Healdsburg, Calif., (November 10, 2021) The results of the 3^rd Annual SUNSET Magazine International
Spirits Competition are available, and winners have been announced. 

Best of Show honors went to Highclere Castle Gin, produced by Highclere Castle Spirits and received a judge’s score of 96 points. The complete list of Gold Medal and above winners can be found here: 2021 Winners.

“The spirits industry’s passion for distilling deliciousness continues to be an inspiration to us at Sunset,” says Editor-in-Chief Hugh Garvey. “We’re honored to be able to celebrate the accomplishments of the top distillers and brands and share them with our readers who turn to Sunset for the Best of the West.”

Winning producers will be featured in a Spring release of a Spirits Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for Spirits Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2022 Spirit Awards winners are announced.

The 2022 Sunset Magazine International Spirits Competition will take place in October of next year in Santa Rosa, CA. For more information on the competition and submission process, click the following link: https://sunsetcompetitions.com/sunset-international-spirits-competition/.

About Sunset

Sunset shares the best of life in the West―from travel and food to home and garden―with an audience of more than 6 million. Sunset showcases the region’s unique lifestyle and noteworthy destinations, inspiring readers to achieve the dream of living in the West. Sunset.com is the West’s essential guide to all the best things about the region: easy outdoor living and gardening, unexpected day trips and destinations, fast and fresh foods, shockingly perfect wine pairings, and innovative home decorating and design. https://www.sunset.com/

About Wine & Spirit Competitions Management & Productions

Based in Santa Rosa, California, WSCM&P is an independently owned and operated adult beverage competition company with a uniquely designed portfolio to appeal to a niche market based on its regional or otherwise defined style of judging. Its wine competitions include The Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge, Harvest Challenge, East Meets West, and the International Women’s Wine Competition, and Experience Rose.  For more information visit:  https://www.winecompetitions.com/.

Sunset Magazine, the leading media brand of the Western lifestyle, announced today its call for entries in the 2025 Sunset International Spirits Competition. Judging will take place November 4-5, 2025.

Winning producers will be featured in a Spring release of a Spirits Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for Spirits Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2026 Spirit Awards winners are announced. Wine & Spirit Competitions Management & Productions (WSCM&P) will manage the competition.

“When you combine the reputation and influence of Sunset with the an experienced panel of judging professionals — including award-winning distillers, Master Sommeliers, beverage retail buyers and key media — this becomes a must-enter competition for any distillery looking for exposure to an ideal audience,” says Debra Del Fiorentino, founder and president of WSCM&P.

Sunset readers depend on the magazine to expand their wine and spirits knowledge. Participating in the Sunset International Wine Competition provides the opportunity to gain national exposure for your spirits. Sunset boasts more than 900,000 monthly online visitors, 1 million social followers and over 500,000 newsletter subscribers. What’s more, 64% of readers drink spirits at least once per week (7.7% drink spirits 6-7 days per week); 77% drink cocktails at least once each week (9.3% drink cocktails 6-7 days per week).

Enter before September 26 for early bird pricing. The deadline for submission is October 10. All entries must be received before EOD on October 14, 2025.

Go to sunsetcompetitions.com for more information.

Final days to Enter!

These are your final days to enter the 2024 Sunset International Spirits Competition and rank yourself among the best and brightest in the spirit industry. If you believe your spirit can take top spot, don't miss your chance!

Entry closes October 4th!
Enter Today

Winning producers will be featured in the Spring release of a Spirits Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for Spirits Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2025 Spirit Awards winners are announced.

Sunset Circulation

Sunset has a circulation of 230K in print and digital with 1.2MM+ site visits per month. Average page views are 1.57MM.

Are you better than the best?

Can your spirit stack up to the 2023 Sunset International Spirits Competition champions? If you're ready to grab gold in your category, enter today!

