San Francisco, USA – The 2025 USA Spirits Ratings results are now live, honoring spirits that excel in quality, value, and packaging. This year’s competition drew an impressive range of entries, with the USA, Mexico, India, and Canada leading in participation. Whiskey, Gin, Tequila, and RTDs topped the list of most-entered categories.

Two trends stood out this year: RTDs (ready-to-drink) continue to surge in popularity thanks to innovative flavors and convenience, while Tequila remains a strong growth category, cementing its place as a staple in global spirits portfolios.

USA Spirits Ratings is the only U.S. spirits competition focused exclusively on independent, regional, and national retailers, offering producers more than just accolades—it provides a direct path into the off-premise channel. With a judging panel comprising leading retailers, importers and other key off-premise decision-makers, it’s a direct route to industry recognition and market visibility. 

What sets USA Spirits Ratings apart is its three‑pronged scoring system—Quality (50%), Value (25%), and Packaging (25%)—that mirrors consumer behavior at shelf level. Entries are blind‑tasted and evaluated not just for excellence in taste, but also for how compelling they are in price and presentation. This ensures that awarded spirits truly resonate with what consumers look for—and what buyers seek to stock. Organized by Beverage Trade Network, this competition is much more than a contest—it’s a strategic launchpad. It arms producers with expert feedback, industry credibility, and trade exposure in the U.S. spirit landscape.

Top Winners – 2025 USA Spirits Ratings

Spirit of the Year, Vodka of the Year & Spirit of the Year United States: Alb Vodka by Alb Spirits LLC

Best Spirit by Value: Winn Dixie Silver Tequila by Sazerac Company

Best Spirit by Quality: RD1 Limited Release Kentucky Straight Whiskey by RD1 Spirits

Best Spirit by Package & Single Malt Whiskey of the Year: Balivada Malt de Goa Indian Single Malt Whisky by Imperial Distillers and Vintners Pvt Ltd

Tequila Producer of the Year & Tequila of the Year: Familia Camarena Silver by Spirit of Gallo

Mezcal of the Year & Spirit of the Year Mexico: Mezcal 33 Reposado Espadin by Casa Oaxaca Mezcal 1943

Distillery of the Year, RTD of the Year & RTD Producer of the Year: Raspberry Lemonade by Bismarck Distillery

Liqueur of the Year: Bandarful Indian Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur by Himalaya Wine Company Pvt Ltd

Non-Alcoholic of the Year: Pavari 17 by DioniLife

Whiskey Producer of the Year, Whiskey of the Year & Single Malt Scotch of the Year: Port Charlotte 10 by Bruichladdich Distillery

Rum Producer of the Year & Rum of the Year: Flagship Blonde Rum by Papa's Pilar Rum

Gin of the Year:  London Dry Gin “Electio” by CJSC Tiraspol Winery & Distillery «Kvint»

Pisco of the Year: Demonio de los Andes by Viña Tacama by Dz Importerz

Soju of the Year: Thai72 Thailand Style Soju by Rockwood Glass Group Co. Limited

American Blended Whiskey of the Year: Backcountry Bourbon by Cascade Spirits

Straight Bourbon of the Year: Burnt Tavern Bourbon by William Berkele Distillery

Gin Producer of the Year: Cape Citrus by Ginfuse 

Best Own Label by Value: Cinnamon Churro by Member's Mark by Sam's Club

Cognac Producer of the Year: Cognac Voyer Extra XO by Crillon Importers Ltd

Cognac of the Year: Cognac XO by Member's Mark by Sam's Club

Flavoured Spirit of the Year: Copalli Cacao Rum by Copalli Rum

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky of the Year: D’yavol Inception by Dyavol Spirits B.V.

Bitters and Mixers of the Year: Decade Orange by Bitters Lab

Single Barrel American Whiskey of the Year: Four Roses Single Barrel by Four Roses Bourbon

Japanese Whisky of the Year & Spirit of the Year Japan: Hayashi Koyo Okinawa Japanese Whisky by CNS Imports

Best Own Label by Package & Spirit of the Year UK: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky by Member's Mark by Sam's Club

Blended Irish Whiskey of the Year: Jameson Triple Triple Irish Whiskey, entered by Cork + Knife Communications LLC

Blended Scotch of the Year: Kuri Edition by Sakhrani Distillery Ltd

American Single Malt Whiskey of the Year: Minden Mill American Single Malt Whiskey by Foley Family Wines

Rye Whiskey of the Year: Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey by Foley Family Wines

Flavoured Whiskey of the Year: Peanut Butter Whiskey by Ole Smoky Distillery LLC

Tennessee Whiskey of the Year: Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Batch 032 by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

A full list of winners can be viewed here.

About the USA Spirits Ratings

The USA Spirits Ratings is redefining how success is measured in the off-trade spirits market. Unlike traditional competitions, it evaluates spirits through the lens of the U.S. retail environment—placing equal emphasis on Quality, Value, and Packaging. This ensures that the spirits recognized are not only outstanding in taste but also deliver strong value and visual appeal, making them stand out on store shelves and resonate with today’s consumers.

Judging is carried out by a panel of influential trade buyers from across the United States, including professionals from independent spirits shops, regional retailers, and national chains. These are the decision-makers who understand precisely what sells in the off-premise channel and what customers are seeking.

Medal range

Each spirit is assessed using a 100-point scoring system designed to reflect real-world buying decisions. By weighing quality, value for money, and packaging appeal, the competition identifies spirits with both exceptional craftsmanship and strong commercial potential—giving producers a direct pathway to success in the competitive U.S. retail market.

Also Read:
2025 USA Wine Ratings Winners Announced
2025 USA Beer Ratings Results Announced