Eve's Wine 101

The Top Bourbons, Ryes, and Malt Whiskeys from Texas to Explore in 2023

by

CEDAR PARK, TEXAS (PRWEB) – Each year the Texas Whiskey Festival hosts a competition to determine who has the best Texas Bourbon, Rye, Malt Whiskey, and newly added Flavored Whiskeys. The categories are also broken out between grain to glass and aged & bottled in Texas products. Both are spectacular but different, so we want to highlight that. The winners are chosen by a panel of judges in a blind tasting.

“We view the contest and awards as a guide for people to discover new whiskeys,” says Co-Founder Jake Clements. Everything entered in the contest is available for purchase by the bottle or glass, with some being in distribution and others being distillery-only releases.

These are the winners chosen by the judges, so we let Festival attendees have the opportunity to vote on their favorite distillery to decide the people’s choice award. Remember, the best whiskey is the one you like.

Bourbon: Grain to Glass

  • Gold – Silver Star Spirits – 1849 Straight Bourbon
  • Silver – Balcones Distilling – Blue Corn Bourbon finished in Wine Casks
  • Bronze – Yellow Rose Distilling – Harris County Bourbon

Bourbon: Aged and Bottled in Texas

  • Gold – Treaty Oak Distilling – 16 Year Tennessee Whiskey
  • Silver – Oak & Eden – Anthro Series: Forrie J Smith
  • Bronze – Dime Box Distilling – Single Barrel 6yr Sixth Street Bourbon

Rye Whiskey: Grain to Glass

  • Gold – Balcones Distilling – Texas Rye Bottled in Bond
  • Silver – Giant Texas Distillers – Cask Strength Rye
  • Bronze – Shire Distilling – Rye Whiskey

Rye Whiskey: Aged and Bottled in Texas

  • Gold – Blackland Distilling – Rye Whiskey
  • Silver – Old Humble Distilling – Double OakStraight Rye Whiskey
  • Bronze – Yellow Rose Distilling – Rye Whiskey

Malt Whiskey: Grain to Glass

  • Gold – Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co. – Single Mom Single Malt
  • Silver – Andalusia Whiskey Co. – Bottled in Bond Single Malt
  • Bronze – William Price Distilling – Single Malt Sherry Finished.

Flavored Whiskeys

  • Gold – Blackland Distilling – Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon
  • Silver – Treaty Oak Distilling – Old Fashioned Cocktail
  • Bronze – Silver Star Spirits – Texas Honey

Thank you to the Wizard Academy for hosting us. A big thank you to our talented judges.

  • Mark Shilling is the CEO at SUSTO Mezcal and Partner at Big Thirst. Former president of the American Craft Spirits Association and long-time advocate for the spirits industry instrumental in key legislative efforts.
  • Big Thirst represents some Texas brands, but Mark does not work on the production of any brands in the whiskey category.
  • Samantha Fletcher has 20+ years in the beverage and hospitality industry, mainly focused around education and business development. A champion of the craft, Samantha continues to advocate and spread the knowledge of the bold and unique world that is Texas Whiskey.
  • Matt Zitrick has enjoyed whiskey since birth, but really got into it when he turned 5 making cocktails with his grandfather. He is a level 3 Whiskey Sommelier, has run the Whiskey Crusaders YouTube Channel/Events since 2019, and has one the largest collections of Whiskey in America at over 3,000 bottles from around the globe. A supporter of all things Texas, and the best whiskey is the one you are enjoying right now.

About the Texas Whiskey Festival
The festival’s mission is simple: To help promote and enhance the brands of the many great distilleries throughout Texas. As an organization, we know that Texas has some of the best distilleries and whiskeys globally. The Texas Whiskey Festival is an opportunity to showcase that. For more information, please visit https://txwhiskeyfest.com.

NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Awarded Gold Medal by International Wine & Spirits Competition

by

Owensboro, Ky. – NFL legend and iconic entertainer Terry Bradshaw’s award-winning BradshawKentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has been awarded a coveted 95-point gold medal by the prestigious IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition). 

