Entry registration is now open.
Be part of a truly international cider competition! The Chicago Cider Cup welcomes entries from commercial cider and perry producers across the globe.
Interested in judging?
We are currently accepting applications to judge at Chicago Cider Cup 2024. Join our high-caliber judge panel and sample ciders and perries from across the globe.
What to know before entering the Chicago Cider Cup.
See our frequently asked questions below for details on registration deadlines, entry fees, submitting samples, and awards announcement timelines.
Entry Fees and Sample Requirements
Entry fees during early registration are $70 per entry.
Entry fees during regular registration are $80 per entry.
There is no late registration.
If the package size is 700 ml or greater, two (2) bottles are required.
For package sizes smaller than 700 ml, three (3) bottles or cans are required.
Cans or bottles less than 330 ml (11.1 oz) are only accepted with prior approval of the Competition Director.
For the Intensified class, only two (2) bottles are required if they are at least 375 ml each. For package sizes between 187 ml and 375 ml, three (3) bottles are required.
For the Spirits class, the total volume submitted must be at least 375 ml. One (1) bottle is sufficient if it is at least 375 ml.
Dates and Deadlines
Entry registration opens on Monday, August 19, 2024, and closes Friday, October 4, 2024. Entrants who register by Friday, September 6, 2024, receive a discounted entry fee rate.
The sample shipping window will open shortly after entry registration closes. Registered entrants will receive instructions on where to ship their samples at that time.
The judging will take place Wednesday, November 6, 2024, through Friday, November 8, 2024, at ERIS Brewery and Cider House in Chicago.
Awards will be announced online at chicagocidercup.com on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11 am Central Time (UTC−06:00).
The Judging Process
All judging will be conducted blind, meaning that each entry will be identified by a randomly assigned identification number. Samples are poured out of sight, and judges will see only the ID number and any important information needed to properly evaluate the entry, such as style class, level of carbonation, level of sweetness, and any special ingredients or processes used in production.
All entrants will receive detailed feedback from each panelist (typically three judges). These online scoresheets can be accessed via the entry registration system once results are announced.
All entries awarded a Gold medal in preliminary judging advance to the Best in Class round. If Best in Class judges are unanimous that an entry is world-class, the entry is awarded a Double Gold medal. The top entry in each class receives a Best in Class award and advances to Best of Show judging.
The top entry in each style class advances to Best of Show judging. A panel composed of highly experienced judges analyzes each entry on its own merits and selects that year’s Chicago Cider Cup winner.
Chicago Cider Cup Awards
Double Gold
A world-class cider. Awarded by unanimous selection of a Best in Class judge panel.
Gold
A highly memorable cider with exceptional depth. Drinkability is well above accepted industry standards.
Silver
A cider with distinctive qualities. Drinkability is above accepted industry standards.
Bronze
A cider with no significant flaws. Drinkability is at or above accepted industry standards.
Best of Show
The top entry in the entire competition is awarded the Chicago Cider Cup.
Best in Class
The top entry in each style class is awarded a trophy.
Award Certificate
Each medal-winning entry will receive an Award Certificate (in PDF format) that is suitable for printing.
Social Media Templates
All award winners will have access to digital templates that can be used to promote the award.
Awards Database
Once results are announced, an online database will be accessible with details on each winning entry.
Yes!
All medal winners will receive details on how to purchase physical award labels.
The Best of Show winner receives the Chicago Cider Cup, a traveling trophy that must be returned prior to the next judging.
Best in Class winners receive a small physical trophy that is theirs to keep.
No physical medals are awarded. See above for details on the digital assets and physical award labels that can be used by medal winners.