The Drunken Tomato Announces Annual Award Winners For Best Bloody Mary

April 15, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Seattle, WA – Cocktail lovers know the power of a properly mixed drink as well as any bartender. Always checking travel guides and online blogs, these aficionados are constantly searching for the best cocktail recipes and mixes around the world. For lovers of the popular tomato juice based Bloody Mary, The Drunken Tomato is the go to resource for the top international recipes, reviews, and merchandise. The Drunken Tomato has recently announced their list of award winners for their annual Bloody Mary competition. This year’s awards are the first given by the company.

“If you’re a drink aficionado, it can be tricky to know what the best mix options are,” says company Founder, Shelley Buchanan. “But for Bloody Mary lovers, the search for a guide to the best bloody mary mixes is over, thanks to The Drunken Tomato. We eat, sleep, and breathe all things Bloody Mary, and have compiled our handy blog to include relevant topics, recipes, and even merchandise. This year marks the first year that we are also tasting and awarding some of the best Bloody Mary mixes from around the world; the results of which can be found on our easy to use site.”

The Drunken Tomato Awards is a new annual international Bloody Mary competition that rewards the hard work and passion of industry manufacturers who produce superior Bloody Mary products. A blind taste testing by a panel of seven experienced industry judges, The Drunken Tomato Awards provides unbiased feedback on the latest bloody mary mixes. The objective behind the awards is to provide ratings and reviews that assist brands in marketing and product development, while also developing a method of providing annual quantitative research and analysis that can help develop the industry as a whole.

A medal from The Drunken Tomato denotes a high standard of achievement in the bloody mary community. The Drunken Tomato is known for its extensive industry experience, giving their medals real credit for the award winners. A Drunken Tomato award is an easy method for consumers and industry professionals to identify high quality products that fit their own tasting preferences. Forty-three medals were awarded across six categories: New Product, Liquid Seasoning, Hot & Spicy, Mild, Dry Seasoning, and Caesar. The Drunken Tomato Awards will continue to be a staple of the industry, providing unbiased reviews of commercially made bloody mary mixes in order to help consumers and those in the industry find a reliable resource to discover products based on their unique tastes.

The Drunken Tomato is located at 21108 Poplar Way in Lynnwood, Washington (98036). The company can be reached by phone at (917)710-0291.

To learn more about The Drunken Tomato Awards, or to find the top bloody mary mixes of 2018, visit https://www.drunkentomato.com.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/L9zluJAw88k?rel=0

Single Malt Whiskey by Alpine Distilling Named a Top American Malt Whiskey

March 21, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

PARK CITY, Utah (PRWEB) – The Fifty Best, an online guide that rates the finest wines and spirits, recently hosted an American Malt Whiskey Tasting of 20 products evaluated for the distinguished “Best American Malt Whiskey” awards for 2018. Alpine Distilling’s Traveler’s Rest American Single Malt Whiskey was awarded a Double Gold medal, the highest honor. The Park City, Utah-based craft distillery was founded in 2016.

Mountain Ridges Behind Snowbird and Alta

Using professional criteria, the pre-qualified panel of judges blind-tasted the American malt whiskies and rated them individually on a 1 to 5 point scoring system with five being the best. After tallying the scores, medals were awarded based on the judges’ impressions.

“We are honored to have Traveler’s Rest Single Malt receive such high accolades from experts in various disciplines of the spirits industry,” says Rob Sergent, Alpine Distilling’s managing director. “Alpine Distilling is committed to producing the finest spirits using traditional distilling techniques to create distinctive flavor combinations.”

To create this rich, nutty single malt whiskey, North American high protein, high enzyme 100% malted barley is aged first in used Jack Daniels barrels and finished with new, toasted French Oak.

Additional, award-winning craft spirits from Alpine Distilling include Lafayette Spiced Flavored Whiskey, Preserve Liqueur, Persistent Vodka, and Spur Whiskey.

TheFiftyBest.com is a digital guide to wines and spirits, featuring rated listings from proprietary blind tastings judged by wine and spirits journalists, spirits professionals, retailers, mixologists, spirits consultants and connoisseurs. The Fifty Best achieves the highest standards of spirits evaluations by adhering to strict tasting rules and rigorous methodology.

ABOUT ALPINE DISTILLING

Founded in 2016, Alpine Distilling is an award-winning craft distillery based in Park City, Utah. We produce the highest quality premium spirits for the active, creative, and mindful individuals who are drawn to the mountain lifestyle. All products are certified Kosher. As a socially conscious brand, Alpine Distilling is pleased to donate a portion of proceeds to benefit local non-profits Park City Community Foundation and Swaner Nature Preserve. More information is available at http://www.alpinedistilling.com.

