WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. — Most companies issue press releases explaining why they won. Blue Shark Vodka is issuing one explaining why it took a year off.
After capturing Platinum Awards for both Taste and Bottle Design in the prestigious SIP Awards for four consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024), the family-owned North Carolina craft distillery made an unusual—and admittedly lighthearted—decision. Rather than defend its titles in 2025, Blue Shark Vodka voluntarily sat out the competition. Why?
“After four straight years of Platinum recognition for both what’s inside the bottle and the hand-blown bottle itself, we figured it was time to give everyone else a fighting chance,” joked Ashley Morris, Vice-President of Marketing. “We even announced that our world-class vodka had officially entered the SIP Awards Transfer Portal… giving other vodkas an opportunity to shine.”
The joke generated plenty of smiles, but the accomplishments behind it are very real. Unlike many spirits competitions judged by industry insiders, the SIP Awards have earned international respect because the judging is conducted through blind tastings by consumers. Thus, the competition removes the influence of labels and marketing spend, by rewarding what ultimately matters most—the experience inside the glass.
Blue Shark Vodka has consistently excelled where it counts. Over four consecutive competitions, consumers awarded the brand Platinum honors for its exceptionally smooth taste while simultaneously recognizing its iconic package design.
The bottle itself has become one of the most recognizable packages in the premium spirits industry. Each striking hand-blown bottle features a brilliant blue glass shark swimming gracefully above a coral reef, transforming the packaging into a work of art that collectors proudly display long after the last pour.
Of course, beautiful packaging only opens the door. What keeps consumers coming back is what’s inside. Blue Shark Vodka has built its reputation on an extraordinarily smooth finish that reflects the company’s trademark promise: “The World’s Smoothest Vodka.” Crafted with exceptional attention to detail and uncompromising quality, the vodka continues to earn praise from consumers, retailers, distributors, and industry professionals alike.
“We are incredibly honored to have been recognized in such a prestigious competition,” said Niki Bloomquist, President of Blue Shark Vodka. “Winning Platinum Awards for both taste and design four years in a row is something we are extremely proud of. Those awards belong to our entire team, and most importantly, to the consumers who continue to appreciate the quality and passion that go into every bottle we produce.”
After taking its self-imposed sabbatical in 2025, Blue Shark Vodka returned to the SIP Awards in 2026—and once again earned Platinum recognition for both Taste and Bottle Design, proving that excellence wasn’t taking a year off… only the competition schedule was.
As Blue Shark Vodka continues expanding distribution across the United States—introducing and bringing its unmistakable ocean-inspired brand to new consumers—the company remains focused on the same goal that has defined it from the beginning: crafting an extraordinary vodka worthy of the title “The World’s Smoothest Vodka.”
Sometimes the best way to celebrate a winning streak is to step aside for a moment. And sometimes the most satisfying part of entering the Transfer Portal is coming back and winning all over again.