Established in 1969, IWSC is one of the most respected international wine and spirits competitions, with a mission to champion the best spirits from around the world. IWSC spirits entries undergo a tightly structured and rigorous tasting process using the ‘double-blind’ method, meaning samples are tasted in pre-poured numbered glasses to ensure that judges never see a bottle. Each spirit is judged by a whole panel in sync, allowing for group discussions. Spirits are scored on number system and categorized into “98+ Gold Outstanding,” a truly superior spirit that stands out amongst its peers as a supreme example of its kind, “95+ Gold,” an excellent spirit with great personality, character and complexity that stands out as a benchmark in its category, “90+ Silver,” an accomplished spirit with personality and character, and “85+ Bronze,” a well-made spirit that provides an enjoyable drinking experience.

Bradshaw Bourbon is a carefully crafted collaboration between Bradshaw and Silver Screen Bottling Company. Awarded a phenomenal 91-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, Bradshaw Bourbon is blended from the finest grains and aged in hand-selected barrels. As noted in the review, the two-year-old bourbon is “tinged with roasted nuts and vanilla on nose and palate, finishing with hints of black pepper and a waft of smoke.”It has a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, and is proofed to 51.9% ABV, a tribute to the NFL Hall of Fame quarterback’s career pass completion percentage. Bradshaw Bourbon is available at retailers throughout the US and Canada. 

Also notable about Bradshaw Bourbon’s rating is its price. Starting at $39.99 for a 750ml bottle, Bradshaw Bourbon is available for a significantly lower price than the majority of bourbons that have been similarly awarded some of the highest marks.  Bradshaw Bourbon is sold throughout the United States and can be found locally with the retail finder here and ordered online at www.bradshawbourbon.com.

More information, along with signature cocktail recipes, may be found on the website at www.bradshawbourbon.com, as well as on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @BradshawBourbon.

About Bradshaw Bourbon

Awarded a phenomenal 91-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, Bradshaw Bourbon is blended from the finest grains and aged in hand-selected barrels. As noted in the review, the two-year-old bourbon is “tinged with roasted nuts and vanilla on nose and palate, finishing with hints of black pepper and a waft of smoke.” It has a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, and is proofed to 51.9% ABV, a tribute to the NFL Hall of Fame quarterback’s career pass completion percentage.

About Terry Bradshaw

The only NFL player with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Terry Bradshaw continues to entertain fans far and beyond his legendary professional football career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback, two-time Super Bowl MVP and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee joined “FOX NFL Sunday” as co-host and analyst with the show’s inception in 1994. In addition to his long-term role as a multi-Emmy and award-winning broadcaster, Bradshaw has starred in movie and television hits including the box office smash comedy romance, “Failure to Launch,” “Father Figures,” “Better Late than Never,” and “The Masked Singer.” Bradshaw is also a gospel and country singer, motivational speaker, New York Times best-selling author and breeder of championship quarter horses. In addition to starring in his own stage production, “The Terry Bradshaw Show,” the iconic football star and entertainer also stars along with his family in E!’s new hit show, “The Bradshaw Bunch,” which follows the adventures of his family.

Global Wine And Food Event Returns to Wine Country

by

The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, May 18-21, 2023

HEALDSBURG, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Located in the heart of California wine country, the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (HWFE) will be a weekend-long celebration featuring the best of Sonoma County and world-renowned food and wines. The festival will showcase the region’s makers – farmers, growers, winemakers, and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest wine regions of the world, as it seeks to highlight the vibrant culinary diversity, sustainable farming practices and deep connection to agriculture that Sonoma County offers.

The weekend-long event will include special wine tastings and seminar discussions, barbecues, exceptional lunches, dinners, celebrity chef demonstrations, cocktail experiences, and an expansive Grand Tasting. There will also be a live outdoor concert featuring Maddie & Tae at Rodney Strong on Saturday, May 20.

