Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition (CASC)
The Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition is Canada’s only national spirit competition reserved exclusively for artisan spirits, bitters, and zero-proof spirits. Entries are accepted from independent Canadian producers which meet our requirements.
Spirits are blind-judged by an independent panel from across the country. Unlike some spirit competitions, not all entries are awarded medals. See the 2023 results here.
Update: 2024 CASC Winners Announced!
Canadian Artisan Spirits
Awards
Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year – This is awarded to the top scoring spirit in the competition, regardless of category
Best in Class – The top scoring spirit in each category is awarded Best in Class
Distinction – This is awarded to spirits which have performed at the same or better than last year’s competition, indicating a consistent or improved quality
Excellence in Terroir – spirits which demonstrate terroir (products expressive of place) at the highest levels
Merit in Terroir – spirits that demonstrate a clear sense of place in their expression
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals – based on points
New Awards for 2024
Top provincial spirit, e.g. Ontario Artisan Spirit of the Year – This will be awarded to the top scoring spirit in the province as long as minimum submission quantities are met (more than three distilleries, more than ten spirits).
Canada’s Best New Artisan Spirit – This is awarded to the top scoring spirit in the competition which is new to market in the last twelve months.
Qualifications for Participation
Entrants must meet the Artisan Distillery and Product Qualifications set by ADC
Zero-Proof Spirits
For zero or low-proof spirits
Awards
Best in Class – Awarded to the top-scoring spirit in this class
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals – based on points
Qualifications for Participation
Entries must be made in Canada.
Artisan Cocktails
For shelf-stable, un-carbonated cocktails (not RTDs)
Awards
Best in Class – Awarded to the top-scoring spirit in this class
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals – based on points
Qualifications for Participation
The majority of alcohol ingredients must meet the Artisan Distillery and Product Qualifications set by ADC. Bottled Negroni? Two out of three spirits must be yours. Bottled Manhattan? The whisky must be yours.
Artisan Bitters
Awards
Best in Class – Awarded to the top-scoring spirit in this class
Distinction – This is awarded to spirits which have performed at the same or better than least year’s competition, indicating a consistent or improved quality
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals – based on points
Qualifications for Participation
Entrants must meet the Artisan Bitters Qualifications set by ADC
Business & Community Awards
Awards
Artisan Product Innovation Award – entries into the spirit competition may also be nominated for our innovation award to highlight an innovated approach to their development.
Product Collaboration Award – entries into the spirit competition may also be nominated for our innovation award to highlight a product which was developed or enhanced through a collaboration with another business.
Tasting Room Destination Award – This is an opportunity for distilleries with tasting rooms to be recognized for an amazing visitor experience.
Community Engagement Award – Artisan distilleries can nominate themselves for recognition where the distillery has led or partnered in a community-building program.
Artisan Distillery Sustainability Award – Artisan distilleries can nominate themselves for recognition for a project or operational change which promotes sustainable environmental business practices.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award – This award recognizes new or ongoing DEI program or initiative that has demonstrated positive impacts on an equity-deserving group or groups.