NYSA FAQ’s

How many spirits were judged in the 2009 NYSA Competition?

265 Distilled Spirits Brands participated from around the world.

What qualifies for a Best of Show Award?

The Best of Show Award is given to one brand receiving the highest score & exceeding 90 average points. An unprecedented two brandsreceived matching scores in 2009, resulting in a tie.

What qualifies for an FDR Award?

FDR Awards are given to one Top performing brand per Category. In instances where 10 or more brands entered a ‘sub-category’ (Agave Spirits-Tequila Blanco; Agave Spirits-Tequila Reposado; Liqueurs-Fruit; Vodka-Wheat; Whiskies-Single Malt Scotch), these were added as full Categories resulting in a total of 13 Categories/13 Brands receiving an FDR in 2009.

What qualifies for a Best of Class Award?

Best of Class Awards are given to the Top 20% performing brands per Category.

What are the Categories?

A Category was determined once each achieved a total of at least 10 entries. For 2009, there were the following:

Overall Categories: Agave Spirits , Cognac/Brandy, Gin, Liqueurs, Rum, Vodka Unflavored; Vodka Flavored, Whiskies.

Additional Categories: Prior to the competition we determined to add these, as a result of specific sub-categories receiving a disproportionate # of entries. In order to accommodate this trend, we added the following Categories: Agave Spirits-Tequila Blanco, Agave-Spirits Tequila-Reposado, Liqueurs-Fruit, Vodka-Wheat, Whisky-Single Malt.

In some instances, brands received more than one award. Those brands are:

Lunazul Blanco, FDR for Tequila Blanco & Best of Class, All Agave Spirits

Lunazul Reposado, FDR for Tequila Reposado and Best of Class, All Agave Spirits

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Best of Class, All Whiskies & Best of Class, Whiskies-Single Malt Scotch

The Glenlivet 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Best of Class, All Whiskies and Best of Class, Whiskies-Single Malt Scotch.

Will there be Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards given out?

No, only those awards stipulated to, i.e., FDR, Best of Class and Best of Show in 2009.

Could anyone observe during the Competition?
No. The competition is blind; only judges are allowed to participate.

Do we need a Distributor to participate?
No. Not for the Competition.