If you’re looking for exposure, credibility, and a pathway to real distribution — this is where it starts.
exposure that pays off
Winning an award should be more than just a title – it should lead to opportunity..
Real Exposure. Real Sales.
Every spirit and wine is blind-tasted by an expert panel with deep industry ties — including sommeliers, hospitality buyers, retail professionals, and operators. Winners don’t just earn recognition; they secure a foothold in the market.
With guaranteed sales for the top three entries in each category, the Cupbearer’s Guild Awards delivers more than prestige — it delivers results.