We are now accepting submissions for our 11th Annual Best of the Northwest! After hosting the competition for 10 years, we thought it time to do a deep dive into the competition process and give it a refresh based on learned experiences and feedback from producers and judges. So NEW this year:
- No more waiting months to find out the results. The Best of the Northwest for each specific beverage category will be digitally released within 30 days of the competition to our 40,000+ followers and opt-in subscribers. The quick turnaround should allow for product inventory to be more readily available for Sip Magazine readers to try. Additionally, the full list of the winners will be featured in the annual print issue of Sip out in January.
- Tasting Notes will be provided for each product submitted; this will give you feedback from the judging team that blindly tasted your product.
As in year’s past, all submissions will be tasted blind, by a panel of the Northwest’s top palates made up of mixologists, beverage buyers, spirit writers, distributors and distillers. The top four from each category will be awarded Platinum, Double Gold, Gold or Silver. The larger categories will have Judges’ Picks which are the next highest-ranking beverages after the four medalists (platinum, double gold, gold and silver). At the end of the competition readers will gain further insight to the Pacific Northwest craft beverage scene and an expertly curated shopping list of what to drink for the next year.
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To submit spirits to the 2022 Best of the NW, please follow the rules below:
1. Cost of entry is $70 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 1335 N. Northlake Way, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98103. All applicable submission fees must be paid in full by Friday, October 21st to be entered in the judging.
2. Please submit your spirits 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 one (1) sample of each submission for 750ml, two (2) samples for 500ml or less or 4 samples of Ready to Drink (single serve) or (1) 750ml.
4. List the price of the product based on suggested retail price for the full unit, before taxes.
5. All products must be produced in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or British Columbia.
6. Submission & product delivery deadline is Friday, October 21, 2022.
*** JUDGING will take place the first week of November
*Credit card payment link: https://sipmagazine.com/product/2022-spirit-submission/
**Submission form link: https://forms.gle/rKo24XZitutSA4Zw6
THE 2022 CATEGORIES* ARE:
Amaro / bitter digestif
Aperitif/vermouth
Barrel-aged gin
Bourbon
Brandy/eau de vie/grappa
Dessert liqueur (chocolate, coffee, nut, etc.)
Flavored vodka
Flavored whiskey
Fruit liqueur
Gin
Non-fruit liqueurs (herbal, spice, floral, etc.)
Ready to Drink: Cocktail
Ready to Drink: High Ball (alcoholic base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer)
Rum
Rye whiskey
Single malt whiskey
Specialty spirits (aquavit, absinthe, agave-based, catchall for spirits, etc.)
Vodka
Whiskey (wheat or blended)
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SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Carefully package all glass-format products, 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 Spirits
9401 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
For personal delivery, please email Melissa Miller at melissa@sippublishing.com.
Sip Magazine is an award-winning publication covering the wine, beer, spirits and cider of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
