American Cheese Society Brings the Specialty Cheese World to Richmond for its 36th Annual Conference and Competition

June 17, 2019 by evebushman Leave a Comment

RICHMOND, Va. (PRWEB) – With 86 percent of cheesemakers in agreement that sharing knowledge and resources benefits their businesses¹, over 1,300 cheese and specialty food professionals will come together at the industry’s leading educational event, the American Cheese Society’s (ACS) 36th Annual Conference & Competition. The conference, ‘Virginia is for Cheese Lovers’ will be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center at 403 N. 3rd Street in Richmond, Va. from July 31-Aug. 3, 2019. Nearly 2,000 different cheese products will be judged in the world-renowned ACS Judging & Competition, with the top cheeses named ‘Best of Show’. The public can sample and purchase competition cheeses at the Festival of Cheese and Cheese Sale on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Proceeds from the Cheese Sale benefit the nonprofit American Cheese Education Foundation.

The ACS Annual Conference & Competition is acknowledged as the foremost educational gathering for the cheese industry in North America. In addition to the country’s top cheeses and cheesemakers, the event draws producers and purveyors of related specialty foods – from charcuterie and crackers to sweets and preserves. “Many events in the food world revolve around a traditional trade show model,” said Nora Weiser, executive director of ACS. “Attendees value our event because it focuses on education, creating a learning space for those in the cheese and related specialty food industries. We recognize that the quality of U.S. artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheese improves as producers share knowledge and resources with each other, and this event really helps them work together collaboratively in an increasingly competitive marketplace,” she added.

Growing from just 89 entries 36 years ago, in 2018 the ACS Judging & Competition welcomed 1,954 entries of cheeses and cultured dairy products from 259 companies representing 35 U.S. states, 5 Canadian provinces, Mexico, Columbia and Brazil. ACS awarded a total of 364 medals including 103 gold medals, 124 silver medals, and 137 bronze medals. The event will take place over two days, during which a panel of internationally renowned judges will evaluate the entries for their aesthetic and technical merits. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Friday, Aug. 2, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. In 2018, ‘Harbison’ from Cellars at Jasper Hill in Vermont was named ‘Best of Show’. Second place ‘Best of Show’ went to ‘Calderwood’, also from Cellars at Jasper Hill. Third place ‘Best of Show’ was awarded to ‘Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar’ from COWS Creamery in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

2019 winners will be highlighted at the “Festival of Cheese Showcase” on Aug. 3, where conference attendees and the general public can taste winning competition cheeses while sampling other specialty foods from artisan producers around the country. The Festival includes a Cheese Sale to benefit the American Cheese Education Foundation featuring more than a thousand artisan, specialty and farmstead cheeses for purchase at 50-75 percent off retail prices.

Education plays a central role at the ACS Conference, including:

CHEESE³ Talks: New for 2019, these short Cheese (cubed) presentations feature: Cheese, Creativity and Community with focused insights from cheese industry thinkers who will share, teach, and inspire the cheese community.
Open Networking Sessions: Opportunities to connect and network with industry colleagues with facilitated discussions organized by theme.
Meet the Cheesemaker – producers of cheese and cultured dairy products meet with and sample products to hundreds of key industry distributors, retailers, buyers, and food writers.
40+ educational sessions geared toward cheesemakers, retailers and distributors including: Virginia Terroir: Made in Virginia Cheese & Wine: Five paired tasting of Virginia made cheeses and wine; Dairy Milk vs. Non-Dairy: A Look At Consumer Trends, Nutrition Research, and Sustainability Findings; You Be The Judge – A session designed to recreate the experience of what it’s like to judge for the American Cheese Society; Dairy Farming, Climate Change Mitigation and the Marketplace – A scientist and four cheesemakers discuss their understanding of and approaches to this issue and how their efforts translate to the marketplace.
ACS Certified Cheese Professional® Exam
ACS T.A.S.T.E. Test® (Technical, Aesthetic, Sensory)

Registration for Virginia is for Cheese Lovers is available at https://www.cheesesociety.org/acs-conference-registration/. Press passes are available to qualified individuals upon request.

1.From a poll of 209 cheesemakers in the 2018 State of the U.S. Artisan/Specialty Cheese Industry Survey commissioned by The American Cheese Society.

