Submit your brand any time of year. There are no deadlines! Judging conducted on the first Monday of every month.

JUDGING MONTHLY | REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! NEXT JUDGING IN ---------->

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The 2026 Chilled Awards

About the Chilled Awards

Now Judging Every Month!

The Chilled Awards, presented by Chilled Media, delivers timely, credible recognition from the industry’s true tastemakers—the professionals behind the bar.

Unlike traditional competitions, The Chilled Awards operate on a dynamic rolling schedule. Entries are evaluated monthly, year-round, by an exclusive blind-tasting panel made up entirely of working bartenders, certified spirits and wine professionals, sommeliers, beverage directors, and owners.

This format ensures every submission receives focused attention, allowing entering brands to activate their recognition immediately and build sustained visibility throughout the year.

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Why Enter?

Put your brand in front of the industry’s most influential tastemakers. Our exclusive panel of working bartenders and wine directors evaluates entries monthly. Submit today to secure placement in our next judging session.

Fast Results, Real Impact

No annual wait. Entries are evaluated in the next session; with timely results you can promote across your marketing channels.

Sustained Momentum

Rolling results mean consistent opportunities for ongoing exposure throughout the year across the Chilled network.

Evaluated by Experts Behind the Bar

Our panel is comprised of active experts bringing focused attention and fresh palates to every individual entry.

Judging is conducted on the first Monday of every month. The final judging cycle for 2026 medals will end on September 1st, 2026. October 1st, 2026 judging will start the 2027 medals cycle.

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How the Judging Process Works

The Chilled Awards rolling, year-round format is designed to deliver timely access to prompt results that brands can activate immediately, leveraging their earned accolades and awards right away.

The Chilled Awards medal cycle open registration ends and begins on September 1^stof each year. Enter at any time and your brand will be included in the next scheduled judging session. Entries are judged monthly within the awards cycle and results are shared immediately.

Here is what to expect:

Submit Your Entry: Register your spirit through our online portal at any time.
Ship Your Bottles: Send in your product following our standard shipping guidelines.
Monthly Bartender Evaluation: Once received, your spirit is slotted into our next judging session. Our panel, composed entirely of expert, working bartenders and wine directors, meet on the first Monday of every month, all year to blind-taste and score the latest arrivals.
Rolling Results & Recognition: Winners are identified and notified on a rolling basis, allowing you to leverage your Chilled Award in your marketing right away.

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The Bartender seal of approval

Bartender seal of approval

A mark of excellence, a testament to the finest spirits, and a nod of approval from the true connoisseurs of the craft. The Chilled Bartenders Seal of Approval is an esteemed emblem awarded only to those brands that have earned the unwavering admiration of the industry’s finest mixologists. The Seal of Approval is a mark of recognition and trust that signifies a working and skilled bartender’s endorsement and backing 100%.

emblems of excellence

Breakout brand

Encapsulates the brand’s remarkable rise to prominence, its spirit of innovation, and its commitment to pushing boundaries. Honors the brand’s extraordinary journey and its dedication to forging new paths in the industry. (Launched within last 36 months).

Creative bottle design

A visual representation of the highest standards of craftsmanship, aesthetics, and innovation in the realm of packaging and presentation. Testament to the artistry and design that elevate a simple vessel into a work of art. Honors a brand’s commitment to presenting its product with style and vision.

New Brand

Signifying a brand’s fresh perspective and its commitment to making a significant mark in the spirits industry. A powerful symbol of a brand’s ambition, creativity, unique and recognizable concepts, or vision that sets the brand apart. (Launched within 3-5 years).

Sustainable Brand

Representing a commitment to responsible and environmentally conscious practices and progress. It embodies the values and principles of sustainability and is a source of inspiration and recognition for those who champion this crucial cause.

Innovative Brand

Represents advancements in distillation practices and continuous pursuit of progress. A symbol of visionary thinking, groundbreaking ideas, and pushing boundaries. Represents excellence in a brand’s role as a catalyst for progress and commitment to innovative practices.

Artisanal Brand

Captures the essence of craftsmanship, authenticity, and creation of unique, handcrafted, small batch products. Symbolizes a brand’s commitment to preserving time-honored techniques and delivering exceptional quality.

Timeless Brand

A symbol of timeless quality, with an enduring value that transcends trends and a commitment to being a driving force for generations to come. Signifying a brand’s preservation of tradition and continuing a long and lasting legacy.

Woman owned brand

A symbol that celebrates and recognizes the achievements, leadership, and empowerment of women in the spirits world. Honors powerful female entrepreneurs and embodies inclusivity while showcasing the brand’s commitment to ethics and progress.

Our 100 point system

our 100 point system

How It Works

Every product entered is meticulously evaluated by our panel of expert judges, undergoing a blind tasting process. Brands are scored on a range of criteria, from aroma and flavor to finish and overall impression. The cumulative score, out of a possible 100 points, determines the standing. The Bartender Seal of Approval and Emblems of Excellence are judged as Best In Show following each judging season. This transparent and rigorous system ensures that only the best are recognized.

Everyone gets a score

Every brand entered is meticulously evaluated by our panel of expert judges, undergoing a blind tasting process. Brands are scored on a range of criteria, from aroma and flavor to finish and overall impression. The cumulative score, out of a possible 100 points, determines the brand’s standing. This transparent and rigorous system ensures that only the best are recognized.