Selected Official Glass of Major World Spirits Competitions

Since our introduction in 2012, NEAT has been selected as the official judging and tasting glass of over 40 major world spirits competitions. Chosen for its ability to display flavors over pungent ethanol, NEAT provides an accurate diagnostic evaluation tool which places it far above the standard, commonly tulip glass, plastic cups, and all the other vessels employed in competitions.

Why They Selected NEAT

NEAT, selected as an official spirits judging glass treats both genders to flavor accessibility, eliminates ethanol anosmia, and creates a fairness for all entrants in sample flights up to seven samples. Tulips concentrate ethanol, and nose blindness is a common occurrence in judging with them. The last sample in the flight gets as much attention and clarity as the first, since ethanol is not there to irritate and distract with overwhelming pungency.

Major Spirits Competitions Have Selected NEAT as Official Glass

San Francisco World Spirits ● New York World Spirits Competition● WSWA Orlando & Las Vegas ● Consumer Rum Jury Miami Rum Fest ● SIP Awards, ● San Diego Spirits Festival ● San Diego Distilled ● Denver International ● Los Angeles Craft Spirits ● SF Rum Fest ● Chicago Rum Fest ● , NYC Rum Fest ● , Puerto Rico Rum Fest ● North American Bourbon & Whiskey ● SF International Bulk Wine and Spirits ● United States Trade Tasting NYC ● Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards ● Irish Whiskey Awards ● Barcelona Rum Festival ● The Hague Whiskey Festival ● Cigar and Spirits Magazine ● San Diego Spirits Challenge ●,Critics Challenge ●,Sommelier Challenge ● SF Tasting Alliance ● NY Tasting Alliance ● Singapore Tasting Alliance ● PR%F Awards ● UK Whisky Event ● Celtic Connection ● Spirit of Alba, ● Fife ● Tequila Mezcal Challenge ● The International Rum Conference ● Finger Lakes International Spirits ● Sante International Spirits ● Sunset International Spirits ● Craft Distilled Spirits ● John Barleycorn Awards ● CHILLED 100 Spirits Awards ● Global Whisky Challenge Scotland ● Global Whisky Challenge ● Tokyo Global Whisky Challenge ● New York glass (Global and North American)● Monterey Spirits Festival ● East Meets West Wine and Spirits Competition ● North Coast Press Democratic Wine Challenge ● Sunset Magazine Wine Competition, ● The Harvest Challenge ●

this list is always subject to change

Nearly all spirits competition administrators realize that nose blindness (temporary anosmia or olfactory fatigue) is their worst enemy. By dissipating ethanol to the rim of the glass, as in the NEAT glass, competitions keep more judges at the table longer. They provide more focused observations and deliver consistent, competent ratings. That’s why competitions have selected us as the official judging glass.

For the most part, judging times are shorter without olfactory fatigue, allowing more time to process sensory data. Concentrated ethanol from tulips hinders aroma detection and identification and increases instances of olfactory fatigue. A carefully selected judging glass makes a difference.

In fact, anosmia recovery requires at least 4 minutes away from the tasting area. This gives the mucous layer a chance to refresh and wipe out past flavor molecules. Get up from the table, get fresh air, blow your nose. See testimonials of leading experts.

Ethanol irritates trigeminal nerve endings. As a result, sharp, pungent irritation overpowers focused aroma detection. Competitions which taste 4 or more samples per flight with tulips place entrants in a no-win situation. As a result, olfactory fatigue skews entrants’ chances of being selected to receive a medal. Few place if they happen to be among the last samples in the flight.

Simply put, tulips are unfair to the entrants. Also, check the independent research study which clearly proves the superiority of NEAT to tulips and snifters.

“Why do some spirits competitions use tulips?” Because tulips are popular among spirits drinkers. In other words, spirits competitions which use tulips generally care less about results or fairness. Tulips concentrate ethanol destroying access to aromas. In the final analysis, many administrators’ primary concern is the entrants’ revenue stream.

In no uncertain terms, tradition is more powerful than science for the oblivious. Another sign of carelessness in competition administration is the appointment of famous or well-known personalities to judging panels who have no expertise in the judging of spirits and may carry biases. Celebrity judges selected for panels should be vetted for experience.

Competitions are many, yet few are truly legitimate for use as a buying guide. Most competitions put on a show for their own amusement or to collect entry fees. However, there are a number of well-run competitions. Yet if consumers are to use judges’ findings, medals, and ratings as a buying guide, they must dig deeper.

To the point, vetted judges, procedures, consistency, and (if you can get them), rating sheets, reveal more about rating validity. Homework is good for consumers, especially if they collect or enjoy drinking expensive spirits.

Much money is spent on fluff rather than quality. Competitions who selected NEAT as their Official Judging Glass are better consumer references. Their evaluations will be more accurate and reliable. More on the science.