The Ultimate Awards has confirmed the return of Ultimate Sipping Rum Miami for 2026, marking the second edition of its blind tasting competition. The event will take place during the 2026 Miami Rum Congress and will once again focus on identifying the world’s finest sipping rums through a disciplined, professional evaluation process.
For the 2026 edition of Ultimate Sipping Rum Miami, the judging panel will bring together WSET Level III Spirits judges and experienced rum professionals. These experts will assess all entries under strict blind tasting conditions, ensuring that quality in the glass remains the sole deciding factor.
Confirmed judges include Deniece Bourne, Lisa Belczyk, Rob McCaughey, Rhiannon Enlil, and Shawn Martin. The Ultimate Awards will announce additional local and international judges closer to the event.
To keep the competition accessible while maintaining high standards, Ultimate Sipping Rum Miami organizes entries into five core sipping rum categories. Judges will evaluate rums based on technical accuracy and sensory performance.
When rums do not carry an age statement or follow a solera system, the competition classifies entries according to the youngest rum in the blend. This approach guarantees consistency and fairness across all categories.
Registration for Ultimate Sipping Rum Miami will open on November 1, 2025, and close on January 10, 2026. All entries must arrive at The Ultimate Awards’ Miami warehouse no later than January 20, 2026.
Judges will conduct blind tastings on February 4 and 5, 2026. The competition will share a pre-publication of results on the evening of February 6, followed by the official public announcement on February 12, 2026.
Winning producers will receive a digital medallion image along with a two-year license to display the award on bottles, websites, and marketing materials. Brands may also purchase a physical medallion separately.
After the initial two-year period, The Ultimate Awards will request an annual $15 donation to continue use of the medallion image.
Participation in the Miami Rum Congress does not represent a requirement for entry. Brands from around the world may submit one bottle per expression and ship products to The Ultimate Awards’ warehouses in either Fort Myers or Miami, Florida, between January 10 and January 20, 2026.
The competition provides shipping instructions once brands complete registration and payment.
The Ultimate Awards exists to champion quality, transparency, and excellence across the spirits industry. Each judge brings more than a decade of professional experience, allowing the competition to deliver credible, trade-respected recognition for producers who truly stand out.
For full terms, registration details, and additional information, brands can visit The Ultimate Awards website.
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