Visit Temecula Valley Reveals Winners of the Second Annual People’s Choice Blind Tasting and Awards

December 17, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

TEMECULA VALLEY, Calif. (PRWEB) – Visit Temecula Valley (VTV), in coordination with Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA), has announced the winners of the second annual People’s Choice Blind Tasting. The event took place on Sunday, November 12, 2017, at Leoness Cellars, and featured a walk-around blind tasting, a wine seminar led by Master of Wine Roger Bohmrich and a 6-course awards dinner paired with last year’s winning wines.

Doffo Winery’s 2015 Zinfandel took first place in the competition, after taking second place to Wilson Creek’s Petite Sirah at last year’s inaugural event. The 2017 second place winner was Lorimar Winery’s 2014 Syrah, and third place was taken by Thornton Winery’s 2014 Estate Syrah.

“We are beyond thrilled with receiving 1st Place in the People’s Choice competition,” said Damian Doffo, CEO and Winemaker for Doffo Winery. “We work very hard in the vineyard to produce high quality fruit and make exceptional wine. We look forward to sharing with wine with the public in February.”

Over 200 guests tasted 29 wines (6 whites and 23 reds) without knowing any of the wines’ identities, and rated them on a scale of 1-5 during a walk-around wine tasting. The top 12-scoring wines from this portion of the event went on to be poured during a wine seminar led by Master of Wine Roger Bohmrich, where they were again tasted blind and rated on a scale of 1-5, including by Roger himself. Final scores were tallied to determine the top 3 “People’s Choice” wines. Wines could be any variety or a blend, at any price point, as long as they were from the Temecula Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). Entries ranged from just $24 per bottle to well over $100, and represented a number of grape varieties, from Falanghina to Syrah to Cabernet Franc.

In addition to the walk-around tasting and seminar, the event featured a six-course dinner created by Chef Daragh Matheson from Leoness Cellars, paired with last year’s People’s Choice winners. A VIP reception offered hand-selected pours presented by local winemakers and winery owners. San Diego singer-songwriter Christian Taylor performed throughout the tasting. The evening’s dinner program was emceed by Lindsay Pomeroy, Master of Wine Candidate and owner of the “Wine Smarties” school in San Diego, and a brief keynote was delivered by Bohmrich. Local musician Brian Stodart performed throughout the dinner program.

Sponsors included Gosch Ford, 34° Crisps, Palpula Dips & Sauces, Temecula Lavender Co., Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants, Aall In Limo & Party Bus, Grapeline Wine Tours and American AgCredit. Carter Estate Winery & Resort was the official hotel partner for the event.

The top twelve scoring wines in alphabetical order were as follows:

Avensole Winery 2014 Malbec, $32.95
Baily Vineyard & Winery 2014 Malbec, $25.00
Doffo Winery 2015 Zinfandel, $72.00
Falkner Winery 2014 Rock Creek Syrah, $49.95
Fazeli Cellars 2014 Shiraz, $48.00
Hart Winery 2014 Volcanic Ridge Vineyard Syrah, $60.00
Leoness Cellars 2014 CS Cabernet Franc-Merlot, $38.00
Lorimar Winery 2014 Syrah, $48.00
Miramonte Winery 2014 Estate Syrah, $65.00
South Coast Winery 2016 Viognier, $25.00
Thornton Winery 2014 Estate Syrah, $49.00
Wiens Family Cellars 2015 Sangiovese, $44.00

Most wines can be purchased directly online through each winery’s website. The entire list of wines entered into the competition can be accessed HERE.

ABOUT THE TEMECULA VALLEY AND VISIT TEMECULA VALLEY

With natural gifts of climate and geography, Temecula Valley is widely recognized for its scenic vineyards, award-winning wines, and friendly wineries as Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. The destination includes the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area) as well as Downtown, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Visit Temecula Valley is online at VisitTemeculaValley.com; “Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country” on Facebook and @Visit_Temecula on Twitter. The Temecula Valley Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula on Mercedes Street adjacent the Old Town Parking Garage. For visitor assistance, call 888/363-2852 or 951/491-6085.

ABOUT THE TEMECULA VALLEY WINEGROWERS ASSOCIATION

Temecula Valley is the largest and most commercially successful winegrowing region in the South Coast AVA, the viticultural zone spanning more than 2 million acres from Riverside County to the San Diego border. The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association has long served as a steward of the Southern California wine community. Comprising 36 wineries and more than 60 winegrowers, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association is a nonprofit regional organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the quality wines and wine grapes grown in the Temecula Valley and South Coast Appellations. Established in 1984, the Temecula AVA consists of 33,000 acres, of which approximately 2,500 acres are currently planted to commercial vineyards. Known as Southern California’s wine country, the Temecula Valley is located in Riverside County just one hour from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs and 90 minutes from Los Angeles.

