We strongly support and prefer the American Distilling Institute’s (ADI) International Spirits Competition as our choice for a US-based spirits award. It is also my personal favorite both as a judge, a consultant and a drinks production specialist.
Unlike many other corporate-style competitions, the ADI event fosters a closer relationship between the distiller, the consumer, and fellow judges. It is an exciting and worthwhile event to both judge and enter.
I’ve found the ADI judges to be friendly, well-prepared, and consistently strict but fair. This commitment to integrity ensures that the results from the ADI competition are respected and noteworthy, distinguishing it from less credible awards that seem to function primarily as money-making exercises.
Toby Gorn – ADI Anchor Judge, Award Winning Drinks Specialist Writer, Critic and Consultant. Editor-in-chief of WW&M
As a judge and Master Botanical Distiller, what I enjoy most about the ADI ISC is how it honors years of dedication and craft in the spirits industry. Every entry is evaluated by judges who bring decades of experience and a true appreciation for excellence in discovering spirits with great taste and a story to tell. That shared expertise and passion make the competition more than a pursuit of medals; it’s a celebration of community, encouragement, and the artistry that inspires us all.
Sara Sergent – Alpine Distilling
One of the reasons I’m proud to judge spirits with the ADI ISC is because they approach the competition as a dialogue. Producers get caring, genuine notes and advice from a group not only invested in celebrating what’s great— but celebrating artistry, with a passion for not just education but elevating the space as a whole.
I’ve been writing about gin and other spirits since 2009 for The GIN is IN. People have often said “it’s great that you like it neat, but what do I make with it?” The ADI ISC is leading the way in adding competition level rigor to answering this question.
We know that cocktails— even something simple like an Old Fashioned— are often top of mind when consumers make decisions about new spirits. The ‘Perfect Pour’ part of the ADI ISC gives brands the opportunity to be recognized for excellence in ways that more closely resemble a way they are being enjoyed in bars and at home. Imagine walking into a bar you want to stock your spirit— it immediately advances the discussion beyond “what do I do with your spirit.”
Aaron Knoll
The American Distilling Institute Spirits Competition stands apart as one of the finest competitions a spirits producer can enter. What makes it exceptional isn’t simply the calibre of the judges, though the breadth of knowledge and experience in the room is truly extraordinary. It’s the care, the rigour, and the respect with which each spirit is evaluated. This isn’t a casual ‘like or dislike’ exercise; judges strive to understand the intent behind every bottle. They step into the distiller’s shoes, asking: What is the vision here? What role does this spirit aim to play? By approaching each entry with such thoughtfulness, and by drawing on perspectives from across geographies and flavour traditions, the competition offers one of the fairest and most insightful assessments in the industry. It celebrates not only great spirits, but also the craft, the creativity, and the families behind them. I met individuals whose knowledge and tasting ability were truly remarkable, people I now regularly turn to when I need a trusted opinion on a spirit, or even a second perspective on my own judgment.”
Steph DiCamillo – Wine & Such