American Craft Spirits Packaging Awards
Presented by the American Craft Spirits Association and CRAFT SPIRITS magazine—and sponsored by the Glass Packaging Institute—the sixth annual Craft Spirits Packaging Awards celebrates excellence and creativity in the design of craft spirits labels and packaging.
Entries Now Open for the 2026 American Craft Spirits Competition
The American Craft Spirits Association and CRAFT SPIRITS magazine are thrilled to announce that we are now accepting entries for the Sixth Annual Craft Spirits Packaging Awards. The competition is open to all producers of craft spirits. No physical samples are required for entry (some winning entries may be asked to ship samples for photography). International entries are welcome. Packaging companies and/or designers may enter on behalf of craft spirits producers. Awards will be given to the distillery and credit will be given to the company/designer in CRAFT SPIRITS magazine.
The competition is open to all producers of craft spirits. No physical samples are required for entry (some winning entries may be asked to ship samples for photography). International entries are welcome. Packaging companies and/or designers may enter on behalf of craft spirits producers. Awards will be given to the distillery and credit will be given to the company/designer in CRAFT SPIRITS magazine. A panel of design experts will judge labels and packaging in the following categories:
- Brandy
- Gin
- Ready-to-Drink
- Rum
- Specialty Spirits
- Vodka & Grain
- Whiskey
- Zero-proof
- Portfolio (Recognizing outstanding packaging across a range of three or more products. Must be entered separately from individual entries.)
- Best in Show
New for 2026: We’ll be presenting a special sustainability for packages that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. It’s open to anyone that enters any of the above categories, at no additional charge. You’ll be asked on the registration form to indicate whether you’d like to be considered for the sustainability award.
Entry Fees
ACSA Member Fees
Early Bird (Deadline: December 23, 2025)
Basic Entry: $35
Portfolio Entry: $90
Regular Deadline (February 20, 2026)
Basic Entry: $45
Portfolio Entry: $105
*ACSA members must be logged in for discounted prices.
Non-member Fees
Early Bird (Deadline: December 23, 2025)
Basic Entry: $50
Portfolio Entry: $135
Regular Deadline (February 20, 2026)
Basic Entry: $60
Portfolio Entry: $145
Deadlines
Registration Deadline: February 20, 2026
Entry Deadline: February 24, 2026
Aesthetics
How does the packaging appeal to you from a design/artistic perspective?
Innovation
How original is the design? Does it stand out on a shelf?
Emotional Appeal
How does the packaging make you feel? Does it connect with you?
Brand Communication
How well does the packaging tell the story of the brand/product through visual/design/copy elements? The packages that rate highly on all of those criteria are the ones that connect with consumers and drive trial and sales, even when those consumers have not previously encountered your products. The best brands are dressed for success.
Judging takes place virtually once the entry period closes on February 20, 2026.
Medalists will be announced at the ACSA 2026 Convention & Expo in Sacramento, California in March and will be featured in the May/June 2026 issue of CRAFT SPIRITS magazine.
No physical samples are required for entry (some winning entries may be asked to ship samples for photography). International entries are welcome.
There are two types of entry options for the Craft Spirits Packaging Awards
1. Basic Entry
A single bottle entry in the Brandy, Gin, Ready-to-Drink, Rum, Specialty Spirits, Vodka & Grain, Whiskey, or Zero-proof categories.
2. Portfolio Entry
Recognizing outstanding packaging across a range of three or more products. Must be entered separately from individual entries.