Best of the Best
Pendray's Distillery Brandy XO

Best Liqueur
Brucato Amaro 
Chapparal

Best Vodka
Royal Mash
Royal Mash Vintage 2020

Best Vodka Flavored/Infused
Jewell Distillery, Inc.
Jewell Citron Vodka

Best Other Agave Spirits
Venus Spirits
El Ladrón Yolo - CA Roasted Agave

Best Tequila
Cierto Tequila
Private Collection, Extra Añejo

Best Whiskey
Savage & Cooke
Savage & Cooke Bourbon Whiskey

Best Gin
Hinterhaus Distilling
South Grove Gin

Best Mezcal
Cutwater Spirits
Cutwater Mezcal Reposado

Best Ready to Drink
Cutwater Spirits
Cutwater Spicy Bloody Mary

Best Hard Seltzer
High Noon
High Noon Grapefruit

Think your spirit can take top spot in 2024?

Enter Today!

Reasons to Enter Today:

The Sunset Audience

The Sunset International Spirits Competition is designed to attract distillers eager to connect with a high-income, engaged audience that frequently consumes spirits and cocktails. The Sunset audience appreciates quality spirits, innovative blends, and the Western lifestyle.

The Categories

Whether you craft bold whiskeys, refined vodkas, or innovative spirits, the Sunset International Spirits Competition provides a platform to showcase the unique qualities of your creations.

It's Easy to Enter!

With Enofile's "Easy Enter" you'll enjoy quick and secure competition entry and fee processing.

1. Create your Account

2. Register your Spirits

3. Enter the Competition

The Winning Campaign

Winning producers will be featured in a Spring release of a digital Spirits Special Edition with a dedicated microsite. Promotions for the Spirits Award Special Issue will run across sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters, and social media channels. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2025 Spirit Awards winners are announced.

The Judges

The esteemed judging panel represents large volume buyers, influential media, successful distillers and other professionals from the spirits category.

Enter the Competition

Entry Fee: $325

$175 Mixers and Pre-Mixed Cocktails.

Early bird pricing until September 26th, 2024

Picture your spirits featured in the eagerly anticipated Spirit Awards edition of Sunset Magazine!

Winning producers will be featured in the Spring release of a Spirits Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for Spirits Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2025 Spirit Awards winners are announced.

Enter the Competition

Sunset Circulation

Sunset has a circulation of 230K in print and digital with 1.2MM+ site visits per month. Average page views are 1.57MM.

Entry Fee: $325

$175 Mixers and Pre-Mixed Cocktails.

Early bird pricing until September 26th, 2024

It's Easy to Enter!

Step 1: Create Your Account

Already have an account? Log in instead! Your account will last year after year.

Step 2: Register Your Spirits

Create a database of your Spirits to enter into the competition.

Step 3: Enter the Competition

With Enofile's "Easy Enter" you'll enjoy quick and secure competition entry and fee processing.

How Many Bottles Need to be Sent Per Entry?

An official entry shall consist of two bottles per entry for 750 ml and larger. For sizes less than 750 ml, please submit three bottles per entry.

Enter Today!

Entry Fee: $325

$175 Mixers and Pre-Mixed Cocktails.

Early bird pricing until September 26th, 2024

The Categories

Whether your spirits goes down smooth or burns in the best possible way, the Sunset International Spirits Competition offers a platform to showcase the distinct qualities of your creations. 

With an extensive array of categories catering to various tastes and styles, there's ample opportunity for your spirits to shine in their respective categories.

Only one can be crowned

Best of the Best!

Will it be yours?

Enter Today!

Why Should You Join the Competition?

The Audience!

The Sunset International Spirits Competition is designed to attract distilleries interested in reaching the Western wine drinker and is judged by the best in the industry, who understand and appreciate the Western palate and lifestyle.

Meet the Sunset Reader

Sunset readers depend on the magazine to expand their wine and spirits knowledge!

77% drink cocktails at least once a week (and 9.3% drink cocktails 6–7 days a week)

$229,619 Average HHI

$959,263 Average HH net worth

1.1M Social Audience

4M Cross-platform reach

Ready to Meet your Audience?

Enter Today!

Best of the Best 2023: 

Pendray's Distillery Brandy XO

2023's Champion Pendray’s Distillery in Paso Robles, Calif., wowed judges with its XO Brandy, which they described as “caramel and cardamom”; “balanced”; with a “simple finish.”

Its XO Brandy is inspired by the illustrious brandies of Cognac, carefully aged and blended from select brandy stocks that had been aged 7 to ten years in French oak barrels. The delectable libation was named Best of the Best, Best of Class and Best Brandy, and awarded 98 points.