New highlights from this year’s event will feature a Farm-To-Glass cocktail seminar hosted by the award-winning team of the Little Red Door from Paris; culinary demos from chefs including Joe Sasto, and Viet Pham; a special dinner experience at Michelin starred and recently reopened Cyrus; and a new Zinfandel tasting and pairing event hosted by Leslie Sbrocco called Zinfandel Live, with a unique live music component at Villa Chanticleer on Sunday.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be returning for our 2nd annual Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience,” said Steve Dveris, founder, and CEO of the festival. “Our goal has always been to highlight the vibrant culinary diversity, amazing wines and sustainable farming practices of Sonoma County as it relates to the rest of the world.”

Chefs who are participating in the event include local chef Dustin Valette, chef/owner of The Matheson and Douglas Keane from award winning Cyrus; Food & Wine’s Best New Chef Matt Horn; Food Network star Maneet Chauhan; “Top Chef” winner Stephanie Izard; Food Network’s “Chopped” star and “Top Chef” finalist Joe Sasto; Food & Wine’s Best New Chef and Iron Chef America winner Viet Pham. The local participating beloved chefs include Thomas Bellec, Domenica Catelli, Duskie Estes, Matt Horn, Crista Leudtke, Tracey Shepos, Leah Scurto, Casey Thompson, and Ari Weiswasser.

Events will be held around Healdsburg, including at The Matheson, Montage Healdsburg, and the Madrona, along with wineries including Aperture Cellars, Bacchus Landing, Bricoleur Vineyards, Ferrari-Carano Winery, Jordan Winery Estate, Kendall-Jackson Estate and Gardens, and Rodney Strong Vineyards, and more.

The event also strives to give back to the local community. The outdoor concert at Rodney Strong Vineyards on Saturday evening with the band Maddie & Tae benefits the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation. The organization’s mission is to raise funds that support the Leadership Academy, workforce development and other resources that elevate local vineyard workers, farmer workers and their families. This year’s event will also feature a community brunch at Chalkboard Restaurant to benefit Healdsburg Future Farmers of America (FFA). Sponsored by Foley Family Wines, a significant donation will go towards the HWFE Future Farmers Scholarship, created by HWFE for students from the local Healdsburg High School FFA chapter. We will also contribute to Farm to Pantry, whose goal is to bring together our communities to end food injustice and reverse global warming by rescuing and sharing locally grown food with those who have been marginalized.

“As co-founders and partners in this event, we believe in the dual mission to showcase Sonoma County wine, ag and sustainability on this global stage while raising funds to elevate and celebrate the local vineyard workforce. The mission is exemplified in the events and messaging throughout the entire weekend. Have fun while doing good, what is better than that?” comments Karissa Kruse, CEO & president of Sonoma County Winegrowers and Executive Director of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation.

Partners of the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience include Kendall-Jackson Wines, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Stonestreet Estate Vineyards, Foley Food & Wine Society, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, along with event co-founders the Sonoma County Winegrowers. For more information: healdsburgwineandfood.com, follow @healdsburgwineandfood on Instagram, or subscribe to the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience Youtube channel. A la carte tickets, VIP Ticket packages as well as Ultra VIP packages are available.

Perlises Pick St. Anne’s Crossing Winery

by

Driving on the Sonoma Highway just north of Kenwood, it would be virtually impossible to miss seeing St. Anne’s Crossing Winery, even if you weren’t looking for it. After all, how many other wineries have a 28-foot tall bear standing guard over their tasting room?

The Bear is a sculpture created by Sonoma County artist Bryan Tedrick, who is also responsible for two other large sculptures on Wilson Artisan Wineries properties – the Coyote at Wilson Winery in the Dry Creek Valley and Lord Snort, the giant wild boar at Soda Rock Winery in the Alexander Valley. In addition to its massive size, what contributes to the Bear’s uniqueness is that in addition to being constructed from recycled materials from various sources as is Bryan’s wont, some of the steel used came from the remains of the Soda Rock tasting room which was destroyed in the 2019 Kincade fire.

But the Bear is not the only thing that’s special about St. Anne’s Crossing. The property itself has a rich history. The Wilsons acquired the winery in 2012, which was the original site of St. Francis Winery and later Blackstone Winery. Chris Barrett, the winemaker at Pezzi King from our previous article, also makes the wine here. And remember that we mentioned awards? Well, read to the end of this article for some big news – and no peeking until you get to the end!

