CRAFT MASTERS CHALLENGE
2026 Competition
Craft Masters Challenge is an international competition created to recognize quality, craftsmanship, and innovation across both emerging and established beverage brands.
Each entry is evaluated through a transparent dual-panel judging system that brings together respected industry professionals and informed consumers.
Our mission is to provide every participating brand with fair recognition, trusted validation, and meaningful opportunities for growth within the beverage community.
IMPORTANT DATES - ENTRY FEE - SAMPLES
SHIPPING INFORMATION & IMPORT ASSISTANCE
DEADLINES
Registration : July 12, 2026
Sample Bottles: July 17, 2026
Import Assistance : July 3, 2026
Result Announcement: July 30, 2026
ENTRY FEES
Spirits: $400
RTDs: $300
Mixers / Non-Alcoholic: $200
Bottle Design & Packaging: $100
SAMPLE BOTTLES
700 ml or larger: 2 bottles
500 ml to 699 ml: 3 bottles
12 oz cans: 12-pack
Bottle Design : 1 additional bottle required
INTERNATIONAL BRANDS:
Amermex International assists participating brands with COLA waivers, customs documentation, and shipment preparation to ensure compliant and timely delivery. COLA waiver processing through the TTB typically requires 7 to 14 business days. Brands are responsible for any applicable customs duties, taxes, and related fees.
Do not ship samples until you have received confirmation, documentation, and shipping instructions from Amermex International.
SHIP SAMPLE BOTTLES TO:
Amermex International
c/o Craft Masters Challenge
Address: 2030 Santa Anita Avenue
South El Monte, CA 91733, USA
Email: info@amermexint.com
How It Works
The Path to Excellence
Our competition is designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of each entry:
Submission
Submit your Spirits, RTD, Mixers, Non-Alcoholic and Packaging. Entries are welcome worldwide.
Judging Panels
Entries are evaluated by Expert Judges with industry experience and Consumer Judges who represent real-world drinkers.
Blind Tasting
Judging is done through a strict blind tasting process for fairness.
Awards
Winners earn medals (Silver, Gold, Double Gold, Best in Class) to promote their products and shine in the market.
Why Participate?
Elevate Your Brand
Competing in Craft Masters Challenge gives brands a powerful platform to gain recognition, credibility, and real market opportunity.
- Dual-judged, blind tasting evaluation by industry professionals and qualified consumers
- Verified competition results that build trust with buyers and distributors
- Eligibility for awards, certificates, and promotional assets
- Increased visibility across official CMC platforms and communications
- Opportunity to showcase award-winning products at the CMC Expo
- Access to buyers, media, distributors, and industry partners
- Inclusion in a growing community of leading beverage brands
2026 Craft Masters Challenge Expo
Where Award Recognition Becomes Market Opportunity. Designed to Drive Sales, Distribution, and Visibility
The Expo is our flagship industry showcase, connecting award-winning brands with buyers, distributors, media, and key decision-makers in a high-visibility, red-carpet marketplace. This curated event brings together retailers, importers, journalists, influencers, and engaged consumers to transform competition recognition into immediate revenue and long-term commercial opportunity.
- Premium brand placement in a curated, professional showcase setting
- On-site bottle sales through our authorized retail partner
- Targeted media and influencer exposure beyond the event
- High-impact tastings and experiential activations
- Direct access to buyers and decision makers actively sourcing new products
- Relationship-building opportunities that support long-term growth
Our Judges
An Expert Panel and Passionate Consumers
We pride ourselves on our diverse judging panel, made up of:
Expert Judges
These are renowned professionals from the world of spirits, wine, and craft beer—master distillers, sommeliers, brewers, and beverage critics. They bring their technical expertise to evaluate each product’s quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Consumer Judges
Hand-selected enthusiasts who represent everyday drinkers, providing authentic and relatable feedback. Their role ensures that the results reflect both expert knowledge and real-world preferences.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Transparency, Fairness, and Integrity
Craft Masters Challenge is committed to upholding the highest standards in every aspect of our competition. We maintain a transparent, fair judging process and ensure that every entry is evaluated with integrity. Our blind tasting format guarantees unbiased results, allowing the best products to rise to the top.