Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards 2026: Dates, Winners & Event Guide

The 6th Annual Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards (12–14 November 2026)

From 12–14 November 2026, the 6th annual Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards returns to the city where global cannabis culture began. Organized by AudioKush (founded by Ayoub Akhamrane with Marketing Director Russell D / Russ Beretta), this multi-day event has grown from a virtual gathering during 2021 into Amsterdam's premier cannabis celebration.

Whether you are looking for the best coffeeshop in Amsterdam for 2026, searching for past Cannabis Cup winners, or planning to attend during event week, this guide covers everything: voting categories, how to attend, how to judge, and complete verified winners from 2021 to 2025.

---

Fast Facts & Event Summary

---

Coffeeshop of the Year — Complete History (2021 – 2025)

---

How the Awards Work: Two Independent Competitions

The awards are split into two distinct, independent judging systems:

1. Consumer Choice Awards (People's Choice)

Decided entirely by public community vote:

• Nominations & Voting: Nominations open online and via QR code voting cards distributed across 160+ coffeeshops in October and November.
• Categories: Coffeeshop of the Year, Best Indoor Lounge, Best Outdoor Lounge, Budtender of the Year, Most Knowledgeable Staff, Best Coffeeshop Menu, Content Creator of the Year, Best Smoker-Friendly Lounge, Best Coffeeshop Outside Amsterdam, and Favourite Coffeeshop Pet.

2. Industry Awards (Blind-Tasted)

Judged by an expert panel of 20–25 industry professionals:

• Blind Evaluation: Submitted samples are blind-coded with no brand markings.
• Rigorous Scoring: Judges evaluate entries over seven days based on aroma, terpene profile, flavor, effect, appearance, and craftsmanship.
• Categories: Sativa, Haze, Indica, Hybrid, Traditional Hash, Static Hash, Ice Water Hash, Live Rosin, Premium Pre-Roll, Classic Pre-Roll, and Edibles.

---

How to Attend & Become a Judge

Attending the Event

• Tickets: Available on Eventbrite by searching "Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards". The flagship Saturday awards gala takes place aboard a smoker-friendly canal boat cruise.
• Typical Weekend Schedule:
  • Friday: Arrival, citywide coffeeshop crawl, and welcome meetups.
  • Saturday: Brand expo, educational panels, awards ceremony & gala cruise, and after-parties.
  • Sunday: Late morning farewell sessions and coffeeshop walks.

Becoming an Industry Judge

Applications open on the official website 4–6 months before the event (amsterdamcoffeeshopawards.com/judge-application). Qualified industry professionals receive blind sample kits to evaluate over one week, with perks including access to the private pre-event canal cruise and gala dinner.

---

Complete Winners Hall of Fame (2021 – 2025)

🏆 2025 Winners

Consumer Choice Awards (Public Vote):

• Coffeeshop of the Year: Barney's Coffeeshop (Back-to-back winner)
• Budtender of the Year: Lily @ Barney's Coffeeshop
• Best Coffeeshop Menu: Barney's Coffeeshop
• Best Indoor Coffeeshop Lounge: Prix d'Ami
• Best Outdoor Coffeeshop Lounge: Katsu
• Best Coffeeshop Outside Amsterdam: Hunter's Zandvoort
• Best Smoker-Friendly Lounge: Barney's Uptown
• Most Knowledgeable Staff: Balou
• Content Creator of the Year: Corax Dewai
• Favourite Coffeeshop Pet: Mr. Pumba

Industry Product Awards (Blind-Tasted by 25 Judges):

• Best Sativa Flower: 1st Place – Jus D'Orange (The Old Church); 2nd Place – Mimosa (7th Heaven); 3rd Place – B45 (Cream Pheno) (THC Turbine)
• Best Haze: 1st Place – G13 Haze (Coffeeshop Blue Sea); 2nd Place – Super Silver Haze (Coffeeshop Central); 3rd Place – Amnesia (7th Heaven)
• Best Indica Flower: 1st Place – Uncle Snoop (Barney's Coffeeshop); 2nd Place – Black Cherry Gelato (Hunter's); 3rd Place – Dark Matter (The Old Church)
• Best Hybrid Flower: 1st Place – Baker's Man (Coffeeshop Relax); 2nd Place – Super Boof (Hunter's); 3rd Place – Zillions (Barney's Coffeeshop)
• Best Traditional Hash: 1st Place – Zero Zero (Coffeeshop Relax); 2nd Place – Champagne (7th Heaven); 3rd Place – Glumosa (Coffeeshop Central)
• Best Static Hash: 1st Place – Forbidden Fruit × Fruit Joy (The Old Church); 2nd Place – Painkiller (Coffeeshop Relax); 3rd Place – K1 (Coffeeshop Reefer)
• Best Ice Water Hash: 1st Place – Grape Gas WPFF (Terps Army); 2nd Place – Hawaï WPFF (Coffeeshop Hashtag); 3rd Place – RS11 Piatella (Terps Army)
• Best Live Rosin: 1st Place – Grape Gas (Terps Army); 2nd Place – Oishii (Green Gold); 3rd Place – Banana Punch (7th Heaven)
• Best Premium Pre-Roll: 1st Place – Heavenly Beltz Donut (7th Heaven); 2nd Place – Gelato 33 Hash Hole (Balou); 3rd Place – #thegasbomb Donut (Coffeeshop Hashtag)
• Best Edibles: 1st Place – Pistachio Cheesecake (Let's Get Baked × The Old Church); 2nd Place – Mango Mousse (Made To Be Baked × Sativa)

