In the first year of the American Spirits Council of Tasters (ASCOTs), we pursued a business model in spirits competitions that’s never been executed before. Nearly half of the entrants did not receive an award, and we put caps on what earned Double Platinum, Platinum and Gold.

We had more than 600 entries in our first year, and the judging was all done virtually. I am so proud of our topnotch judges that range from James Beard Award Winner Martin Cate to Bourbon Hall of Famer Peggy Noe Stevens. They absolutely crushed it. We will be trickling out videos of the tasting process throughout the year, so you can see how each taster judges for themselves. We all taste differently, but every judge assessed color, aroma, taste and finish.

You can and should taste alongside them when their videos drop. There are Total Wine & More links, the competition’s exclusive retail partner, with each winner.

The top 15% won Double Platinum, the next 15% won Platinum and the next 25% Gold. The top tier of the Double Platinums now go onto compete in the Championship rounds. You can search the winners here or view the recipients below. Now we go into the finals. Who will win it all?

View Championship Round Contenders