Tasting Room Associate Hailey Unger did a great job in tasting us through several of the St. Anne’s Crossing wines:

2020 Los Chamizal Pinot Noir – 100% Pinot Noir from the Los Chamizal vineyard in the Sonoma Valley AVA north of town of Sonoma. Delicate nose with hints of cherry notes. Gold Medal at the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2020 Estate Merlot – 100% Merlot from the estate vineyard that was planted in the 1970s in the Sonoma Valley AVA. The vineyard was right behind us as we enjoyed our tasting. Great depth and a lingering smokiness on the finish.

2019 Five Saints Red Blend – Sonoma County, from Dry Creek and Sonoma Valley AVAs. A blend of the five major Bordeaux red varietals: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Fragrant white pepper on the nose and an abundance of stone fruit. Medium to long finish. 

2020 Shumahi Primitivo – 100% Primitivo, Sonoma Valley AVA. The vineyard is located in the hills near the town of Glen Ellen and is named for the vineyard owners’ German Shepherd dogs – Schultz, Max and Heidi.  Dark, ripe fruit notes with an effortless, elegant finish.

2020 Bacigalupi Zinfandel – 100% Zinfandel, Russian River AVA.  Touch of cranberry on the nose and brimming with satiny, buttery notes.  Full mouth feel and a long, sustained finish. 

2020 Five Valleys Zinfandel – 100% Zinfandel, Sonoma County (includes Rockpile, Los Chamizal and Bacigalupi vineyards, among others). Deep purple/blue fruit. Classic Zinfandel – huge and steady on the long finish. Gold Medal at the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.        

2020 Rockpile Zinfandel – 100% Zinfandel, Rockpile AVA. White pepper on the nose, licorice notes, sense of finesse, long, luscious finish. A great example of why we love Rockpile! Gold Medal at the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2020 Los Chamizal Malbec – 100% Malbec, Sonoma Valley AVA. Awash with ripe black cherry notes and a hint of cocoa on the very long smooth finish. We saved the big news on this wine to the end: It was the Red Sweepstakes Winner at the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition! Check out this interview of winemaker Chris Barrett by Barbara Russack, DTC Sales Manager at St. Anne’s Crossing to learn more about this wine: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeKHdKVtBF8&t=29s.

Kudos to Chris, Barbara and the entire St. Anne’s Crossing team including the bear and many thanks for taking such great care of us.  The group of Wilson Artisan Wineries always delivers great wines and great experiences too.

St. Anne’s Crossing Winery

www.stannescrossing.com

8450 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood CA 95452Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

LA RAIA WINE ESTATE AND HOTEL IN ITALY’S PIEDMONT REGION OFFERS EXCLUSIVE BUYOUT FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2023

by

The 180-hectare estate includes a 12-room property, a biodynamic winery, and an outdoor art foundation in the picturesque hills of Gavi where sustainability, biodiversity and homey Italian hospitality meet

Gavi, Italy — In collaboration with Casas Latinas, an exclusive collection of sophisticated estates to be enjoyed in complete privacy, Locanda La Raia has become available as a buyout property for spring and summer 2023. The lush 180-hectare La Raia Estate is situated in the heart of Italy’s verdant Gavi hills, just a 90-minute drive from Milan Malpensa International Airport. The estate includes a Demeter-certified biodynamic winery, a fine-dining restaurant showcasing the region’s traditional cuisine, a spa and pool, a reimagined Italian garden; an outdoor art foundation featuring contemporary artworks made by international artists.

LOCANDA LA RAIA In 2017, the Rossi Cairo Family transformed a former post station on the estate into a chic countryside retreat for the luxury traveler. Locanda La Raia is the ideal size for a group or family, with 12 luxury bedrooms and suites designed in an Italian color palette with vintage-inspired interiors including ten unique guest rooms, two apartments, an estate-to-table restaurant, an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, and a tennis court. The green mansion in Gavi was restored by the Milanese architectural firm demicisarchitetti, which was driven by the vision to create a dialogue between the historic building and outdoor lush scenery. The firm preserved the building’s original features accentuating the stunning vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork, and large windows that offer sweeping views of the vineyards and welcome natural sunlight from the hills. Paired with sophisticated contemporary design pieces from iconic Italian brands such as Driade chairs and FontaraArte light fixtures, the hotel’s eclectic interiors feature furniture collected from Giorgio Rossi Cairo’s visits to towns across the Piedmont region. The guest rooms feature vintage chests and armoires from the 17th-19th centuries, along with Korean watercolor paintings and Japanese photography. 