---

🏆 2024 Winners

People's Choice Awards:

• Coffeeshop of the Year: Barney's Coffeeshop
• Best Indoor Lounge: Coffeeshop Get Down
• Best Outdoor Lounge: Coffeeshop Reefer
• Best Coffeeshop Outside Amsterdam: Coffeeshop Yanks (Zandvoort)
• Best Smoke-Friendly Lounge: Barney's Coffeeshop
• Best Coffeeshop Menu: Terps Army
• Budtender of the Year: Mia (Abraxas)
• Most Knowledgeable Staff: Barney's Uptown
• Favourite Coffeeshop Pet: Pumba (Terps Army)
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Ben Dronkers (Founder of Sensi Seeds)

Industry Awards (Blind-Tasted):

• Traditional Hash: 1st Place – Tidghine (Coffeeshop Hashtag); 2nd Place – Zero Zero (Coffeeshop Relax); 3rd Place – Beldia (Coffeeshop Relax)
• Premium Pre-Roll: 1st Place – Donut Tropi Lemon ZX Sour Papaya (Family First); 2nd Place – Donut Yellow Zkittlez × Zangria (Family First)
• Live Rosin / Solventless: 1st Place – Peach Oz (Coffeeshop Hashtag); 2nd Place – Candy Fumez (Barney's Farm); 3rd Place – G4 (The Old Church)
• Classic Pre-Roll: 1st Place – Tropi Lemon Z (Family First); 2nd Place – Purple Turple (THC Turbine); 3rd Place – Mac Daddy (Happy Feelings)
• Best Edibles: 1st Place – Mini Donut 6-Pack (African Black Star); 3rd Place – Oatmeal Raisin Cookie (Coffeeshop Relax)

---

🏆 2023 Winners

Industry Judged Categories:

• Best Sativa Flower: 1st Place – Cherry Popperz (The Old Church); 2nd Place – Lemon Haze (Haze Monkey); 3rd Place – Orange Tangie (Coffeeshop DNA)
• Best Indica Flower: 1st Place – Candy Popzz (Coffeeshop Reefer); 2nd Place – Lemon Cherry Biscotti (The Old Church); 3rd Place – Plum Popperz (Green Place)
• Best Hybrid Flower: 1st Place – Ice Cream Cherry Runtz (Coffeeshop Blue Sea); 2nd Place – Gelato #41 (Coffeeshop 137); 3rd Place – Zoap (Coffeeshop Reefer)
• Best Dry / Rubbed Hash: 1st Place – Tropicana (The Balboa Family); 2nd Place – Sour Bubble (Coffeeshop Reefer); 3rd Place – Triple Filter (Coffeeshop The Stud)
• Best Ice / Water Hash: 1st Place – ZK × FF (Coffeeshop Reefer); 2nd Place – Cake Batter (Green Place); 3rd Place – Funky Banana (Terps Army)
• Best Rosin: 1st Place – Mela Verde (La Kalada); 2nd Place – Oreoz (Terps Army); 3rd Place – Frozen Beldia (RosinPress.be)
• Best Premium Pre-Roll: 1st Place – Sour Gushers (Balou); 2nd Place – The Donut (Prix d'Ami); 3rd Place – Lemon Orange Donut (Sativa)
• Best Edibles: 1st Place – Vegan Pistache Cake (2ThaMoon × Balboa Family); 2nd Place – Fudge Cake (Het Ballonnetje × Fudge This)

People's Choice Highlights:

• Coffeeshop of the Year: Barney's Coffeeshop
• Best Indoor Lounge: Coffeeshop Get Down
• Best Outdoor Lounge: Coffeeshop Reefer

---

🏆 2022 Winners

Product Awards:

• Best Sativa Flower: 1st Place – Tropical Cherry (Coffeeshop Blue Sea); 2nd Place – Super Silver Haze (Prix d'Ami)
• Best Indica Flower: 1st Place – Ice Cream (Family First); 2nd Place – Animal Cookies (Prix d'Ami); 3rd Place – Tropical Punch (The Old Church)
• Best Hybrid Flower: 1st Place – Pink Runtz (Prix d'Ami); 2nd Place – Candy Warhol (Terps Army)
• Dry / Rubbed Hash: 1st Place – The Barbarian Melon (Magic); 2nd Place – Zusher (Coffeeshop Reefer); 3rd Place – The Ocho (het Gelderse)
• Ice / Water Hash: 1st Place – Pink Pineapple (Family First)
• Extracts: 1st Place – Mac & Crack Live Rosin (Seed Stockers); 2nd Place – GMO Live Rosin (Family First)

People's Choice Highlights:

• Coffeeshop of the Year: Family First
• Best Indoor Lounge: Prix d'Ami
• Best Outdoor Lounge: Bulldog the First
• Best Non-Amsterdam Coffeeshop: Coffeeshop Yanks (Zandvoort)
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Mila "The Hash Queen" Jansen

---

🏆 2021 Inaugural Winners

People's Choice Awards:

• Coffeeshop of the Year: 1st Place – Boerejongens
• Best Coffeeshop Lounge: Coffeeshop Amsterdam
• Best Flower Menu: Boerejongens
• Best Hash Menu: Boerejongens
• Best Extract Menu: Family First
• Best Edible Menu: Boerejongens
• Best Coffeeshop Snack: Nachos & Cheese (Prix d'Ami)
• Most Knowledgeable Staff: Boerejongens
• Budtender of the Year: Vinny (Boerejongens Sloterdijk)
• Best Rolling Papers: Amsterdam Genetics × Mascotte
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Peter R. de Vries

Product Awards (Industry Judging):

• Indica Flower: 1st Place – Purple Shoreline (Coffeeshop Blue Sea); 2nd Place – Kosher Kush (het Gelderse); 3rd Place – Grape Ape (Boerejongens)
• Sativa Flower: 1st Place – Lemon Haze (Coffeeshop Blue Sea); 2nd Place – Amazing Haze (Dolphins)
• Hybrid Flower: 1st Place – Cereal Milk (Family First); 2nd Place – Orangesse (het Gelderse); 3rd Place – Chocolato (Boerejongens)
• Extract: 1st Place – SSH Dry Ice (Boerejongens); 2nd Place – Banana Royaal Fresh Frozen Hash Rosin (Family First)

---

Historical Retrospective: The High Squish Cup (2021–2022)

In its early editions, the event hosted the High Squish Cup, an on-site live rosin pressing competition where growers and extractors pressed flower and hash live. Entries were judged strictly by rosin yield and terpene quality, with custom blown-glass rig trophies awarded by artist Aaron Brown. In 2023, the High Squish Cup was officially integrated directly into the main Industry Awards Rosin categories.

---

The Evolution: Beyond the High Times Era

For decades, Amsterdam's premier competition was the High Times Cannabis Cup (1988–2014). However, as commercial advertising laws and municipal venue regulations evolved, the original Cup ceased operations in Amsterdam. Read our complete history of The Legacy of the High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam to learn how the scene transformed.

The modern Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards fill this vital space by focusing on local compliance, community participation, transparency, and authentic Dutch coffeeshop culture. Rather than massive external trade expos, the awards integrate directly with Amsterdam's licensed venue network.

---

Internal Links & Resources

• Browse award-winning venues in our Interactive Coffeeshop Explorer
• Explore current strain prices and menu entries in our Live Strain Index
• Read about historic competitions in The Legacy of the High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam

---

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the 2026 Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards?

The 6th annual Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards will take place from 12–14 November 2026 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Who organizes the Amsterdam Coffeeshop Awards?

The event is organized annually by AudioKush (founded by Ayoub Akhamrane), celebrating excellence across Amsterdam's coffeeshop culture and legal cannabis industry.

How do I apply to become an industry judge?

Qualified industry professionals can apply roughly 4–6 months before event week via the official judge application portal at amsterdamcoffeeshopawards.com/judge-application.

What is the difference between Consumer Choice and Industry Awards?

Consumer Choice (People's Choice) categories are decided by public community voting online and via QR codes in 160+ coffeeshops. Industry Awards are blind-tasted and scored over 7 days by a panel of 20–25 industry judges.

Who won Coffeeshop of the Year in recent editions?

Barney's Coffeeshop won back-to-back Coffeeshop of the Year in 2025 and 2024, Barney's also took top honors in 2023, Family First in 2022, and Boerejongens won the inaugural 2021 award.

Can visitors and tourists vote or attend?

Yes! Anyone 18+ can vote online in the Consumer Choice categories and purchase event tickets via Eventbrite to attend weekend activities and the awards gala cruise.