2018 California Craft Spirits Competition registration now open
Competition showcases the finest artisan spirits in the Golden State and beyond
– The California Craft Spirits Competition (CCSC), hosted annually by the California Mid-State Fair, is now accepting entries. Distilleries can register at http://cmsfs.fairmanager.com/default.aspx.
The competition welcomes craft distillers from anywhere in the United States, offering an additional division for craft spirits produced outside of the state. Chief Judge Tim McDonald has compiled an elite team of judges, including industry leaders and international journalists, Michael Cervin, wine and spirits journalist, Darrell Corti, food and beverage specialist and grocer of Corti Brothers Market in Sacramento, and Traci Dutton, from the Culinary Institute of America.
“The purpose of the California Craft Spirits Competition is to promote the quality and diversity of craft spirits being produced in the area, as well as nationwide, and educate consumers on the increasingly expanding industry of artisan spirits that are on the market,” says Mid-State Fair CEO Michael Bradley.
Discounted early-bird registration ends Friday, June 1, with an entry cost of $80 per spirit. Then registration increases to $90 per spirit and closes Friday, June 8. The competition and judging takes place June 19 and 20 in Paso Robles.
Distilleries who participate in the competition are invited to be a part of the Get Crafty Mixologist Competition at the California Mid-State Fair on Sunday, July 22. Mixologists, restaurants and/or bars will partner with a winning spirit from the California Craft Spirits Competition to create a cocktail of his/her choice. Cocktails are featured in a two-hour festival tasting. The competition is from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and the public, ticketed tasting is from 5- 7 p.m.
Enrollment has also begun for the Home Winemakers Competition, the Central Coast Wine Competition, and the Central Coast Vinegar Competition.
All the competitions are returning with a whole new look in 2018. To update the design – and provide winning entries with a more visually appealing medal – all the competitions are boasting new logo themes.
To enroll in the California Craft Spirits Competition, or for more information on the Central Coast Wine Competition, Home Winemakers Competition, or Central Coast Vinegar Competition, please visit http://cmsfs.fairmanager.com.
The 2018 California Mid-State Fair runs July 18 – 29, and this year’s theme is “Ole, It’s Fiesta Time!”
