America’s Top Hemp Beverage Competition

Stand out locally, regionally and nationally with one competition.

Early Bird Pricing Now Live

From Local Heroes to National Icons

Highlighting one of the most exciting categories in the beverage sector, America’s Best is excited to become one of the first competitions dedicated to judging Hemp beverages. With new brands entering the market every day, The 3rd annual America’s Best will award the best by state, region and nationally, allowing brands to highlight their credentials to customers near and far.

Host Location: Charleston, SC
Date: October 26 - 28, 2026
1 Entry = 3 Competitions (State, Regional, National)
Multi-entry discounts available + early-bird pricing

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Why Enter?

Maximize the value of your entry by leveraging three layers of awards, allowing you to communicate your brand credentials locally, regionally and nationally.

3 COMPETITIONS, 1 ENTRY

BEST IN REGION

BEST IN STATE

BEST IN AMERICA

Travis Hartong
Bottles Beverage Superstore

“America’s Best has put together a fantastic and very professional spirits competition. I am honored to be a judge and retail partner.”

50 States, 5 Regions, 1 Country

Most competitions don’t connect with consumers. America’s Best changes that - spotlighting top Hemp beverages not just nationally, but by state and region. We help brands stand out where it matters most: locally. With strong regional recognition and flexible marketing assets, each win delivers real value for consumer trust and brand growth.

Judged by Experts, Tasted Blind

Our panel is made up of industry experts—retailers, restaurateurs, influencers, and writers—who specialize in the beverage space. Every Hemp beverage is evaluated blind, without branding or context, ensuring an unbiased and fair assessment. Each entry is judged on its own merits, not compared to others. Top-scoring entries receive Double Gold, with the highest achievers considered for Best in Show and a perfect 100-point score.

Bartender

Retailer

Restauranteur

Writer

Influencer

Past Competition Judges

Emily Heintz

Séchey
Emily is the founder & CEO of Séchey, the leading non-alcoholic and functional beverage retailer serving the growing community of mindful drinkers. Based in Charleston, SC, Emily is also a Competition Co-Chairman and Host!
Travis Hartong

Bottles
Travis is the Spirits Consultant and Liquor Buyer Wholesale Manager at @shopbottles! His primary focus is selling to bars and restaurants throughout the state of South Carolina. Bottles has four retail locations throughout the state and has been a leading retail advocate for the hemp beverage category.
Melissa Bruno Johnston

Melissa has over 20 years of experience across the alcohol industry, starting as a bartender at 18 before moving into bar management, mixology, and consulting. After earning her master’s in marketing, she built her career in craft beer—helping grow the Charlotte Chapter of Pink Boots Society, co-editing Brewing Ambition, and serving on the planning board for the Biere de Femme Festival.
Today, she is Director of Culture & Communications at Tryon Distributing, North Carolina’s first major wholesaler to carry hemp beverages, where she plays a key role in discovering and onboarding new suppliers.
Ryan Ridolfo

With more than 15 years of experience in beverage and alcohol distribution, Ryan has built a career in sales and brand management across Craft, Wine, Spirits, and now the Delta 9 portfolio—one of the largest in the Southeast. He’s also a Certified Cicerone and holds his WSET Level 2.
Mike van Beyrer

Bottles
Mike is the Owner of Mount Pleasant’s Bottles Beverage Superstore. A cross between a superstore that boasts unbeatable price points and a neighborhood wine shop that offers boutique bottles and personalized services, his 15,000 sq. ft. establishment boasts a wide variety of wine, beer, bourbon and more. From working at wineries in California to a distributor in Atlanta, he’s been in the alcohol and beverage business for 18 years.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Become A Sponsor!

To become a sponsor please fill out the form below or email us at competition@americasbestspirits.com

WE ARE MORE THAN A BEVERAGE COMPETITION

America’s Best is more than an awards program—it’s a turnkey marketing solution. We provide digital and retail-ready assets that help brands stand out at the point of purchase and amplify their PR efforts. Winning isn’t just about a medal; it’s about telling a story. Our awards help communicate your product’s benefits with local relevance, expert credibility, and eye-catching recognition that resonates with both consumers and buyers.

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