Regulations of the A.S.A. Alcoholic Beverage Competition

A competition aimed at rating the best spirits, liqueurs, and aperitifs from Argentina and around the world, with renowned national and international judges. This contest is led by master distiller and agronomist Luciano Palumbo, along with sommelier Marcos Francisca, and is supported by:

Developed under International and National Standards and overseen by a Public Notary. All entries must be listed in the official registration form. Failure to properly complete the form may result in disqualification.

● Official support from the government of Mendoza.

● Support from the Mendoza Tourism Board EMETUR.

● Support from the Municipality of the City of Mendoza.

● Recognition of interest by the School of Agricultural Sciences of UNCUYO.

● Endorsement from key industry figures, such as the Food Technology Center of UTN.

● Validation by the Argentine Chamber of Craft Distilled Spirits (CDEA).

1. Competition Objective

• The A.S.A. Alcoholic Beverages Competition aims to promote and highlight excellence in the production of alcoholic beverages, while recognizing and rewarding the most outstanding producers in the distilled spirits industry.

• Encourage continuous quality improvement in the spirits sector through jury feedback.

• Position award-winning brands, giving them the opportunity to use the event's accolades as a marketing tool and a mark of their certified quality.

• Promote and enhance the perception of the exceptional organoleptic qualities of spirits.

2. Categories

Producers must register under the category that best represents them:

❖ Home distillers (Samples must be accompanied by a physical and chemical analysis of the product provided by any public or private laboratory).

❖ Distilleries (Products must have proper authorization, RNE and/or RNPA).

Additionally, beverages must be entered into one of the following categories:

❖ Cereal-based spirits without aging (Vodka, aquavit, soju, etc.)

❖ Cereal-based spirits with aging (Whisky, whiskey, etc.)

❖ Grape-based spirits (Brandy, Pisco, Cognac, etc.)

❖ With aging

❖ Without aging

❖ Fruit-based spirits (except grape)

❖ Sugarcane and molasses-based spirits

❖ Other spirits of agricultural origin (Agave, etc.)

❖ Pomace-based spirits (Grappa, orujo, bagaceira, Marc, etc.)

❖ Alcohol-based aperitifs (Bitter, fernet, amaro, etc.)

❖ Dry wine-based aperitifs (Vermouth, fortified wine, etc.)

❖ Sweet wine-based aperitifs (Vermouth Torino, Bianco, Americano, fortified wine, etc.)

❖ Other aperitifs

❖ Liqueurs

❖ RTD (Ready to Drink)

❖ Gin and Genever

❖ Other distilled spirits

3. Registration

Producers of alcoholic beverages may pre-register for the competition by completing the registration form provided by the event organizers. Two samples per product must be sent for evaluation.

4. Sample Shipping

Participants must send two samples of more than 500cc of their products for evaluation by the jury. It is suggested to send the original bottles, as they will be displayed at the awards ceremony.

They should be sent to:

Luciano Palumbo

DNI: 31816735

Celular: +54-9-261-5086148

Dirección: Juan Agustín Maza 1379 - Dorrego - Guaymallén

CP: 5519

Once they have been sent, please inform the organizers of the company and the corresponding guide or shipping number. The samples must arrive before the day 10th October 2025.

5. Assessment

The evaluation of the samples will be carried out on October 21, 22 and 23, 2025 at the headquarters of the School of Agricultural Sciences of UNCUYO and will be inspected by a public notary.

In order to find a balance in the analysis of the samples, our national and international jury has been selected based on various aspects that are highly relevant to the tasting of the samples, including: Master distillers, university professors, sommeliers, oenologists, bartenders and various experts in the beverage industry.

The tastings will be blind and objective, highlighting the organoleptic qualities of the samples in the following items: sight (appearance and colour), aromas, flavour and balance. The analysis sheet is the one approved by the OIV in all its competitions.

6. Awards

All winners will be notified via the contact information provided by each participant and ASA's social media channels.

The following awards will be given:

Grand Gold Medal: 94-100 points. (Diploma and physical medal*)

Gold Medals: 90-93.9 points. (Diploma and physical medal*)

Silver Medal: 86-89.9. (Diploma and digital medal)

Bronze Medal: 82-85.9 points. (Diploma and digital medal)

Best product in its category. (Diploma)

Best distillery (the one that wins the most medals). (Diploma)

These correspond to the following characteristics:

● Great Gold Medal: This is the highest medal and is awarded to truly exceptional spirits, which are considered reference examples in the category, with outstanding and unique characteristics.

● Gold Medal: Awarded to exceptional spirits that stand out notably for their superior quality, complexity and excellence in all aspects.

● Silver Medal: Awarded to spirits that stand out above average, with superior qualities in flavor, aroma and presentation.

●Bronze Medal: Awarded to spirits that display above-average quality, with good characteristics and balanced flavors.

Participants may place the logo and the medal obtained on labels and bottles, subject to prior authorization from the organizers, for which they must request the sending of the original files in high quality that allow their printing.

Special mentions will be awarded:

Best Distillery/Producer

Best Appetizer

Best Distillate

(Only for authorized products and establishments and/or with RNPA)

7. Award Ceremony

The awards ceremony will take place at an exclusive event on October 25th at 7 pm, at the "La Enoteca" space in the city of Mendoza, where the winners of each category will be announced and awarded. Participants, sponsors and media are invited to attend the event.

8. Copyright

Participants retain all copyrights to their products and recipes submitted to the competition. However, by registering and submitting their samples, they grant the competition organizing committee the right to use their names, brands and products for promotional and marketing purposes related to the event.

9. Final Provisions

The organizing committee reserves the right to make any necessary changes or clarifications to the competition rules. Furthermore, it undertakes to ensure impartiality and transparency at all stages of the event. The participating company or individual is responsible for all data provided in the registration form, and the technical committee has the right to verify its authenticity. It is illegal to reproduce or falsify the name, the logo of the competition and the certificate of prizes won. Violators will be prosecuted according to the law.

In no case will the samples be submitted to the judges' judgment again, since the decision of the jury of the competition is final; it is recalled that participation in the prize implies the specific acceptance of this rule.

*Shipping charges are the responsibility of the producer

Cost

The cost of participation in the contest for the first sample per distillery is US$ 60 + VAT*, the second sample has a registration cost of US$ 40 + VAT* and from the third sample onwards, the cost per label is US$ 30 + VAT*, which is convenient if you have more than one product or style of distillate.

*(Or its equivalent in Argentine pesos at the time of the official BCRA quote.

Payments for Registered Responsibilities

Payments for registrations will be made by bank transfer to:

Banco: Galicia

Número de cuenta: CC 20776-0 081-3

Alias: ENSAYO.OCEANO.TESTA

CBU: 0070081820000020776035

CUIL: 30718034406

Payments for Monotributistas

Payments for registrations will be made by bank transfer to:

Banco: Mercado Pago

Alias: MARCOSFRANCISCA