Wine 101: Part One Discovering the Largest Showcase of Japanese Food, Sake, and Specialty Supplies

October 13, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Just when I thought I might have seen and tasted it all – a statement in and of itself is a bit crazy – I attended my first Japanese Food and Restaurant Expo. Of course there were terrific samples of fine Japanese food, an array of incredible knives and the type of service ware that you would expect from a country that excels in culinary presentation.

What I didn’t expect was the wide selection of sake and shochu I would want to taste, and a couple of educational classes thrown in for good measure. You ready for your sample? (Most of the photos I took I compiled into three grids that can be seen here.)

For part one of my coverage I will share information from the classes offered at what was billed as “A Trade Show for Trade Professionals.” The first was on the use of shochu in cocktails, and the second on the differences between warm and cold sake. (If you want to know the difference between sake and shochu in general tune in next week for part two where we will be tasting quite a few of each.)

Shochu Cocktail Demo by Jaymee Mandeville

Mandeville is a national brand ambassador and former bartender with several certifications under her belt. The first thing she wanted us to know about shochu was that it was versatile, and thereby can used instead of spirits for bars and restaurants that don’t have full liquor licenses. It has a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) designation than full spirits have, but a higher ABV than wine or sake.

One idea Mandeville shared was that restaurants that feature shochu-based cocktails could present them on a bar menu as “Low Alcohol Content” drinks. I found this interesting as some people seem unaware that their shochu cocktail isn’t going to have near the alcohol as a full strength version. It appealed to me, but not so sure about the person who is out just for a buzz.

Mandeville, much like the best bartenders, believes in batching some of the ingredients ahead of time, so that when the cocktail is ordered the guest doesn’t have to wait too long until it’s in their hands. She also suggested keeping fresh citrus at the bar. The juice, slice and rinds can all be utilized in different cocktails.

Trends to watch included Frose (aka Froze) which is variations of rose wine with additional alcohol blended into a frozen cocktail; Tiki drinks (rum drinks from the past revived); Vintage cocktails like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Sazerac; Spice(y) which is going to be either the addition of spice for say a seasonal wintery drink (cinnamon, nutmeg) or spicy additions (like jalapeno or other peppers).

Shochu Cocktail class led by Jaymee Mandeville

The drinks Mandeville made for us to sample included a Frose (yummy and sweet), a gin and tonic (more savory with the shochu in my opinion) and a Berry Berry Spicy (with Jalapeno that I would’ve never ordered but was outstanding). One student in our class asked about using wasabi in cocktails, Mandeville said it would be best in a shochu-based Bloody Mary.

Sake Samurai Toshio Ueno and Chizuko Niikawa-Helton

Ueno was my sake instructor earlier this year, for the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) Level One in sake, so I was thrilled to be learning from him again. He also introduced fellow educator Niikawa-Helton as an expert in warm sake. This was interesting to me as once I discovered cold sake I never went back to warm.

Come to find out that just like seasonal cocktails, Japanese people drink their sake warm in the winter and cold in the summer. Warmed sake can make sweetness, bitterness and/or acidity more prominent. Heating sake is also a form of hospitality, obviously showing your guest that you care about their comfort.

What was even more interesting to me were two side-by-side sake tastings: one warm and one cold. After noting the aromas and flavors in both, and finding them starkly different, I declared, “Oh, these are two different sakes” only to find out I was dead wrong.

Wow. Sake epiphany! The same sake tasted completely different warm than it did cold! For me the cold sake had more floral and sweet notes, while the hot had more savory and umami (thinks soy sauce, mushroom) characteristics.

Niikawa-Helton said that warm sake pairs extremely well with thinly sliced prosciutto and cheeses like Gruyere, Romano and Pecorino – something I can’t wait to try with guests!

A note on heating sake: both Ueno and Niikawa-Helton recommended immersing the sake vessel (usually a porcelain carafe made to withstand heat) into hot water – never use a microwave. If seems too hot you should just “add more sake!”

Part Two, on the food and beverages shared at the show, will run next week on this site. Hope you check it out.

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Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Results of Airline Wine Competition Released

August 23, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Yardley, Pa. (PRWEB) August 2017 – Global Traveler, the only AAM-audited magazine for luxury business and leisure travelers, releases the results of its 13th annual Wines on the Wing Airline Wine Competition.

Air Canada Unveils New Livery Inspired by Canada (CNW Group/Air Canada)

The competition, held June 8, took place at City Winery in New York City. Expert judges participated in the blind tasting of 32 airlines’ white, red and sparkling wines. The judges hailed from a wide range of specialties, including sommeliers, wine shop owners and winemakers. In total, 28 Champagnes/sparkling wines, 56 white wines and 61 red wines were tasted.

