The L.A. Spirits Awards has launched the High Spirits Awards, a competition for cannabis-derived beverage products legally sold in California and hemp-derived CBD/alternative cannabinoid beverages from anywhere in the U.S.

Entries will be blind tasted, with flavor being the primary judging criterion. Top medal winners will then compete in a final tasting round judged by both High Spirits Awards judges and select L.A. Spirits Awards judges to determine Best in Show winners in individual beverage categories, including:

• Coffee/Tea
• Water/Sparkling Water/Seltzer (including flavored)
• Soda
• Juice
• Powder/Liquid Additive
• Non-alcoholic Beer/Cider/Wine
• Non-alcoholic Spirit
• Non-alcoholic Ready-to-Drink Cocktail
• Shot

Judging will be led by Rachel Burkons, a cannabis consultant, content creator, writer and educator. Burkons co-founded the culinary cannabis hospitality group Altered Plates in 2016. She is the founder of Smoke Sip Savor, where she is a cannabis curator and consultant. Additionally, Burkons is editorial director for the upcoming relaunch of The Clever Root.

Winners will receive full-color certificates and medallion imagery for use in online and print promotions, as well as preferential pricing on point-of-sale print products from First in Print. Results will be published on the L.A. Spirits Awards/High Spirits Awards website, as well as on The Clever Root. Top winners will be featured in High Spirits Awards' email marketing and social media posts.

The Early Bird entry deadline is April 26, with a fee of $465. The final deadline is June 6, with a fee of $490. Discounted entry fees are available for Cannabis Beverage Association members.

Judging is set for June 26-27, and winners will be notified on or before July 7.