FAQs - The Gin Guide Awards 2025
Full pricing, category information and further details can be found on the 2025 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 Gin Guide Awards, 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.
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.
Is there a licensing fee for Finalists and Winners to use the logo?
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 Gin Guide Awards and to differentiate your gin from others, especially as The Gin Guide Awards are so widely recognised and the stickers are easily understood by consumers. Stickers must be purchased direct from The Gin Guide's chosen provider (inkREADible), are high quality and are the lowest priced 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 Gin Guide before printing.
Can Genever be entered?
A Genever would not currently be eligible for any categories in 2025, 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 2025 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 gin liqueurs be entered?
Only gins with a minimum 37.5% ABV can be entered and therefore gin liqueurs are not eligible at present.
Can gins containing CBD oils or cannabis extracts be entered?
Gins cannot be entered if they contain additives that are not solely intended to influence the taste of the gin.
Can gins containing shimmer or glitter be entered?
Gins 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 gin.
Do sponsors of The Gin Guide Awards have influence in Judging?
The Gin Guide Awards are one of just a small number of truly independent spirits awards. Unlike many spirits awards, all sponsors and publications relating to The Gin Guide Awards are completely excluded from any involvement in the Judging process or the determining of results. The blind tasting process and strictly confidential results analysis ensures this. Furthermore, Judges who are distillers or have a commercial association with a brand or distillery are excluded from judging categories featuring affiliated products.
If you have any further questions or queries, please contact [email protected]
The sample delivery address is: The Gin Guide Awards, 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.
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.
Is there a licensing fee for Finalists and Winners to use the logo?
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 Gin Guide Awards and to differentiate your gin from others, especially as The Gin Guide Awards are so widely recognised and the stickers are easily understood by consumers. Stickers must be purchased direct from The Gin Guide's chosen provider (inkREADible), are high quality and are the lowest priced 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 Gin Guide before printing.
Can Genever be entered?
A Genever would not currently be eligible for any categories in 2025, 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 2025 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 gin liqueurs be entered?
Only gins with a minimum 37.5% ABV can be entered and therefore gin liqueurs are not eligible at present.
Can gins containing CBD oils or cannabis extracts be entered?
Gins cannot be entered if they contain additives that are not solely intended to influence the taste of the gin.
Can gins containing shimmer or glitter be entered?
Gins 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 gin.
Do sponsors of The Gin Guide Awards have influence in Judging?
The Gin Guide Awards are one of just a small number of truly independent spirits awards. Unlike many spirits awards, all sponsors and publications relating to The Gin Guide Awards are completely excluded from any involvement in the Judging process or the determining of results. The blind tasting process and strictly confidential results analysis ensures this. Furthermore, Judges who are distillers or have a commercial association with a brand or distillery are excluded from judging categories featuring affiliated products.
If you have any further questions or queries, please contact [email protected]