THE RESTAURANT

The hotel features an in-house restaurant led by Tommaso Arrigoni, founder of the one Michelin-starred and Milan-based “Innocenti Evasioni Gourmet Factory,” serving an ample and diversified menu including beef, honey, herbs, and cereals grown on the estate, complemented by pours of biodynamic wine from La Raia’s vineyards. Guests can request a picnic basket for lunch and also celebrate afternoon tea with fresh homemade cakes. The bar overlooking the vineyards is ideal for a relaxing drink during Aperitivo.

THE FARM AND WINERY

Extended across 180 hectares of vineyards, pastures, and forest, the farm and winery combine biodynamic methods with artistic experimentation and locavore cuisine. Today, La Raia produces three kinds of multi-awarded Gavi D.O.C.G.

The approach to biodynamic and sustainable farming methods was coherent with the desire of creating a balanced and harmonious place considering the property’s agricultural, landscape, architectural, social, and cultural components.

ON- AND OFF-PROPERTY ACTIVITIES

Locanda La Raia offers a number of opportunities for landscape enthusiasts to explore and learn about the surrounding area. The estate also serves as the headquarters of Fondazione La Raia, a contemporary art foundation that exhibits works by internationally renowned artists including Michael Beutler, Koo Jeong A, Francesco Jodice. Among the activities available to guests are:

1) A guided walk through the estate’s fields to appreciate the works created for Fondazione La Raia: The contemporary on-site art foundation encourages artists of all disciplines to create one-of-a-kind and permanent site-specific works and exhibitions that highlight the local landscape: one of several installations is “The Art” Path,” a walking path that spans the La Raia estate.

2) Wine Tasting at the Winery of La Raia or the Cortese and Piemonte Barbera vineyards: La Raia Winery produces three different types of multi-awarded Gavi D.O.C.G. – Gavi, Gavi Riserva Vigna della Madonnina, and Gavi Pisé – as well as two different types of Piemonte D.O.C. Barbera. The Cortese and Piemonte Barbera vineyards are also worth a visit to enjoy the wines from La Raia and Tenuta Cucco.

3) Learn about Gavi’s biodynamic eco-system on a guided tour: Visitors can learn about La Raia’s unique ecology, which includes woodlands, fields, pastures, and vineyards that are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, with the assistance of a personal guide.

Three golf courses, historical villages, and the fascinating archeological site of Libarna are all within a few minutes’ drive of the Locanda. Walking, running, biking, and horseback riding are also available upon request. The private rental includes daily cleaning, concierge service, and continental breakfast preparation. 

For more information on Locanda La Raia, please visit: https://www.la-raia.it

For more information on Casas Latinas, please visit: https://www.casas-latinas.com/locandalaraia

About Locanda La Raia

Locanda La Raia is located in the Gavi region in Southern Piedmont, and is surrounded by the vineyards, pastures and woods of the biodynamic farm La Raia, owned by the Rossi Cairo family. The large green house is a luxurious boutique hotel with twelve rooms, each one different to the other, furnished with 1600 and 1800’s Piedmont pieces matched with contemporary design furniture. The Locanda is one with the landscape around it: the gardens, fields and vineyards in the Gavi hills.

Locanda La Raia – Località Lomellina 26 – 15066 Gavi (AL)

T.+ 39 0143 642860 | E. locanda@la-raia.it | locandalaraia.it 

Perlises Pick Roadtripping with Antoine Favero to Jaxon Keys for BRANDY

by

In our previous article, we mentioned that, while tasting wine with winemaker Antoine Favero at Mazzocco Sonoma, he suggested he had something special in mind for the next afternoon.

