HOW IT WORKS

why submit TO THE AWARDS

ENTRIES

Producers, suppliers, retailers and agents are invited to submit their spirits and provide details including price and retail availability. One bottle of each spirit (or equivalent quantity in cans and pouches) is required and must be sent to the delivery address provided.  It will be logged, and checked against the online application process.

JUDGING

We carefully select spirits-knowledgeable consumers, from an online application process.  Many of them have WSET qualifications, but do not work in the trade. They are joined by members of the spirits trade and our professional judging panel and sit side by side to assess the spirits.

Judging takes place in London and the session is lead by a member of the drinks trade who gives basic guidance and explains the judging process as well as assessing the spirits themselves.

Professional judges, including respected spirits buyers, importers, retailers and sommeliers make up around 30% of the judging panels.  They also give guidance to non-trade judges, as required.

All spirits are blind-tasted and are judged on a points-based scoring system.  This includes:

  • Aroma and Flavours
  • Balance and Quality
  • Suitability for the category
  • Value for money

The consumer and professional panels will produce the finalists and medal winning spirits.

SECOND ROUND JUDGING

Certain categories will undergo a second round of judging in the case of close scoring (or identical scores between two spirits) and potentials for Gold Commendations. 

RESULTS AND PROMOTION

The shortlist of spirits is announced after the first round of judging.  They are publicised by our Official Trade Media Partner, The Buyer . The results will also be listed on the PCSA website and promoted on social media and via press releases to prominent trade and consumer publications.  Each supplier can download a finalists roundel.

Medal winning spirits will be announced at the Awards ceremony in 2026 and publicised by The Buyer and selected consumer publications.

Producers and suppliers can organise their own stickers, subject to prior agreement with the organisers. Artwork will be provided free of charge.  

CONFIDENTIALITY

All materials will remain confidential and no artwork may be replicated without prior agreement with the organiser.  The judges decision will be final.