About the American Cheese Society
The American Cheese Society (ACS) is the leader in promoting and supporting American cheeses. At over 2,000 members strong, ACS provides the cheese community with educational resources and networking opportunities, while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking focused on safety and sustainability. ACS strives to continually raise the quality and availability of artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheese in the Americas. Since its founding in 1983, ACS proudly hosts America’s foremost annual educational conference and world-renowned cheese judging and competition. For more information, visit http://www.cheesesociety.org.

Experiencing the Universal Whisky Experience 2019

May 17, 2019 by evebushman

In the three years we’ve been lucky enough to attend the Universal Whisky Experience, aka the Nth, I’d have to say it just keeps getting better and better. This year we covered less ground (husband and I split the room – at the Wynn in Las Vegas – in two) and still only tasted maybe a quarter of what was being poured. And even though we each had two tickets for Super Pours, the brand ambassadors offered us everything they had – or it at least seemed that way! (If you just want a synopsis you can go here for photos alone.)

Last time I can share this banner…with yours truly on the top right next to The Nose!

This year I spent my first hour giving some attention to a few Bourbon tables; though I usually make a beeline for the oldest single malts in the room, I mixed it up this time. It might be because there was a large table set up with pre-measured pours, pens and tasting notes drawing my attention to the back of the main hall.

The table I’m referring to was set up Maker’s Mark Bourbon. The tasting experience that Maker’s Mark “Diplomat” Phil Olson talked me through was amazing. I learned about the different oak expressions, and the aromas and flavors each had. I noted that I liked the Seared French Cuvee, Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength (46 is the name of the particular wood), Roasted French Mocha and Toasted French Spice – this final one was my favorite. All four used French oak. I also noted that as my palate “warmed” so did my preferences. (Phil had me go back and revisit a couple.) I could’ve spent the entire evening there, and never made it to his finale where you are meant to blend your favorites, then get a few pals to agree with your choice = your own 15k barrel!

Moving on, though it was hard, I was in the mood for Bourbon and quickly found a Las Vegas based distiller, Smoke Wagon Bourbon. I enjoyed all three bottles they poured, and could see why they had won several gold and double gold medals at the San Francisco Wine and Spirits Competition.

Alpine Distilling, located in Park City, Utah, was a surprise for me. The botanicals in their “Summit Gin” slayed me. Now I just have to figure out how to get it from Utah here in So Cal! Also of note for me was their “Spur” Whiskey.

Then I got very much side-tracked by That Boutique-Y Whisky Company. I tasted everything in their line-up. Completely blown away with whiskeys from Japan, So. Africa and England. I think there were a dozen I tried, and a few in the back I got my hands on too. If you ever have an opportunity to taste this whisky brand don’t miss it.

The Scotch Whisky Syndicate 58/6 was a new thrill for me to taste, according to their Facebook page it is “an award-winning 12 Year Old specialist Blended Scotch Whisky, finished in Sherry butts for a distinctly richer fruity character.”

Glenfiddich had 12, 14 and 15 year olds, but I went straight to the 21 year old – as I had visited the distillery in Scotland and had done more than my fair share there. (If you ever get to Scotland don’t skip Glenfiddich – very generous pours. And while you’re at it reserve your kilted driver, aka tour operator, via Rabbie’s.)

I definitely had to stop at the Dewars’s blended Scotch whisky table, as Brand Ambassador Georgie Bell had made me a fan at a past Universal Whisky Experience event where we tasted through all of the single malts that go into Dewar’s. This year I sampled 21, 27 and 32 year olds, all “double double aged for ultimate smoothness.”

Had to taste from Westward American Single Malt Whiskey…when whisky pal and leader of the So Cal Whiskey Club Ries Michael manned the booth.

Finally, I’d like to give a special shout out and thanks to founder Mahesh Patel and organizer Mit Patel, can’t imagine anyone else pulling anything like this off but the Patels and their team.

More Brands Seen at the Show (keep in mind that each of these brands had several pours.)

Macallan

Old Pulteney

John Craggie

Glencairn Crystal (Great nosing glass!)