Airlines are required to submit five different wines — two red wines, two white wines and one sparkling wine/Champagne — to be eligible for the overall Best International Business Class Wines on the Wing award or the Best International First Class Wines on the Wing award. For the first time in 2017, Global Traveler awarded gold, silver and bronze awards in each category. This year, the overall winner for Best International Business Class Wines on the Wing was Air Canada, and the winner for Best International First Class Wines on the Wing was Asiana Airlines.

In the white wine category, Best International Business Class White Wine was tied for Jurtschitsch Grüner Veltliner 2016, Austria, submitted by Air Canada, and Steininger Grüner Veltliner 2015, Austria, submitted by Brussels Airlines. For first class, the winner was EL AL Israel Airlines with Vitkin Winery Grenache Blanc 2015, Israel.

The best business-class Champagne was Aeroflot’s Ayala Brut Majeur, NV. The best first-class Champagne was United Airlines’ Joseph Perrier Brut Cuvée Royale 2004. TAP Portugal’s Luis Pato Blanc de Blancs, NV, won Best International Business Class Sparkling Wine.

When it came to red wine, Asiana Airlines reigned supreme in the first-class category with Gran Claustro 2011, Spain, and All Nippon Airways took the No. 1 business-class spot with Drumheller Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Washington.

For the ninth consecutive year, Global Traveler awarded the Best North American Wines on the Wing. North American airlines submitted first-class and business-class wine samples, depending on their domestic flight offerings.

American Airlines was named Best North American First Class/Business Class Wines on the Wing, and also won for its red wine, La Ferme du Côtes du Rhône 2014, France, and its white wine, Domaine de la Chaise Sauvignon 2016, France. Hawaiian Airlines’ Flor Prosecco, NV, Italy, won Best North American Champagne/Sparkling Wine.

For the seventh year, Global Traveler awarded the Best Alliance Wines on the Wing. The participating airlines were divided by their airline alliance. The overall points for each airline were tallied and averaged to determine the alliance with the highest total. Congratulations to oneworld, represented by airberlin, American Airlines and British Airways.

Competition director Eunice Fried spent months preparing for the blind tasting. Fried, an accomplished wine journalist and respected wine expert, resides in New York City.

Global Traveler is the only U.S.-based publication to conduct such a survey in the United States.

The top airlines in each category are:

BEST INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS WINES ON THE WING
GOLD Air Canada
SILVER Brussels Airlines
BRONZE TAP Portugal
4. airberlin
5. Aeroflot

BEST INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS WINES ON THE WING
GOLD Asiana Airlines
SILVER British Airways
BRONZE United Airlines
4. Singapore Airlines
5. American Airlines

BEST CHAMPAGNE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
GOLD Aeroflot
SILVER All Nippon Airways
BRONZE Delta Air Lines
4. Brussels Airlines/Hainan Airlines (TIE)
5. airberlin

BEST CHAMPAGNE INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS
GOLD United Airlines
SILVER American Airlines
BRONZE Singapore Airlines
4. Asiana Airlines
5. British Airways

BEST SPARKLING WINE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
GOLD TAP Portugal
SILVER Alitalia
BRONZE Hawaiian Airlines

BEST WHITE WINE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
GOLD Air Canada/Brussels Airlines (TIE)
SILVER Air Serbia
BRONZE United Airlines
4. Singapore Airlines
5. TAP Portugal

BEST WHITE WINE INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS
GOLD EL AL Israel Airlines
SILVER All Nippon Airways/Asiana Airlines (TIE)
BRONZE British Airways
4. Singapore Airlines/American Airlines (TIE)
5. American Airlines

BEST RED WINE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
GOLD All Nippon Airways
SILVER American Airlines
BRONZE Aeromexico
4. TAP Portugal
5. Brussels Airlines

BEST RED WINE INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS
GOLD Asiana Airlines
SILVER Asiana Airlines
BRONZE Singapore Airlines
4. United Airlines
5. British Airways

BEST NORTH AMERICAN WINES ON THE WING
GOLD American Airlines
SILVER JetBlue
BRONZE Delta Air Lines

BEST NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPAGNE/SPARKLING WINE
GOLD Hawaiian Airlines
SILVER Delta Air Lines/JetBlue (TIE)
BRONZE Virgin America

BEST NORTH AMERICAN RED WINE
GOLD American Airlines
SILVER JetBlue
BRONZE Delta Air Lines

BEST NORTH AMERICAN WHITE WINE
GOLD American Airlines
SILVER United Airlines
BRONZE JetBlue

BEST ALLIANCE WINES ON THE WING
GOLD oneworld
SILVER Star Alliance
BRONZE SkyTeam

For more information on the competition, check out the August 2017 issue of Global Traveler or visit globaltravelerusa.com.

