FAQ

Entry Questions

How much does the entry fee cost (per entry)?

$250 per spirit (Submissions are closed)

What are the shipping options and where to ship?

The delivery address will be informed by e-mail when the payment is completed. The delivery address is in California.

Official USR shipping labels are on the 'My shipping labels' section of 'My account'. You can download and print your shipping label. Please note that your reference number is on the shipping label and it is very important for the USR team to see your shipping label on your box and one copy inside your box. Clearly, label each box of spirits using the shipping label. Official USR shipping labels must be used to send samples.

Are there any extensions to deadlines?

Not usually, but please call the office on +1 855 481 1112 (USA).

How do I find the correct category for my product?

Please download the category list from our website. Or you can check from dropdown list when you enter Spirits.

Are there any discounts for multiple entries or early entries?

There are various discounts on offer throughout the year. Please check our website to see these.

Can you tell me about the deadlines?

Please visit key deadlines and pricing for more information

Can I pay entry fees using my own currency?

All USR Invoices are issued in USD, however, you are welcome to pay the equivalent amount in your local currency for your convenience. We recommend you refer to a currency conversion website like http://www.xe.com/ for today's rates.

Samples and Shipping

When do I need to ship samples and what are the deadlines?

Please see shipping instructions for full details.

The delivery address will be informed by e-mail when the payment is completed. The delivery address is in Oregon.

Official USR shipping labels are on the 'My shipping labels' section of 'My account'. You can download and print your shipping label. Please note that your reference number is on the shipping label and it is very important for USR team to see your shipping label on your box and one copy inside your box. Clearly, label each box of spirits using the shipping label. Official USR shipping labels must be used to send samples.

How many bottles per entry do we need to send?

2 bottles of each entry along with a copy your entry form. Clearly mark ‘Sample Material - Not For Resale - Glass Enclosed’ on the outer carton/s. Include the copy of the completed submission form in the shipment even if submitted online.

Where do we send my samples?

Please see shipping instructions.

Can I deliver samples in person?

The USA Spirits Ratings recommends shipping samples, but it is also possible for you to organize delivery direct to our warehouse.

The delivery address will be informed by e-mail when the payment is completed. The delivery address is in Oregon.

How do we know USR received the samples?

Please email aakash@usaspiritsratings.com to inquire about the status of your samples if you have any questions.

Our samples did not arrive in time/were late for the USR. They are on hold by customs/damaged by courier//late to arrive. Can we still send our samples?

For the USR Judges to taste your products it is essential they arrive in time. If your samples do not arrive in time for the USR, they will not be able to be blind tasted, or placed by the Judges.

How do I get my Samples to the U.S. for the Competition?

All products shipped to the competition must have an approved COLA or Request a COLA Waiver to be applied for. Every foreign facility must have a domestic agent to communicate on behalf of the facility.

If you are currently with an importer or distributor, they will likely act as your U.S. Agent. If not, we can arrange a U.S. Agent for you for a nominal fee.

Please email aakash@usaspiritsratings.com for further information on the same.

Where can I print an address label on the website?

Invoice and billing questions

How will my invoice be sent to me?

You have to login and check under Billing section. For manual/ bank wire invoice please contact aakash@usaspiritsratings.com

Do we need to pay taxes and duties?

Yes, you need to raise the documents to ship with all charges being billed back to you.

Login Questions

I don't have an account with USR, can I still enter?

It is mandatory to create your account here. It will help you manage your entries, billing, winning, certificate and market your wins.

Results and Winners

How will I be informed of my results?

Via email and your results will be uploaded to your account.

What do winners receive from the USR?

A certificate, logos, stickers, and an online marketing toolkit which is available on the website under Winners.

How do I order stickers/artwork?

You have to log in to your profile. Go to Winners > Order Stickers to avail 1 roll free on your first order. You can order and pay online. And artwork can be downloaded from Winners > Medal Artwork.

Where are my stickers?

Please contact Monika via email aakash@usaspiritsratings.com or call us on +1 302 803 4758

How will the award benefit my brand?

Our marketing team will send you a free toolkit on how to promote your win, PR campaign, and social media. It will also include how USR will be promoting your brand all year round.

Printing Labels and Rights

We are printing the USR License to Print. What are the Charter Colours to give to our Printer?

USR medals are designed and printed in a CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and key-black) colours onto Silver Metallic Foil. For further orders kindly refer to the sticker shop.

Are USR Medal Sticker Price and USR License to print the same?

The purpose of License to Print was primarily arranged for the convenience of Winners that have larger quantities of bottles to add their USR Medals.

Large scale usage of License to Print enables Winners to save manpower to add to all bottles by hand and/or they can arrange their printing more efficiently without needing to find a machine that can attach stickers with the exact dimensions that USR Medals are issued at, can be time-consuming/not easily accessible.

USR Medal's showcase winning spirits and spirits to buyers who are seeking the all-important USR stamp of approval. Whether you are the Producer, Distributor, Importer or Retailer, now is your chance to celebrate and boost sales. USR Winners choose what is more convenient for them to enhance their sales - and order Medal Stickers or the License to Print here...

What are the usage rights to USR Medal artwork?

Is there a restriction on what we can use the artwork for? Shall we purchase the License to Print?

Winners are welcome to use the USR artwork on marketing materials related to the winning products with no restrictions if it's used for marketing material, presentations, websites, press releases, trade shows, and any other marketing purpose.

For usage of the USR materials on Bottles or Packaging/Boxes, winners order either USR Medal Stickers or the USR License to Print. Both have no time limit to usage and are based on quantity ordered. Order yours here.

Order of Medal sticker

On your first order (only) of medal stickers, we'll add 1 roll as a complimentary. Once the order is placed, the order shall be delivered by 2-3 weeks depending upon the order. At times it may take longer due to stock, customs.

Shipping of stickers will be through Royal Mail 2nd class delivery. For fast delivery, additional charges would apply by contacting the competition team.

Orders ones placed will not be refunded. Orders returned will not be refunded and additional shipping cost would apply for re-shipping.

General Questions

When and where will the judging take place?

Judging will start at 10 am on July 27, 2025, at South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 South Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States. It is a closed event so entries, dropping of samples will be NOT be accepted.

Who are your judges?

Please see the USA Spirits Ratings Judges section.

I’d like to take part in the judging. How do I apply?

If you’re a trade buyer with a minimum buying experience of 3 years, you are very welcome to apply to be a judge. Please send your details to info@usaspiritsratings.com and we’ll give you more details about how to get involved.

Have further questions?

Please call +1 855 481 1112 or email aakash@usaspiritsratings.com