FAQs - The Gin Guide Awards 2023
Full costings, category information and further details can be found on the 2023 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, 29 Lummas Mead, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4FQ, England.
How do you pay the UK Duty when sending samples?
Most leading courier companies can arrange this for you and most offer it as an option when sending a parcel. Attempted deliveries without all duty and taxes having been paid in full will not be accepted until these have been paid. If a delivery is received and The Gin Guide is subsequently provided with an invoice for duty and taxes, the sender will be sent an invoice compensate these costs as per the Terms & Conditions of entry.
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 set of judges' comments and potentially a different score and result, especially if you have made any adjustments to your recipe, botanicals or production.
Is there an Awards Ceremony or Gala Dinner?
Due to the limitations previously brought about by COVID-19, and based on feedback from gin brands and producers, as well as with our aim 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. Stickers must be purchased direct from The Gin Guide's chosen provider and are available to you at cost-price, making them the most affordable in the industry. We believe that you have earned them and should not have to pay a premium to promote your success. International Winners and Finalists may use local printers, however, the stickers must be approved by The Gin Guide to avoid a trademark breach.
Can Genever be entered?
A Genever would not currently be eligible for any categories in 2023, however a Genever category may be established in future Awards.
Can gin liqueurs or Sloe Gin be entered?
In 2022, a Sloe Gin category was established and will be run again in 2023. Aside from Sloe Gins, only gins with a minimum 37.5% ABV can be entered and therefore gin liqueurs are not eligible at present. However, a Gin Liqueur category is planned for the Awards in 2024.
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 at present. Unlike some 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 are not eligible to enter their products into The Gin Guide Awards.
If you have any further questions or queries, please contact awards@theginguide.com
The sample delivery address is: The Gin Guide Awards, 29 Lummas Mead, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4FQ, England.
How do you pay the UK Duty when sending samples?
Most leading courier companies can arrange this for you and most offer it as an option when sending a parcel. Attempted deliveries without all duty and taxes having been paid in full will not be accepted until these have been paid. If a delivery is received and The Gin Guide is subsequently provided with an invoice for duty and taxes, the sender will be sent an invoice compensate these costs as per the Terms & Conditions of entry.
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 set of judges' comments and potentially a different score and result, especially if you have made any adjustments to your recipe, botanicals or production.
Is there an Awards Ceremony or Gala Dinner?
Due to the limitations previously brought about by COVID-19, and based on feedback from gin brands and producers, as well as with our aim 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. Stickers must be purchased direct from The Gin Guide's chosen provider and are available to you at cost-price, making them the most affordable in the industry. We believe that you have earned them and should not have to pay a premium to promote your success. International Winners and Finalists may use local printers, however, the stickers must be approved by The Gin Guide to avoid a trademark breach.
Can Genever be entered?
A Genever would not currently be eligible for any categories in 2023, however a Genever category may be established in future Awards.
Can gin liqueurs or Sloe Gin be entered?
In 2022, a Sloe Gin category was established and will be run again in 2023. Aside from Sloe Gins, only gins with a minimum 37.5% ABV can be entered and therefore gin liqueurs are not eligible at present. However, a Gin Liqueur category is planned for the Awards in 2024.
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 at present. Unlike some 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 are not eligible to enter their products into The Gin Guide Awards.
If you have any further questions or queries, please contact awards@theginguide.com