About Global Traveler
With nearly 300,000 readers, Global Traveler connects with U.S.-based frequent, affluent, international travelers. According to MediaMark Research (MRI), GT readers have an average net worth of $2 million and 50 percent are CEOs and owners of companies. Our readers average nine domestic flights per year and 93 percent travel internationally on a regular basis, mostly in first and business class. More than 55 percent stay in 4- and 5-star hotels, at an average 60 nights per year. Four special editions — Leisure Lifestyle Edition, Global City Guidebook, Class Act Guide and The Trazee Book — complement 12 monthly issues. Each year, Global Traveler awards the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, the Leisure Lifestyle Awards and the Wines on the Wing awards.

About Global Traveler Digital
Global Traveler’s website, globaltravelerusa.com, which unveiled a new design in late 2016, offers unique daily content catering to the lifestyle and travel interests of our audience of premium travelers. Other digital offerings include eFlyer USA (20,000 double-opt-in subscribers); eFlyer Asia (4,000 Asia-based, double-opt-in subscribers); custom e-newsletters; sponsored content; Publisher’s Picks, GT on the Go and Premium eDeal e-newsletters; and a weekly On the Road with Global Traveler slideshow. More than 80,000 visitors monthly rely on globaltravelerusa.com as their travel resource.

About FXExpress Publications, Inc.
FXExpress Publications, Inc., based in Yardley, Pa., is a privately held company publishing Global Traveler, eFlyer USA, eFlyer Asia, Trazee Travel, WhereverFamily and several annuals; and also operating globaltravelerusa.com, globaltravelerusa.com/blog, trazeetravel.com and whereverfamily.com.

Visit Temecula Valley Celebrates Wine Month with Sips of Wine, Bites to Eat, and Chances to Win Big

August 17, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Temecula Valley, CA (PRWEB) – Celebrate California Wine Month Temecula-style this September in a month-long toast to the region’s bounty. Exciting programs for wine-lovers include CRUSH Wine & Culinary Showcase; Crush on Temecula Valley Wines, in partnership with local restaurants throughout Temecula Valley; a Wine Country video contest; a Wine Country social media challenge; SIP Temecula Passports, good for five tasting flights at participating wineries; and live events and entertainment happening in September throughout Wine Country.

Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is home to more than 40 wineries boasting award-winning and 90+ point rated wines from Palumbo Family Vineyards, Lorenzi Estate, Callaway, Leoness Cellars, Hart Winery, Mount Palomar Winery, and more.

CRUSH Wine & Culinary Showcase
For the ultimate Southern California wine experience, visitors and locals are invited to celebrate Temecula Valley’s harvest at the CRUSH Wine & Culinary Showcase. Over 30+ member wineries will be featuring their latest and greatest varieties for tasting, while patrons mix and mingle with winemakers, vineyard owners, chefs, and new friends as they enjoy live entertainment and artisan food bites from over 15 local restaurants.

Crush on Temecula Valley Wines Restaurant Month for Wine
From September 1-30, local restaurants will offer unique Temecula Valley wine features to encourage locals and visitors to discover (or re-discover!) new favorites alongside Temecula Valley cuisine. These may include special Temecula Valley tasting flights, food and local wine pairings and zero corkage fees on local wines. To add to the fun, diners will be encouraged to share their wine new “crushes” via social media.

Wine Country Video Contest
This summer, Visit Temecula Valley and Temecula Valley Wine Growers Association invite amateur filmmakers to showcase their talents in the [insert name of video contest – stay tuned here]. Participants must submit 1-3-minute videos shot in Temecula Valley Wine Country, exploring the theme, “We take our wine seriously… but not ourselves.” The top three videos will be shared via social media during the month of September. The top vote-getter will receive two tickets to CRUSH two tickets to People’s Choice Blind Tasting & Wine Dinner, an overnight stay in Temecula, a SIP Passport, and an opportunity to participate in harvest (prize valued at approximately $1000).

SIP Temecula Wine Tasting Passports
To maximize your Temecula Valley Wine Month experience, consider staying at least two nights midweek, when your odds of meeting a winemaker or getting a peek behind the scenes run high.. Visitors to the region should consider purchasing a SIP Temecula Wine Tasting Passport, valid Monday-Friday for five standard tasting flights at 26 participating vineyards.

Live Entertainment & Winery Events
Throughout the month of September, local wineries will feature an extensive lineup of events, live entertainment, and special promotions to celebrate Temecula Valley Wine Month. For up to date information and details on specific winery offerings, visit https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/things-to-do/events/.

For details and more information about Temecula Valley Wine Month, visit https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/wine-month/.

