Announcing the Winners of the 2026 New Orleans Spirits Competition

July 21, 2026

Tales of the Cocktail is taking place in New Orleans, which means the winners of the 2026 New Orleans Spirits Competition’s Spirits of the Year, Distillery of the Year, and Craft Distillery of the Year have been announced. Now in its fifth year, this renowned competition features the best of distillers and the spirits they craft.

The 2026 winners have been announced following an extensive series of blind tastings from a judging panel of esteemed bartenders, distillers, and writers, including Imbibe editor Paul Clarke. The judges blend technical skill with real-world experience, ensuring every entry is evaluated with precision and respect for craftsmanship.

The judging was conducted in two rounds. In the first round, the judges were sent samples, identified only by category, ABV, and any info they need to evaluate it without hinting at the brand identities. They then rate them individually on a 100-point scale, entering scores remotely. The average scores determine medal winners. After the medals were decided, the top finishers across each category were selected for Best of Category recognition.

The finalists were determined through a preliminary round held in June, after which the six highest-scoring spirits in Rum, Whiskey, and Liqueur advanced to the final round in their respective classes. Spirits of the Year were selected in public blind tastings on Monday, July 20, in New Orleans at Tales of the Cocktail. These votes determined the best-of-class awards listed below.