Competition – Benefits – Judges – Sponsors – Award Winners
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about registering for ADI’s International Spirits Competition. If you have any questions not covered in this section please email our Competition Director Eric Zandona: eric@distilling.com
What is the calendar for the 2025 ADI International Spirits Competition?
| Event | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline | Last Day for Early Bird Registration | February 7, 2025 |
| Deadline | To apply for COLA Waiver for International Spirits | February 21, 2025 |
| Deadline | Spirits Registration | March 7, 2025 |
| Deadline | To Receive Spirits | March 14, 2025 |
| Milestone | End of the Competition | April 2, 2025 |
| Milestone | Announcement of Awards | May 14, 2025 |
| Milestone | Best of Class Awards Luncheon @ ADI Craft Spirits Conference | August 25, 2025 |
I’m not a member of ADI can I enter our spirits into the competition?
Yes. ADI accepts all commercial spirits from distiller, importers, brand agencies etc. regardless of their membership status. Members of ADI and certain Affiliate Associations receive a discount on each entry.
I used the password reset tool but why haven’t I received an email?
If you have requested a password reset and not received an automated response email, please contact our Admin department admin@distilling.com
How many bottles must I ship?
We require the following number of bottles, cans, or pouches per entry:
- Two (2) 750/700ml bottles (or the equivalent) for all spirits entered.
- Two 2 (two) 750/700ml bottles (or equivalent) for each non-carbonated bottled RTD entered.
- Three (3) 750/700ml bottles (or equivalent) for each sparkling bottled RTD entered.
- Eight (8) cans of each canned RTD entered.
- Four (4) pouches for each frozen RTD entered.
- One 100ml for Non-potable bitters and tinctures.
Are there extra steps for shipping spirits from outside the US?
Spirits shipped from outside the US must also complete the following:
- FDA prior notice (click here for step-by-step Instructions).
- Pro forma invoice, that lists the cost of the shipped spirits, NOT their retail value.
- Complete the ASE COLA Waiver Packet if the spirit does not have current US importation.
These forms must be completed before shipping and submitted digitally to your carrier of choice (e.g. UPS, FedEx or DHL) to expedite clearance by US Customs, and included in an exterior shipping pouch on the box.
COLA Waiver applications must be received no later than February 9, 2024. Be advised that waivers can take more than a business week to process and once approved, they expire after 90 days.
How should I package my spirits?
ADI highly recommends shipping bottles in foam, pulp, or corrugated bottle shippers, or using inflatable bottle bags. See Uline, Polar Tech, Spirited Shipper, and Inflatable Packaging for examples.
Boxes must not exceed 40lbs (18kg)
Box dimensions not to exceed 36”L x 24” W x 24”H (91.44cm x 60.96cm x 60.96cm)
All bottles must be packaged in such a way that they will absolutely not break.
All boxes must have the ADI Shipping Label
What is my TTB ID#?
This is a unique 14-digit number for each approved COLA. It can be found through the TTBs Public COLA Registry or in Box 1 of your printed COLA. If you do not have a COLA enter 0000.
What’s your cancellation or refund policy?
All registrations are final. Refunds are only available if bottles do not arrive due to circumstances outside of the entrant’s control such as carrier refusal, return, complete breakage etc. Refunds are not available for failure to ship or if bottles arrive after the competition. In these circumstances bottles and fees will be held and carried over to the next competition.
