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Frequently Asked Questions
Full pricing, category information and further details can be found on the 2026 Awards page, the Shipping & Samples page, and the Judges & Judging page. Below are frequently asked questions including where samples need to be sent, how UK Duty can be paid, and if it is worthwhile to re-enter previously entered gins:
Where do samples need to be sent for judging?
The sample delivery address is: The Spirits Guide Ltd, 69 Oaken Grove, Maidenhead, SL6 6HN, England. For full details, please visit the Shipping & Samples page.
The sample delivery address is: The Spirits Guide Ltd, 69 Oaken Grove, Maidenhead, SL6 6HN, England. For full details, please visit the Shipping & Samples page.
Is there value in entering a previously entered gin again?
Yes. Many entrants enter the Awards repeatedly to gain feedback from the Judges, to make any possible improvements, and to then get feedback again. Previous Winners also repeatedly enter with the aim of repeating their achievement, gaining the current year's logo, stickers and certificate, and having a wealth of promotional opportunities for the year ahead. Also, each year the judging panel sees changes in personnel and in the categories that each judge is assessing and providing feedback on. There is therefore the opportunity to receive a new score and set of judges' comments, especially if you have made any adjustments to your recipe, botanicals or production.
Yes. Many entrants enter the Awards repeatedly to gain feedback from the Judges, to make any possible improvements, and to then get feedback again. Previous Winners also repeatedly enter with the aim of repeating their achievement, gaining the current year's logo, stickers and certificate, and having a wealth of promotional opportunities for the year ahead. Also, each year the judging panel sees changes in personnel and in the categories that each judge is assessing and providing feedback on. There is therefore the opportunity to receive a new score and set of judges' comments, especially if you have made any adjustments to your recipe, botanicals or production.
Is there an Awards Ceremony or Gala Dinner?
Based on feedback from gin brands and producers, as well aiming to minimise our carbon footprint, The Gin Guide Awards does not hold an Awards Ceremony or Gala Dinner. Given the global nature of the Awards, this also minimises the cost to entrants who would not be in a position to attend the Awards Ceremony. Instead, additional resources are invested into PR and online promotion.
Based on feedback from gin brands and producers, as well aiming to minimise our carbon footprint, The Gin Guide Awards does not hold an Awards Ceremony or Gala Dinner. Given the global nature of the Awards, this also minimises the cost to entrants who would not be in a position to attend the Awards Ceremony. Instead, additional resources are invested into PR and online promotion.
Is there a licensing fee for Finalists and Winners to use the logo?
Medal Winners, Finalists and Geographic highest scorers will receive hi-res logos and imagery that can be used on websites, social media, printed materials and bottle tags, with no licensing fee. The logo imagery or wording may not be edited in any way and must be used as provided
Medal Winners, Finalists and Geographic highest scorers will receive hi-res logos and imagery that can be used on websites, social media, printed materials and bottle tags, with no licensing fee. The logo imagery or wording may not be edited in any way and must be used as provided
Can Finalists and Winners purchase bottle stickers?
Yes. The use of bottle stickers is very much encouraged as a prominent and effective way to display success in the Awards and to differentiate your products from others, especially as the Awards are so widely recognised and the stickers are easily understood by consumers. Stickers must be purchased direct from our chosen provider (inkREADible) and are high quality with the lowest price of any Spirits Awards (£25 per roll of 1,000). We believe that you have earned them and should not have to pay an excessive premium to promote your success. International Winners and Finalists may use local printers, however, the stickers must be approved by The Spirits Guide Ltd before printing.
Yes. The use of bottle stickers is very much encouraged as a prominent and effective way to display success in the Awards and to differentiate your products from others, especially as the Awards are so widely recognised and the stickers are easily understood by consumers. Stickers must be purchased direct from our chosen provider (inkREADible) and are high quality with the lowest price of any Spirits Awards (£25 per roll of 1,000). We believe that you have earned them and should not have to pay an excessive premium to promote your success. International Winners and Finalists may use local printers, however, the stickers must be approved by The Spirits Guide Ltd before printing.
Can Genever be entered?
A Genever would not currently be eligible for any categories in 2026, however a Genever category may be established in future Awards.
A Genever would not currently be eligible for any categories in 2026, however a Genever category may be established in future Awards.
Can Sloe Gin be entered?
A separate Sloe Gin Awards will be hosted later in 2026 to best match the seasonality of Sloe Gin production and the most important timing for promoting Sloe Gins to consumers and the trade. Sloe Gins of 37.5% ABV or above may still enter The Gin Guide Awards in the Flavoured Gin category.
A separate Sloe Gin Awards will be hosted later in 2026 to best match the seasonality of Sloe Gin production and the most important timing for promoting Sloe Gins to consumers and the trade. Sloe Gins of 37.5% ABV or above may still enter The Gin Guide Awards in the Flavoured Gin category.
Can products containing CBD oils or cannabis extracts be entered?
Products cannot be entered if they contain additives that are not solely intended to influence the taste of the product.
Products cannot be entered if they contain additives that are not solely intended to influence the taste of the product.
Can products containing shimmer or glitter be entered?
Products cannot be entered if they contain visible physical additives, such as shimmer or glitter, that are not solely intended to influence the flavour of the product.
Products cannot be entered if they contain visible physical additives, such as shimmer or glitter, that are not solely intended to influence the flavour of the product.
If you have any further questions or queries, please contact [email protected]