So, the next day, after our morning visit to St. Anne’s Crossing [which will be covered in a future article], Antoine picked us up at Mazzocco’s Briar Cottage in the Wilson Artisan Wineries van. The destination: Jaxon Keys Winery & Distillery in Hopland at the southern end of Mendocino County. The agenda: to taste the full lineup of Alambic brandy.

We’d visited Antoine at Jaxon Keys back in 2018 (http://www.evewine101.com/2018/12/01/perlis-picks-jaxon-keys-winery). At that time, our focus was mainly on the wines, although we did taste some brandy as well. This time, it was all about the brandy.

When the Wilsons purchased the old Jepson winery back in 2009, they not only acquired the winery, 1,200 acres of land and the historic House on the Hill, but also a large inventory of brandy and a vintage Alambic pot still that was built in Cognac, France in the 1900s. When we got to the winery, the first thing Antoine did was show us this copper still along with the barrels and barrels of brandy.

Then we walked up the looooong flight of stairs to the old House on the Hill, now restored as the Farmhouse Tasting Room. Sitting upstairs in the private tasting room on a beautiful clear day with the windows wide open to the fresh air, we could see the old French Colombard vines that produce the grapes from which the brandy is made.

Being brandy novices, Antoine gave us some insights into the process of brandy making as well as why the tulip shaped glass is ideal for “nosing” the brandy (which is why they are used by professionals), with different smells noticeable depending whether you sniff the brandy from the rim closest to you, in the middle of the glass or the far edge. Antoine explained that the renowned Hubert Germain-Robin had been heavily involved in the brandy-making process going back to the Jepson days. Now retired, while he still provides some input, Antoine took over the production responsibilities several years ago and is now expanding the line from three to a total of six brandies.

As we tasted, Antoine told us that brandy needs to be at 40% alcohol; any more would make the brandy too hot. He also explained that French Limousin oak barrels impart color and flavor.

Our tasting notes for the brandies we tasted (Scores, awards and notes from the 2022 Los Angeles Invitational Spirits Challenge are in italics – only the three brandies indicated had been released at that time.)

Rare: 5 years; straw, white flowers notes on the nose and taste. 98 points. Best of Class, Double Gold. Vanilla, pecan, nice maturity, refreshing.

Cornerstone: 7 years; caramel in color, more aromatic and flowery.

Old Stock: 10-15 years; stronger caramel taste, whiff of vanilla, mellowing, long finish. 91 points. Earthy, burning fruit, wood.

Barrel 10:  15 years; more oak and vanilla notes, lush finish, liquid sunshine.

Private Stock:  17 years; stronger vanilla and honey notes that flows on the nose and palate, start of nuttiness – macadamia, warm finish, roundness.

Signature Reserve:  17-30 years; 50 cases produced/one barrel, almond paste/marzipan sweet notes, amber/caramel color, mellow but complex at the same time, extremely long, lingering finish. 96 points. Dried citrus peel, vibrant.

All the brandies were delicious, but as we tasted from the youngest to oldest, we savored their increasing intricacies and structure. We can’t thank Antoine enough for providing us with this magical experience.   He is the consummate host – engaging, entertaining and enlightening. And remember, if a winemaker wants to take you on a road trip, go!

Jaxon Keys

www.jaxonkeys.com

10400 South Hwy 101

Hopland, CA 95449

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

GRAND RAPIDS DISTILLER AWARDED TOP HONORS for WHISKEYS, MOONSHINES

by

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids-based distiller Sip Shine, LLC, which produces Sip Shine Moonshine, Kyodie Whiskey and Gannett Peak Whiskey, is the winner of twelve 2022 PR%F Magazine Awards for best brand cocktails.

The Fourth Annual PR%F (pronounced “proof”) Awards Spirits, Wine & Beverage competition winners were recently announced in the January edition of PR%F the Magazine. The judging, by beverage buyers from 18 different states, was held in November at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The judges work as buyers for all types of outlets, including restaurants, bars, casinos, grocery stores, resorts, cruise ships and more.