The Dalmore

Highland Park and Glenrothes

Johnnie Walker

Tomatin

Total Wine

Benromach

Gordon and MacPhail

Facundo Rum

John Dewar Malts

Hardy

Borderies Cognac

Suntory Whiskey

Whistle Pig

Sazerac Rye

Glenfarclas

Dictator

Royal Salute

The Glenlivet

Aberlour

Loch Lomond

The Balvenie

And even though I was lucky enough to be featured in the 2019 Facebook banner ad and don’t expect the honor again, I will be stalking the website and Facebook pages listed below to see if the event photographers caught me “in the act” of having the time of our lives. See you in 2020!

https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/

https://www.facebook.com/universalwhisky/

https://www.instagram.com/universalwhisky/

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 (over 15k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Tio Pepe Challenge U.S. Winner Announced – The U.S. Representative will Head to Jerez to Compete in the 2019 International Final

May 6, 2019 by evebushman

CHICAGO (PRWEB) – The results are in and Javier Ortega Diaz from Libertine Social in Las Vegas, NV is heading to Jerez, Spain to compete on behalf of the U.S. in the Tío Pepe Challenge International Final. This is the second time that the Tío Pepe Challenge took place in the U.S.

The Tío Pepe Challenge was created by leading Sherry producer, González Byass, to inspire mixologists from around the world to create original, great tasting cocktails using Sherry as their principle ingredient. Javier competed against five other bartenders from around the U.S. on Tuesday, April 9 at Osamil Upstairs in New York City. The six competitors had to test their knowledge of Sherry through a blind tasting, showcase their use of a venencia (the tool traditionally used to extract Sherry from the barrel), and finally, to create a cocktail mixed with a González Byass Sherry.

The judges, which included González Byass Master Blender Antonio Flores, Tasting Panel writer Courtney Schiessel and González Byass Brand Ambassador Alvaro Plata, judged on all three aspects and selected Javier based on the creativity of using Tío Pepe in his cocktail and the knowledge and skill displayed.

Javier will go on to compete at the International Final, which will be held on May 15, 2019 during the world-famous Feria de Jerez. The top 15 bartenders from around the world, who have created the best Sherry cocktail recipes, will compete and battle it out live in front of a panel of renowned, international experts.

Due to the increased popularity behind the Sherry Revolution, pioneered by González Byass, one of the world’s leading Sherry producers, the Tío Pepe Challenge allows aspiring Sherry experts to test their knowledge about this wonderful fortified wine. The Challenge is designed to inform, educate and instruct on crucial aspects of Sherry.

In addition to Javier, the other five competitors in the 2019 U.S. Tío Pepe Challenge were: Tiana Dillard from Ford Fry Restaurants in Atlanta; Joshua Fossitt from Hospitality 201 in Chicago; Alexander Lazzari from Biltong Bar in Atlanta; Patrick McDonald from Chaval in Portland, ME; and Carlie Steiner from Himitsu in Washington, DC.

For more information about the competitions, please visit: http://www.tastingpanelmag.com/thetiopepechallenge.
@tiopepewine @gonzalezbyassusa #tiopepechallenge #tiopepechallengeUSA

Winning Cocktail:
Sophia by Javier Ortega Diaz from Libertine Social in Las Vegas, NV

2 oz. Tio Pepe Fino Sherry
¾ oz. Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
½ oz. Freshly squeezed lime juice
½ oz. Homemade kumquat, rosemary and thyme syrup
1 oz. Homemade sparkling hibiscus water

Add all the ingredients together except the hibiscus water. Shake and double strain in to a wine glass fill with ice. Top with hibiscus sparkling water. Garnish with sliced kumquats, rosemary, thyme and edible flowers.

About González Byass USA
González Byass USA is a Chicago based importer for a strategically selected portfolio of fine wine and spirit brands from around the world including Spain, Chile, Italy, Austria and the US.

González Byass USA is the US subsidiary of González Byass headquartered in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. González Byass is a family-owned, collection of wineries founded in 1835 which spans across Spain’s most important wine producing regions. From its foundation, the González family have been dedicated to making fine Sherries and brandies in Jerez, Spain, creating such well-known brands as Tío Pepe Fino Sherry and Lepanto Brandy de Jerez.

Today the fifth generation of the family are the custodians of these exceptional brands having built the company into a family of wineries which produces wine in some of Spain’s most famous regions; Bodegas Beronia (Rioja and Rueda), Cavas Vilarnau (Barcelona), Finca Constancia (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla), Finca Moncloa (Vino de la Tierra de Cádiz), Viñas del Vero (Somontano) and Pazo de Lusco (Rías Baixas). In each of these regions the family strives to make the best possible quality wines respecting the local terroir and the environment. At the same time the company has also expanded its interests further in the premium spirits business and has created pioneering brands such as The London No.1 and Nomad Outland Whisky to compliment the Spanish brandies in the portfolio Soberano and Lepanto, as well as their Mexican brandies from Pedro Domecq: Presidente and Don Pedro.