About Visit Temecula Valley
With natural gifts of climate and geography Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is recognized for scenic vineyards, award-winning wines, and 40+ wineries. The popular, boutique destination includes the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area) as well as Historic Downtown Old Town Temecula, Pechanga Resort & Casino, and Temecula Wine Country Golf Trail.

Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and an online resource for visitors at VisitTemeculaValley.com. Temecula Valley Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula (Third Street and Mercedes). For visitor information and assistance, call (888) 363-2852 or (951) 491-6085.

Get a Broom! Global Spirits Brands Sweep Up the Gold at the LA International Spirits Competition

July 13, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Los Angeles, CA – Global Spirits US, a privately held, international manufacturer and marketer of wines and spirits, received numerous Gold Medals at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition [LAISC]. Winning products include Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy, LEAF Organic Vodka Made With Alaskan Glacial Water, and Khortytsa Platinum and Ice Vodkas. Both Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy and Khortytsa Platinum Vodka won “Best in Category.”

Since introducing a spirits category in 2007, the LAISC has set the standard for judging distilled beverages. An esteemed panel of 20 judges used a blind-tasting method to award medals to the best spirits from around the world. This year’s competition received 392 Spirits entries from 146 producers in 31 different countries.

“This represents a bi-coastal win for us, and follows Gold awards from the NY International Spirits Competition earlier this month,” notes Global Spirits CEO Max Dubossarsky. “Since we introduced the brands here in the US, we’ve consistently captured the gold in numerous competitions.”

Gold winning Khortytsa (commonly referred to as KHOR in the USA) Platinum and Ice Vodkas are produced at Ukraine’s famed Khortytsa Distillery, which is among the world’s best distilleries. The brand is named for Khortytsa Island, which is known as “the heart of Ukraine.” This ancient island’s history dates back thousands of years, to the very roots of civilization. It is considered a sacred place, and is one of the country’s seven wonders.

Built in 2003, the Khortytsa Distillery is among the world’s finest distilleries. It uses a local organic filter containing schungite (a unique natural mineral) which allows it to get as close as possible to the structure of natural water. The filtration process is further enhanced with special birch and alder-tree charcoal and quartz sand.

Gold winner Khortytsa Platinum is the most popular item in the line Khortytsa line and retails for $14.99 per 750-mL. Khortytsa Ice, with a bottle color that changes when chilled, retails for $14.99 per 750-mL.

LEAF Organic Vodkas are sourced from unique waters around the country. The Gold winning variety is made from Alaskan Glacial water, which lends a pure, smooth taste with a hint of sweetness. The water source gives LEAF Vodka its signature taste. (My review March 2017 of LEAF vodkas can be read here.)

With a recommended shelf price of $18.99 for 750-mL—and Certified USDA Organic — LEAF Vodka is well positioned within the dynamic and growing vodka category.

Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy is produced at Ukraine’s famed Shustov Distillery from spirits distilled from white grape varietals including Rkatsiteli, Aligoté and Pinot varieties. The Rkatsiteli is an ancient pale-skinned grape variety from the Republic of Georgia – one of the oldest (if not the oldest) wine-producing regions on earth. Aligoté is a white grape used to make dry white wines in the Burgundy region of France, but it is also cultivated in many Eastern Europe countries.

Odessa is distilled using the traditional French “Charentais” – or double fractional distillation – in copper pot stills. The heart of the distillate is then carefully selected to be bottled and aged, enhancing the delicate and refined aroma that is the signature of its white grape varietals. The spirit then ages in oak barrels for at least five years.

The resulting brandy is world class. Notes of oriental spices and citrus fruit dominate the first nose, while the second follows with hints of raisins and tones of maturity. The taste carries honey and nutty overtones, while the creamy caramel finish is long and smooth. It’s a brandy to be savored.

Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy available in 750-mL and 100-mL sizes, the product carries a suggested retail price of $10.99 or $1.99 respectively.

About Global Spirits USA

A Fortune 500 Company in Europe, Global Spirits was established in 2008 and has offices in New York, Moscow and Kiev, employing over 5,000 people. The company’s annual volume exceeds 10 million cases, with distribution in over 80 countries. Global Spirits USA markets and distributes strategic brands including: Khortytsa Vodka (3rd largest selling international vodka brand*), LEAF Organic Vodka, and Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy.

El Dorado Winery Association Hosts Second Annual Blind Barrel Event

June 29, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

PLACERVILLE, CALIF. (PRWEB) – In raucous, rebellious and Roaring Twenties style, El Dorado Winery Association will bring wine enthusiasts together to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition with its second annual Blind Barrel event. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2017, the event will take place at Lava Cap Winery where attendees will enjoy live swing music, costumes, food, and fine wine from the region.

