Trade Awards — Juror application guide

Apply to join the Master Distillers Trade Awards jury (Tequila Edition 2027). This is a blind sensory evaluation by working hospitality professionals — not a popularity contest.

Who can apply

• Working bartenders, head bartenders, bar managers, or directors

• Brick-and-mortar venue in a DDD-served European market (kits ship to venues only — no residential addresses)

• Limited bench (about 200 seats across Europe)

How to apply

1. Open Apply for a jury seat.

1. Complete the form: name, email, mobile, venue address, role, social profile, agave SKUs you stock, house margarita price, venue type, sales split.

1. Submit. You will land on a thank-you page outlining next steps.

Apply URL: https://masterdistillers.net/trade-awards/juror-apply/

What happens next

1. Review — Staff check your venue and social credentials. Status stays *pending* until then.

1. Verified — If approved, you receive onboarding email and access to the TutorLMS juror calibration course (four modules + compliance quiz).

1. Ready to ship — Pass the quiz at 100%. Only then can sample kits leave the warehouse.

1. Kit arrives — Blind sample bottles with QR codes, shipped to your venue.

1. Score — Scan each bottle QR (opens `/scorecard/?u=…` on your phone). Score aroma, palate, finish, and balance; write tasting notes (at least 120 characters); grant commercial use rights for notes/video.

1. Timeline — About 21 days after delivery to complete scoring. Reminders at day 7 / 14 / 18; non-completion can lead to removal from the public jury roster.

Tips for scoring

• Keep the tasting blind — do not research the liquid.

• Reset palate between samples as taught in Module 1.

• Notes must be substantive (minimum 120 characters).

• Optional video clips should follow the UGC lighting/framing guidance in Module 3.

After results

When results are published, the same QR codes switch from the scorecard form to a personal reveal: product identity, medal tier (if any), and how your score compared to the field average.

Distillery expedition

Standout scoring and content contribution can make you eligible for masterclass expeditions to winning production houses in Mexico. Details are shared with certified jurors who complete the programme.

Need help?

Contact Master Distillers support with the email you used on the application. Do not share sample unit codes publicly — each code unlocks a scorecard for that bottle.