Out of hundreds of competition entries, Sip Shine products earned four gold and two silver medals in the “Masked” competition and six silver medals in the “Unmasked” competition. The “Masked” designation was a double-blind tasting competition, that focused simply on the taste of the beverage and was based on a 100-point system. Gold medals were given to beverages that scored between 91-95 points. Silver awards were given to beverages scoring between 85-90 points.

The “Unmasked” competition was not only based on taste, but the total package of the product, including art design, theme, marketing, logo, look and feel, and price point.

The Sip Shine beverages that were recognized are:

Masked

• Kyodie Whiskey – Peach – Gold Award

• Kyodie Whiskey – Ravin’ Apple – Gold Award

• Sip Shine – Razz-Berry Shineade – Gold Award

• Sip Shine – Shine Berry Sweet Tea – Gold Award

• Sip Shine – Arnold Shiner – Silver Award

• Sip Shine – Watermelon Chillade – Silver Award

Unmasked

• Kyodie Whiskey – Peach – Silver Award

• Kyodie Whiskey – Ravin’ Apple – Silver Award

• Sip Shine – Arnold Shiner – Silver Award

• Sip Shine – Razz-Berry Shineade – Silver Award

• Sip Shine – Shine Berry Sweet Tea – Silver Award

• Sip Shine – Watermelon Chillade – Silver Award

Late last year, Sip Shine relocated its distilling for all brands from Iowa to Michigan. Sip Shine products can be found at many area retailers and restaurants, and the company plans to open a restaurant on the west side of Grand Rapids this summer. Sip Shine Moonshine Slushie machines can also be found at various venues including VanAndel Arena and LoanDepot Park, home of the Florida Marlins.

Sip Shine is readily available for consumers in over 30 states and nationally through online purchase on the website www.sipshine.com.

Virginia Wineries Association Announces Virginia Governor’s Cup® Gold Medalists

by

RICHMOND, Va., /PRNewswire/ — The 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup® Competition marks another record-breaking year for the Virginia Wine industry. With 614 entries from across the state, 66 wineries in the Commonwealth were awarded with 142 gold medals.

In its 41st year, the competition has garnered a reputation for being one of the most stringent in the nation while highlighting the most outstanding wines, ciders and meads being produced in Virginia. Medals are awarded after a series of rigorous blind tastings by a prestigious panel of judges, led by competition director Jay Youmans, Master of Wine. To receive a gold medal, a wine must receive an average score of 90 points or higher on a 100-point scale.

“The Virginia Wineries Association is thrilled to announce this incredible number of gold medal winning-wines,” said Virginia Wineries Association President George Hodson. “The gold medals span eight regions and are crafted with over 20 grape varieties all grown in Virginia, producing quality wines expressive of their farms and the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

Youmans added, “The overall quality of the wines was the highest we have seen. Leading the way are the red blends, many of which are produced in a Meritage style, Petit Verdot, Petit Manseng and Cabernet Franc.”

These categories spotlighted by Youmans account for over half the medals with 28 red blends, 24 Petit Verdots, 16 Cabernet Francs and 11 Petit Mansengs taking home gold medals. In addition to the top wine categories, nine ciders also earned a Gold Medal.

Along with the diversity in styles of wine, the gold medal winning producers are located across Virginia. The Central Virginia region was awarded 72 medals, Northern Virginia received 39 and the Shenandoah Valley received 20. The remaining medals can be found in the Blue Ridge, Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, Southern Virginia and Virginia Mountain regions of the state. For a full list of gold medalists, visit: www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup/awards.

On February 23, the Virginia Wine Board hosted Virginia Governor’s Cup® Gala at Richmond’s Main Street Station and unveiled the competition’s top awards—the Governor’s Cup® Case, consisting of the 12 highest-scoring red and white wines, Best in Show Cider and the coveted Governor’s Cup®.

Beginning March 1, Virginia Wine fans eager to taste the winning wineries can sign up for the complimentary Gold Medal Wine Trail, a mobile passport that features the 66 gold medal winners. As users check-in at participating venues, they will unlock access to exclusive prizes and special offers. For more information or to pre-sign up for the Gold Medal Wine Trail, visit: vawine.info/gold.