Think your spirit can take top spot in 2024?

Enter Today!

Showcase Your Spirits in the
Sunset International Spirits Competition

Now in its sixth year, the Sunset International Spirits Competition is open to commercial distillers of all sizes, with judging categories based on spirit type, production techniques and price points. With an esteemed judging panel representing large volume buyers, influential media and spirit industry professionals, your spirit will be savored from the first sip!

Hugh Garvey - Editor-in-Chief, Sunset:

“Whether mixed into a top-shelf craft cocktail or sipped neat, spirits have long been a part of the elevated Western lifestyle captured in the pages of our magazine and across our digital platforms. It’s an honor to celebrate the artisans and distillers who preserve this storied craft in the annual Sunset International Spirits Competition and to help steer consumers to the best bottlings on the market.”

Enter Today!

Congratulations to the illustrious winners of our annual Sunset International Spirits Competition.

Despite the Western origins of the margarita and the martini, for the better part of a century, the history of spirits in the United States has been rooted toward the east, with its storied New York cocktail culture and the iconic distilleries of the South. But over the years, enterprising distillers, itinerant cocktailians, bartender visionaries, and homegrown drinks enthusiasts have transformed the West into one of the most vibrant, progressive, and thriving regions for all things drinks.

Our annual Spirits Issue is where we celebrate the people and companies keeping this spirit of the West alive. In these pages you’ll find the illustrious winners of our annual Sunset International Spirits Competition. Every year, we convene to taste and evaluate hundreds of worthy competitors and bestow awards on the best spirits brands in the West and beyond. The list of winners is a handy way for drinks lovers to keep on top of who’s who and what to drink in the various spirits categories. And as any bartender—amateur or otherwise—knows, what happens in the glass is where a spirit comes alive.

That’s why we’ve included cocktail recipes from some of the best restaurants and bars from Seattle to Ojai, drinks to enjoy by the campfire, and tips for growing your own cocktail-friendly herbs at home so you can enjoy a fresh garden-to-glass cocktail any time. Mix a drink, pull up a chair, and join me in toasting all of the innovators celebrated in this issue. It’s free to read online right here!

Have you entered the SUNSET Magazine International Spirits Competition? 

Entry deadline is TODAY, Wednesday, October 13th!

Learn More / Enter Now

SUNSET Magazine, the leading media brand of the Western lifestyle is proud to announce the launch of the 3rd Annual Sunset International Spirits Competition. With the demographic of the Sunset Magazine reader base, the amount of social media followers and the number of magazine subscribers, this competition will be a must enter for all spirit producers desiring more exposure to a perfect audience. Sunset Magazine has sponsored an international wine competition since 2012 and is one of the most influential and popular competitions in the country.

“From the martini to the Moscow mule, from the mezcal renaissance to the Rocky Mountain whiskey boom, spirits and the culture of cocktails have long been an integral part of the West. And Sunset has been there every step—and sip—of the way. Our annual spirits competition is one vital way for us to chronicle and celebrate the bottlings, brands, and distillers that are the figurative and literal expression of the Western spirit. As we return to the judging table yet again, we can’t wait to taste the best of the West.” 
- Hugh Garvey, Editor-in-Chief.

Winning producers will be featured in a March release of a Spirits Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for Spirits Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2022 Spirit Awards winners are announced.

Wine & Spirit Competitions Management & Productions (WSCM&P) will manage entry process along with the judging itself. “When you combine the reputation and influence of Sunset Magazine combined with our ability to bring together the most experienced judging professionals, this becomes a must-enter competition for any distiller looking for the exposure to the ideal audience,” according to Debra Del Fiorentino, founder and president of WSCM&P.

Entry Deadline and Shipments Due: TODAY- October 13, 2021

Judging: October 19-20, 2021

Learn More / Enter Now

Have you entered the
SUNSET Magazine International Spirits Competition?

Entry deadline is this Wednesday, October 13th!

Learn More / Enter Now

SUNSET Magazine, the leading media brand of the Western lifestyle is proud to announce the launch of the 3rd Annual Sunset International Spirits Competition. With the demographic of the Sunset Magazine reader base, the amount of social media followers and the number of magazine subscribers, this competition will be a must enter for all spirit producers desiring more exposure to a perfect audience. Sunset Magazine has sponsored an international wine competition since 2012 and is one of the most influential and popular competitions in the country.

