We are now accepting submissions for our ninth annual Best of the Northwest issue! Out in November, this issue will feature the top picks for wine, beer, spirits and cider the region has to offer. The top four winning submissions of each category will be awarded medals and the issue will also cover industry leaders, trends, travel and products.
The beverages will be tasted blind, with a panel comprised of the Northwest’s top palates, judges and professionals, whose verdict we will relay onto the pages of the issue. Our goal is to provide our readers with unique and original content pertaining to the best of Northwest beverages and create an overall greater consumer awareness and appreciation of our area’s liquid assets.
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To submit beers to the 2020 Best of the NW, please use the below rules for entry:
1. Cost of entry is $45 for each individual product submission. Payment is accepted via credit card by clicking HERE (or by copying the link below into your browser*), as well as by check via mail to 1333 N. Northlake Way, Suite E, Seattle, WA 98103. All applicable submission fees must be paid in full by Thursday, August 27 to be entered in the judging.
2. Please submit your beer by clicking HERE (or by copying the link below into your browser**). The submission will not be entered in the judging unless the online form is completed.
3. Send four (4) samples of each submission or one (1) growler.
4. List the price of the product based on suggested retail price for the full unit, before taxes. As in, if this beer only comes in 6-packs or draft, please provide that price.
5. All products must be produced in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or British Columbia.
6. Submission receiving deadline is Thursday, August 27.
Note: if you do not currently package your product and will be sending a growler, please email Melissa Miller at melissa@sipnorthwest.com to coordinate.
*Credit card payment link: https://sipmagazine.com/product/beer-submission/
**Submission form link: https://forms.gle/kbEwLScdKV5HHKi5A
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In following the definitions by the Brewers Association, THE CATEGORIES* ARE:
Amber/Red Ale
Barrel-aged beer
Belgian-style beer
Fruit beer
Fruited sour ale
Gluten-free beer — NEW CATEGORY
Golden/Blonde/Other light ales — NEW CATEGORY
Imperial/Double India pale ale
Juicy/Hazy India pale ale
Juicy/Hazy pale ale — NEW CATEGORY
Kölsch
Lager
Pale Ale
Pilsner
Porter
Saison/Farmhouse
Sour ale
Session ale
Stout
West Coast/Non-hazy India pale ale
Wild ale (mixed fermentation, Brett, etc.)
*Though unlikely for most, all categories are subject to change if submissions are too low or too high. In the case of lower submissions, beer would be merged into an appropriately fitting category; for higher submissions, a category of its own would be created.
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SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Carefully package all glass-format beers, especially growlers, as shipping companies are not always gentle.
2) Please do not use packing peanuts or popcorn.
3) Ship all entries to the following address:
Sip Magazine c/o Seattle Wine Storage
ATTN: Best of Beer
9401 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
For personal delivery, please email Melissa Miller at melissa@sipnorthwest.com.
Sip Magazine is an award-winning publication covering the wine, beer, spirits and cider of the Pacific Northwest and now all over the globe at SipMagazine.com. Please join us in finding the best of the year to highlight and showcase in this issue. Thank you!
