Denver International Spirits Competition.
15th Annual Denver International Spirits Competition
- March 7 to 29, 2026.
Featured On.
Denver International Spirits Competition Dates:
Ready to Prove Your Spirit
Stands Among the Best?
Join the Rocky Mountain Region’s largest professional spirits competition, judged by 30 of America’s most respected, certified spirits authorities. Gain credibility, secure new distribution deals, and elevate your brand’s reputation.
Why Enter?
✔ Get Discovered by Distributors & Investors
Winning can help you land deals and grow your business.
✔ Build Customer Trust & Sales
Consumers trust award-winning brands over competitors.
✔ Win or lose, You Gain Exposure and Valuable Information
All entrants receive publicity, social media promotion, featured in Wine Country Magazine, and expert judge feedback.
✔ Gain Expert Insight
Every entrant may request copies of our professional judging sheets with notes from our industry-leading judges.
Winners Get Over $2,000 In Benefits
- Physical die-cast medals ($60 value)
- Downloadable Digital Medal Graphics ($200 value)
- Publicity and coverage in Wine Country International ® magazine, reaching 600,000 affluent enthusiasts, and press release distribution to all national beverage news outlets. ($1500 value)
- Actual scores provided (100 pt scale) ($50 value)
- Winner’s products & awards are listed on Wine-Searcher.Com (tm) with links to local resellers. ($500 value)
- Recent studies have shown that 75% of consumers prefer to purchase award-winning products, and distributors and retailers favor representing brands that have received recent accolades.
- Showcase your results to grow your business.
How The Competition Works
We’ve made entering simple. Just follow these steps:
- Register & Pay – Secure your spot before Friday, March 7 to 29, 2026.
- Send Your Samples – Ship two 750 ml bottles (or eight 12 oz cans) to be delivered to us by Feb 1st, 2026.
- Get Judged by Industry Experts – Our panel of 30 elite spirits authorities scores your product.
- Win & Gain Recognition – Medals, media exposure, and credibility await the best brands.
2025 Competition Winners
A winning medal isn’t just an award – it’s a statement of excellence. Stand alongside past winners who have leveraged their medals to grow their brands.
2025 “Best Of Show” Winners
- 1st Place: Stranahan’s Blue Peak, Solera Finish American Single
Malt Whiskey - 2nd Place: Stranahan’s Blue Peak, Solera Finish American Single Malt Whiskey
- 3rd Place: Blue Note Bourbon Crossroads finished in Toasted French Oak
2025 “Best of Class” Winners:
- Tequila: Corrido Over Proof Blanco
- Vodka: Granite Mountain Over Proof Valkyrie Vodka
- Rye Whiskey: Whiskey Thief Distilling Company Single Barrel Bourbon (2.20.2025)
- RTD Infused: Jixxie Grapefruit Rosemary
Packaging & Design Contest
Brand identity matters. Great packaging sells. That’s why we also award the best packaging designs in spirits.
- Judged by seasoned Art Directors, Packaging Designers, and Retail Buyers.
- Winners receive die-cast medals and royalty-free medal artwork.
See all past winners – Download PDF List
Spirits Competition FAQ
What happens if I don’t win?
Every entrant gains exposure through press coverage, social media promotion, and professional feedback from our expert judges. Even without a medal, your brand benefits.
What do I get after winning?
- Die-cast medals for winners
- Royalty-free digital medal artwork
- Scorecards & judges’ notes (available upon request)
- Publicity in Wine Country International® magazine and news outlets
- Featured on our social media platforms.
How are the judges selected?
Our panel consists of 30 of America’s most respected spirits authorities, ensuring fair, professional, and expert evaluations of your product.
How do I submit my samples?
Once you have confirmed entry, we will contact you with shipping information.
- 2 x 750 ml bottles (or 8 x 12 oz cans) per entry.
- Samples should be shipped between January 10 and March 1st, 2026.
- We provide all shipping details upon registration.
Can I enter if I am not in the United States?
Yes, we have many international entries.
Producers without US importers will need to apply for a Cola Waiver and FDA permit BEFORE they ship us samples. We work with an excellent US Broker who can assist. Please email us for details or contact the Competition Director on WhatsApp: 017203023665.
Is there a limit to how many entries I can make?
No, there is no limit to the number of entries per producer.
To learn more, email: [email protected] or call 303 665-0855