“From the martini to the Moscow mule, from the mezcal renaissance to the Rocky Mountain whiskey boom, spirits and the culture of cocktails have long been an integral part of the West. And Sunset has been there every step—and sip—of the way. Our annual spirits competition is one vital way for us to chronicle and celebrate the bottlings, brands, and distillers that are the figurative and literal expression of the Western spirit. As we return to the judging table yet again, we can’t wait to taste the best of the West.” 
- Hugh Garvey, Editor-in-Chief.

Winning producers will be featured in a March release of a Spirits Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for Spirits Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2022 Spirit Awards winners are announced.

Wine & Spirit Competitions Management & Productions (WSCM&P) will manage entry process along with the judging itself. “When you combine the reputation and influence of Sunset Magazine combined with our ability to bring together the most experienced judging professionals, this becomes a must-enter competition for any distiller looking for the exposure to the ideal audience,” according to Debra Del Fiorentino, founder and president of WSCM&P.

ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT!

Entry Deadline and Shipments Due: October 13, 2021

Judging: October 19-20, 2021

Learn More / Enter Now

The Annual SUNSET Magazine 

International Spirits Competition 

is Only 2 Weeks Away! 

Submit your best spirits to be a part of this influential & prestigious competition!

Learn More / Enter Now

SUNSET Magazine, the leading media brand of the Western lifestyle is proud to announce the launch of the 3rd Annual Sunset International Spirits Competition. With the demographic of the Sunset Magazine reader base, the amount of social media followers and the number of magazine subscribers, this competition will be a must enter for all spirit producers desiring more exposure to a perfect audience. Sunset Magazine has sponsored an international wine competition since 2012 and is one of the most influential and popular competitions in the country.

“From the martini to the Moscow mule, from the mezcal renaissance to the Rocky Mountain whiskey boom, spirits and the culture of cocktails have long been an integral part of the West. And Sunset has been there every step—and sip—of the way. Our annual spirits competition is one vital way for us to chronicle and celebrate the bottlings, brands, and distillers that are the figurative and literal expression of the Western spirit. As we return to the judging table yet again, we can’t wait to taste the best of the West.” 
- Hugh Garvey, Editor-in-Chief.

Winning producers will be featured in a March release of a Spirits Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for Spirits Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2022 Spirit Awards winners are announced.

Wine & Spirit Competitions Management & Productions (WSCM&P) will manage entry process along with the judging itself. “When you combine the reputation and influence of Sunset Magazine combined with our ability to bring together the most experienced judging professionals, this becomes a must-enter competition for any distiller looking for the exposure to the ideal audience,” according to Debra Del Fiorentino, founder and president of WSCM&P.

Entry Deadline and Shipments Due: October 13, 2021

Judging: October 19-20, 2021

Learn More / Enter Now

Looking to build awareness?
Increase sales?
Enter the SUNSET Magazine International Spirits Competition. 

Enjoy the Many Benefits of Being the Best!

Learn More / Enter Now

SUNSET Magazine, the leading media brand of the Western lifestyle is proud to announce the launch of the 3rd Annual Sunset International Spirits Competition. With the demographic of the Sunset Magazine reader base, the amount of social media followers and the number of magazine subscribers, this competition will be a must enter for all spirit producers desiring more exposure to a perfect audience. Sunset Magazine has sponsored an international wine competition since 2012 and is one of the most influential and popular competitions in the country.

• Publication exposure to over 4.6 million print readers
• Digital exposure to over 1 million monthly online visitors
• Social Media exposure to Sunset's over 1.1 million followers

Winning producers will be featured in a March release of a Spirits Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for Spirits Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2022 Spirit Awards winners are announced.

Wine & Spirit Competitions Management & Productions (WSCM&P) will manage entry process along with the judging itself. “When you combine the reputation and influence of Sunset Magazine combined with our ability to bring together the most experienced judging professionals, this becomes a must-enter competition for any distiller looking for the exposure to the ideal audience,” according to Debra Del Fiorentino, founder and president of WSCM&P.

Entry Deadline and Shipments Due: October 13, 2021

Judging: October 19-20, 2021

Learn More / Enter Now