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“The winemakers of El Dorado County represent everything that makes our industry compelling to those with an adventurous spirit,” said Carey Skinner, President of El Dorado Winery Association. “We intentionally explore opportunities that are off the beaten path, and Blind Barrel gives us an opportunity to express that healthy sense of rebelliousness while celebrating one of the most influential moments in American history.”

Prohibition had a drastic effect on winemaking in El Dorado County, where the region’s first vineyard was planted in 1849. The law illegalizing alcohol production, importation, transportation and sales prompted many families to secretly produce wine in small batches at home before leaving the region to seek prosperity elsewhere. By 1936—three years after the repeal of Prohibition—only one active winery remained in El Dorado County.

Now, 81 years later, El Dorado County is home to more than 70 active wineries, 17 of which will participate in this year’s Blind Barrel by offering a wide variety of local wines for tastings. The event will include several local food trucks as well as live music by Crescent Katz, a local high-energy jazz band. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the Roaring Twenties theme, with prizes available in the annual costume contest.

Attendees must be over 21 years old and tickets are $33 per person, not including tax and fees. Following last year’s success, the event is expected to sell out. To purchase tickets and learn more about Blind Barrel, visit http://bit.ly/BlindBarrel.

About El Dorado Winery Association
El Dorado Winery Association is dedicated to representing the unified interests of its members and nationally promoting El Dorado County as a high quality wine production and tasting destination. The region is home to more than 2,000 acres of vines and approximately 70 family-owned wineries. Its multifaceted terrain features hundreds of microclimates ranging in elevation from 1,200 to 3,200 feet, allowing vintners to make wines from the largest, most diverse selection of grape varieties in the world. El Dorado County has been California’s most unique destination for adventurous wine enthusiasts since the first vineyard was planted in 1849. Wine. Altitude. Adventure. For more information on the El Dorado Winery Association and its members, visit eldoradowines.org.

West 32 Soju Wins Gold Medal at 2017 New York International Spirits Competition

June 22, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

West 32 Soju was the highest rated soju at the event and was awarded Soju Producer of the Year for New York State.

New York, New York (Newswire.com) – After officially launching in December of 2016, West 32 Soju has taken the Gold Medal at the 2017 New York International Spirits Competition held in April in New York City. The event brought together close to 600 spirits from around the world, all competing in a blind tasting. It was judged by top spirits buyers from around New York City who evaluated the spirits by their category and price. Judges also named West 32 Soju the Soju Producer of the Year for New York State.

Soju has been distilled in Korea for hundreds of years and is low-proof “Korean vodka.” It is shared at social gatherings, parties, and celebrations. West 32 Soju is one of the only Korean-style soju made in the United States. The product is now available in New York, California, New Jersey, and Missouri and will be available soon in Nevada. West 32 Soju is made right in New York City and is the only soju in the world distilled by corn, and is both gluten-free and all-natural, unlike imported soju.

We are very excited to have won the gold medal in the New York International Spirts Competition. Our goal was to make the best-tasting, all-natural soju available on the market. This award definitely reaffirms that we have met that goal and are providing our customers an exceptional product.

Daniel Lee, Co-Founder of West 32 Soju

“We are very excited to have won the gold medal in the New York International Spirits Competition,” says Daniel Lee, Co-Founder of West 32 Soju. “Our goal was to make the best-tasting, all-natural soju available on the market. This award definitely reaffirms that we have met that goal and are providing our customers an exceptional product.”

West 32 Soju was created by two college friends who moved to New York City and frequented West 32nd Street, also known as Koreatown. They knew they could make a better tasting, higher-quality soju than imported soju. The concept and production for West 32 Soju was then developed. To learn more about the company or inquire about carrying the product, visit West32Soju.com.

About West 32 Soju
West 32 Soju is an American take on a traditional Korean spirit. The company’s soju is made in New York City and is all natural and gluten-free. For more information, visit West32Soju.com.

Kimo Sabe Mezcal Will Launch A Bold National Agave Spirit Taste-Test Challenge Vs The #1 Ultra-Premium Tequila & Oaxacan Style Mezcal

June 15, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Zacatecas, Mexico – Kimo Sabe, the award-winning, ultra-premium, and fastest growing mezcal brand, announced today its “Step Up to the New Taste of Agave” campaign – a 100,000 person, 10-city national consumer taste-test challenge –kicking off in Las Vegas in June. The challenge will pit Kimo Sabe, The New Taste of Mezcal against the best-selling ultra-premium tequila and a smoky ‘Oaxacan style’ mezcal.

The back to back (2016 & 2017) winner of the American Distilling Institute’s top honor, “Best In Class “ for all Agave Spirits, Kimo Sabe, is taking its taste-test challenge on the road to educate and inform agave drinkers nationwide on the breadth and depth of the agave taste experience. Launching in Las Vegas in June, Kimo Sabe will conduct a blind taste-test challenge with over 10,000 consumers, having them compare three top agave spirits – the best-selling tequila and ‘Oaxacan style’ smoky mezcal, and the disruptive new taste of agave, Kimo Sabe Mezcal. After sampling all three, consumers will be asked to rate their choices ‘good,’ ‘better,’ and ‘best.’