About the Virginia Governor’s Cup® Competition

The Virginia Wineries Association’s Governor’s Cup® is held in partnership with the Virginia Wine Board. All entries must be made from 100% Virginia-grown fruit to be eligible. Each wine is ranked based on a unified scoring system. For more information about the Virginia Governor’s Cup® Competition and for a full list of winners, visit: www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup.

Canada’s finest whisky is distilled by one of the country’s smallest distilleries

by

VICTORIA, BC, /CNW/ – Results of the 2023 Canadian Whisky Awards were announced at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, B.C. For the first time in the thirteen-year history of the awards, a regional, artisan producer has taken the top spot.

Following a blind tasting by a panel of nine whisky experts, Palm Trees & A Tropical Breeze, distilled by North Vancouver’s Sons of Vancouver Distillery was named Canadian Whisky of the Year, Artisan Producers.

A sweet, fruity whisky, described as spicy, flaming marshmallows, Palm Trees & A Tropical Breeze also took home overall Canadian Whisky of Year, and All-Rye Whisky of the Year.

Pendleton Directors Reserve, a lush, succulent, chest-warming beauty, was awarded Canadian Whisky of the Year, Large Producers. Pendleton, which specializes in blending whiskies that are distilled in Canada, also walked away with Blended Whisky of the Year and Ultra-Premium Whisky of the Year, Multi-Market.

“The industry has come a long way in the last few years, and it’s reflected in both the calibre of submissions and the range of expressions,” says Davin de Kergommeaux, chair of the judging panel and author of Canadian Whisky: The New Portable Expert. “In addition to their strong core range of whiskies, distilleries are producing small batches and limited releases, offering an amazing variety of regional profiles. The world has noticed and so has Canadian whisky’s global fan base.”

Other major winners include Crown Royal, Reifel Rye, Two Brewers, Lot No. 40, DEVINE Distillery, and Last Straw Distillery, making a near even split of awards earned by Canada’s largest and artisan distillers.

A list of all medals and awards is available at: https://canadianwhiskyawards.com/

The Canadian Whisky Awards, held annually since 2010, recognize the very best Canadian whiskies and encourage distillers to maintain the highest quality standards. To qualify, the whisky must be distilled and matured in Canada. The whiskies are evaluated and scored in blind tasting by an independent panel of whisky exports. The Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.

https://canadianwhiskyawards.com/

PR%F Awards V – Spirits, Wine And Beverage Competition (Eve Serves as a Judge too!)

by

Powered by Food and Beverage Magazine, Delta Sky Club, Palms Casino Resort-Las Vegas and Harrah College of Hospitality at University Nevada Las Vegas.

Competition will be held Nov. 8 and 9, 2023 – Las Vegas
All our judges are beverage buyers from across the US – airlines, cruise lines, resorts, casinos, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, big box retail chains, liquor stores, distributors, online retail and more.

Each SKU is automatically entered into two competitions – Masked (double-blind) and Unmasked (The Total Package, where our buyers get to see your bottle, logo, marketing and price point.) A chance to win TWO separate medals.

Women Owned Brands and Certified KOSHER Brands receive a honorary medal of recognition.

Each entrant receives an “entered” graphic, if you win a medal, a “winners” graphic, access to our logo, brand, and medal graphics – AT NO CHARGE. No licensing fee is required to tell the world you won a coveted PR%F Award. We even provide you graphics for easy promotion.

Plus, be a part of the social media and online magazine distribution of Food and Beverage Magazine, and PR%F the Magazine-Everything Beverage Winners Edition. Click here to see our 2022 Winners Edition at www.proofawards.com

More than 300 categories including Ready-to-Drink, Non-Alcoholic Beverages (Alcohol-Free), coffees, teas, waters, and functional beverages.

All entries must be in by October 8, 2023.
All bottles must be in by October 8, 2023.

$495 per SKU – enters your brand varietal into two separate competitions.
Special Packages for five (5) SKUs or more.

Upon formal registration, email Michele@proofawards.com for further instructions on where to send samples, photos, and other deadlines, etc.

Online Registration:

Click here to begin registration.