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SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
How to Enter Spirits
ELIGIBILITY
What Spirits may Enter?
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U.S. Spirits: Distilled spirits legally eligible for sale and service in the United States may enter the competition.
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Non-U.S. Spirits: Spirits not yet distributed in the United States must obtain a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) or a COLA waiver from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to qualify.
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Important Deadline: The entry deadline for spirits requiring a COLA is April 11, 2025, to allow sufficient time for paperwork processing and international shipping.
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International Entries: Specific shipping instructions for international spirits will be provided upon registration.
TYPES OF SPIRITS
Spirits will be judged in these classes
Spirits will be judged in the following categories:
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Agave Spirits
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Baijiu (including Soju and Shochu)
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Brandy & Fruit Spirits
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Gin
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Liqueurs, Infused, and Aromatized Spirits
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No & Low Alcohol Spirits
Please note: The New Orleans Spirits Competition reserves the right to reclassify entries as deemed appropriate by staff.
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Ready-to-Drink Cocktails
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Rum and Cane Spirits
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Specialty Spirits
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Vodka
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Whisky
DEADLINES
Important Dates to Remember
March 4, 2025 – Early-Bird Registration Deadline
April 11, 2025 – Deadline for Spirits Not Yet Distributed in the USA
April 25, 2025 – Deadline for Spirits Already Legal to Market in the USA
May 2, 2025 – Spirits Shipments Must Arrive​
INFORMATION WE WILL ASK
Preparing this information before you start will help you fill out the entry form
To help us accurately sort the hundreds of entries into like categories, we will collect the following details during registration:
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Producer’s name, address, email, and phone number
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Brand name
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Mash bill or base material
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ABV (Alcohol by Volume)
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Retail price
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Time in barrel and any secondary barrel(s) used
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Description or additional notes
One critical detail required is the 14-digit Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) number. If you’re unsure of the COLA number, search for it in the TTB’s public COLA Registry. Feel free to contact us if you still need assistance—we’re happy to help!
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Other optional information, such as social media handles, can help us promote winners but is not required to complete the form.
If you’re uncertain about an answer while filling out the form, select “Other” and proceed. You can return and edit your submission anytime before the registration deadline.
AWARDS
To be Announced at Tales of the Cocktail
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Double Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals
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Best of Category
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Whiskey of the Year
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Brandy of the Year
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Gin of the Year
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Baijiu of the Year
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Vodka of the Year
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Agave Spirit of the Year
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Specialty Spirit of the Year
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Liqueur of the Year
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Best New Product
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Best Craft Spirit
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Packaging Excellence
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Distillery of the Year
ENTRY FEES
Price per brand entered
General Entry: $450.00
Import Entry: $550.00
Craft Entry: $400.00
Early-Bird Pricing (valid through March 4, 2025):
General Entry: $400.00
Import Entry: $500.00
Craft Entry: $350.00
SHIPPING SPIRITS
Directions for
Quantities Required:
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Distilled Spirits: Send a minimum of 1.4 liters per entry.
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Bitters: Send 400 ml per entry.
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RTDs:
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Canned, carbonated cocktails: Send eight cans.
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RTDs in bottles: Send 2.25 liters for carbonated cocktails and 1.4 liters for non-carbonated cocktails.
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Packing Requirements:
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Use pulp, corrugated bottle shippers or inflatable bottle bags for secure shipping.
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Do not use packing peanuts. A $25 disposal and cleanup fee will be charged for any boxes containing styrofoam peanuts.
Labeling:
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Mark all boxes clearly as “Sample Materials: Not for Resale.”
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Tape the QR codes from your packing slips to the outside of each box to expedite check-in.
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Carriers:
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Use FedEx, UPS, DHL, or another legal alcohol carrier.
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Do not use USPS, as they do not deliver distilled spirits.
Deadline:
All spirits must arrive no later than Friday, May 2, 2025.
Shipping Address:
To be announced.
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All samples received become the property of the New Orleans Spirits Competition.
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If we didn't answer all your questions,
please drop us a note or give us a call.