“We’re kicking off our challenge in Las Vegas, the party capital of the world, where visitors are looking to have fun, celebrate with their favorite spirit and are open to new experiences,” said Jim Walsh, co-founder and CEO of Kimo Sabe. “Our goal for the 10 city challenge is to create 100,000 Kimo Sabe brand ambassadors, because once sampled, agave spirit fans will make Kimo Sabe their new top shelf choice.”

Additional cities selected for the taste-test challenge include; Los Angeles, Dallas, Austin, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Miami, and Minneapolis. 10,000 consumers will be targeted in each market.

The public has a growing love affair with the agave spirit category. Studies show tequila consumption has doubled over the past 7 years, with mezcal being the fastest growing segment of that category.

“Everyone who loves agave spirits will appreciate this opportunity to take our challenge and experience for themselves how Kimo Sabe is evolving the industry. Tasting is truly believing. Our rapid growth is creating opportunities for hundreds of agave growers in Mexico, who we are assisting in creating sustainable, organic, agave ecosystems that will last for generations. We proudly call this strategy Building Bridges – as it connects the Mexican agave growers to a generation of US consumers seeking their own defining liquor category,” states Ashley Kvamme, Co-founder of Kimo Sabe.

Veteran agri-business flavor specialists Jim Walsh and Ashley Walsh Kvamme, who come from the premium chocolate business, started Kimo Sabe in 2014 with the goal to create high quality, artisan distiller flavor experiences of the agave plant at a price point for everyone to enjoy. The result has been award winning mezcals that are full of flavor, balanced and approachable, and have consistently garnered 90+ scores by leading industry critics. The Company has grown by 500% over the last two years and is outpacing sales growth of the leading brands in all agave categories. The Company expects its sales to double the entire mezcal category within 24 months.

“We aim to educate consumers through a direct taste experience of the full continuum of flavors across ultra-premium agave categories,” says Jim Walsh. “Most consumers have a sense of tequila flavors, and some have experienced smoky mezcal’s, but few have ever experienced the elegance, complexity and beauty of the literally hundreds of flavors of agave. Agave spirits have the potential to be truly memorable, where single flavors, when blended artfully, combine to create never before tasted harmonic accords or ineffable notes of magic. Kimo Sabe does for agave what Johnny Walker does for Scotch, as it gives the consumer a range of the special notes available in the category all in one product. This is the embodiment of the art of blending and distilling. We are excited to be expanding the agave industry and by doing so helping hundreds of Mexican agave growers prosper sustainably.”

Kimo Sabe Mezcal is made from 100% varietal agaves of which there are 42 varieties, while tequila is made from one type. Each type of agave has its own distinct flavor, giving mezcal producers a greater ability to create their own unique spirit. Common distilling practices known as ‘Oaxacan style,’ have in the past yielded smoky mezcals which to date have had limited consumer acceptance. In expanding the appeal of mezcal, Kimo Sabe has developed a proprietary blend of many agave flavors, which is carefully blended and distilled, and finally enhanced with sound wave technology. This process harmonizes each molecule of the spirit – the result is the smoothest, most flavorful, agave spirit made today.

ABOUT KIMO SABE MEZCAL

Kimo Sabe, The New Taste of Mezcal, is led by agri-business veterans and company co-founders Jim Walsh (CEO) and Ashley Walsh Kvamme (COO). Its USA headquarters are based in Pasadena, California, with its distillery and agave fields in Zacatecas, Mexico. The brand launched on May 1, 2015. It currently sells a Joven and Reposado Mezcal, with brand extensions anticipated. The American Distilling Institute awarded Kimo Sabe its agave spirit’s category top honor, “Best In Class,” in both 2016 and 2017. Kimo Sabe is currently distributed in California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, Colorado, Florida and Tennessee and will soon be distributed in Illinois, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Maryland and Georgia

Kimo Sabe is committed to funding the creation of sustainable, varietal agave ecosystems in Mexico. They partnered with the Government of Zacatecas, Mexico to launch a pro-social program that will fund the creation of 100 new agave farms supplying 1,000 new jobs in the state. In March, Kimo Sabe became the official and exclusive mezcal of the SXSW Festival. Kimo Sabe is the title sponsor for all nationally televised episodes and live stream events of CBS Sports’ Poker Night in America. Ashley Walsh Kvamme was named one of the Top Women In Booze by Harper’s Bazaar Magazine this past year, and one of California’s top female entrepreneurs by Comerica Bank.