The New Orleans Spirits Competition is back for its fourth year, and the final deadline to enter is coming up fast on April 25, 2025. Presented by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, this competition has become one of the most trusted and impactful ways for spirits brands—whether craft or established—to gain high-level recognition from some of the industry’s most respected voices. Entries are judged blind in a multi-round process designed to eliminate bias and spotlight true quality, with the highest scoring spirits advancing to the Championship Round, judged live at Tales of the Cocktail®️️ this summer.
The NOSC judging panel is one of the most prestigious in the industry, with names that carry serious weight across the bar world and beyond. This year’s lineup includes Dale DeGroff, “King Cocktail” and a foundational figure in modern mixology; Tiffanie Barriere, 2023 Tales Visionary Award winner and cultural educator known as The Drinking Coach; ms. franky marshall, Co-Chair of the Tales Education Committee and a global voice in hospitality and education; Kate Gerwin, award-winning bartender and 2023 Innovator of the Year; Paul Clarke, Editor in Chief of Imbibe magazine; and Elayne Duff, Global Director of Advocacy for Heaven Hill Brands. Their collective experience spans bars, brands, education, and editorial—and every product is tasted blind, with nothing but quality in the glass to guide them.
Winners aren’t just walking away with medals—they’re gaining real-world exposure and bragging rights at one of the most influential events in the drinks industry. In 2024, Tales of the Cocktail drew attendees from nearly 50 countries, including bartenders, buyers, journalists, distributors, and decision-makers from every corner of the trade. Medal-winning products are promoted on-site, featured in press coverage, and celebrated across all NOSC channels. And every winner receives a press kit with digital assets to maximize visibility after the fact.
In addition to core spirits categories like whiskey, rum, agave, gin, RTDs, and nonalcoholic spirits, NOSC has expanded its scope this year to include bitters, cocktail syrups, and other essential components of modern drink-making. Whether you’re a centuries-old distillery or a first-time entrant with something exceptional to share, the New Orleans Spirits Competition offers a level playing field—judged with integrity and designed to spotlight quality. Entries close Friday, April 25. Learn more and submit at nolaspiritscomp.com.
