The Judging Process
The live judging event will take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. At this time, spirits in each category will be organized into flights, which will be presented to panels of judges who will evaluate them blind.
Winners will be notified on or about March 30, 2026 via telephone call or email. ALL public announcements will be embargoed until at least April 13, 2026 in order to allow time for Virginia ABC to make purchasing decisions, receive stock from producers and distribute stock to Virginia ABC stores across the state.
NOTE: All purchasing and distribution decisions remain at the discretion of Virginia ABC and subject to negotiations between the agency and the producer. No purchases are guaranteed at this time, but the VDA and VSBMO will continue to work with Virginia ABC to seek placement and recognition in Virginia ABC stores.
Judging Process
A panel of expert judges from across the U.S. and abroad evaluates each spirit based on:
- Nose – Aromatic character and complexity
- Palate – Flavor, mouthfeel, and structure
- Finish – Length and evolution of flavor
- Balance – Harmony among all components
Scores are verified and finalized by consensus to ensure accuracy and fairness in every award decision.
Scoring Scale
Entries are rated using a 100-point scale, modeled after the American Craft Spirits Association’s judging system:
- Gold – 90–100
- Silver – 80–89
- Bronze – 70–79
Top scorers advance to the Best in Class round, and the highest-rated spirit overall earns Best in Show honors.
Meet the judges
We are currently confirming our 2026 judges. Check back often for a more up-to-date list.