González Byass USA also represents a number of international wineries in the US market including from Austria Domäne Wachau, from Italy Caldora, Cantine Cellaro, Vesevo, Vigneti Del Salento and Tenute Rossetti, and from the US Row Eleven. In addition, Harveys Bristol Cream and Fundador Brandy de Jerez were recently added to the portfolio.

Learn more at http://www.gonzalezbyassusa.com.

Maryland’s First Double Gold for Straight Bourbon Awarded to McClintock Distilling

April 22, 2019 by evebushman

FREDERICK, Md. (PRWEB) – McClintock Distilling announced today that they are the recipients of the double gold medal for their Matchstick Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition (SFWSC). This marks the first time a Maryland distillery has won double gold in the Straight Bourbon category and makes the two distillers, aged 29 and 30, two of the youngest distillers to ever win double gold for any category. McClintock joins national brands such as Knob Creek, David Nicholson and McKenna Bourbon in the double gold category and is one of the only independently owned craft brands represented this year.

McClintock Distilling released the first small batch Matchstick Straight Bourbon in December of 2018 and sold out within hours of the release. It is a wheated, rye finished bourbon and is one of the first organic-certified straight bourbons on the market. McClintock uses all non-GMO, organic, heritage grains that are milled in house using a historic-derived stone burr mill to produce their whiskies.

“We are absolutely ecstatic to win double gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition. It is one of the oldest and highest regarded competitions and we never dreamed that we would be considered among these other amazing whiskies. We are working hard to keep the Matchstick in stock without compromising the quality of the product. ” – Braeden Bumpers, Owner, McClintock Distilling

The company is currently sold out of the award-winning Bourbon but Bumpers says they will have a large release of the Whiskey in August. Their goal is to keep the Matchstick and their Bootjack Rye Whiskey in the market regularly by 2020. They are also planning to release more barrel-aged gins this year (Their Reserve Cognac-aged gin placed double gold last year at the NYISC).

McClintock Distilling joins Sagamore Spirit as Maryland Distilleries that earned double gold this year at the SFWSC. Both are members of the Maryland Distiller’s Guild and work to increase the knowledge and market presence of Maryland Distillers in the industry.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the oldest of its kind and was founded in 2000. It is founded on integrity and impartiality with a blind judging process. The competition brings in some of the highest regarded judges in the world and as such as become one of the world’s most esteemed spirits competitions.

McClintock Distilling also won Silver medals for their Bootjack Rye Whiskey, Forager Gin, Reserve Gin and Maryland-Heritage White Whiskey as well as Bronze Medals for their Gardener’s Gin, Epiphany Vodka and Spiced Pear Cordial at the SFWSC this year.

Learn more at http://www.mcclintockdistilling.com. If you would like more information about this topic please contact Braeden Bumpers at 202-557-9914 or email at braeden (at) mcclintockdistilling (dot) com.

McClintock Distilling, an organic craft distillery located in Frederick, Maryland, offers vodka, gins, and whiskeys. McClintock Distilling strives to maintain a sustainable and locally sourced business with a focus on product quality, environmental impact and community betterment. McClintock Distilling is committed to bringing the McClintock experience to all of our customers through every drop. For more information please visit http://www.mcclintockdistilling.com.

BWW 2018 – Best Wine Critics of World Have Been Selected – Jancis Robinson MW is the Winner!

February 6, 2019 by evebushman

HELSINKI, PRNewswire — BWW-The Best Wine of the World-competition is by far the toughest wine competition on this planet. Unlike any other industry competition, only 1% of the wines involved will be awarded.

The BWW competition was held in the world’s largest wine information service – tastingbook.com. 18,477 wines received in total 2,354,989 votes from 416,000 wine professionals and wine lovers from 116 countries during the three months voting period.

After the voting period, only 100 most voted wines in six different categories remained in the Finals, organized in January 2019. The six main categories included red wine, white wine, rose wine, sparkling wine, fortified wine, champagne and Wine Critic.

In BWW Competition 2018, the Best Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Jancis Robinson MW.

“I feel extremely honoured to have been recognised by so many wine professionals around the world, particularly when the competition is so extremely strong. And I’m thrilled to see that my JancisRobinson.com colleague Julia Harding MW is also highly valued. I think all of us who write about wine know that, however enviable our work seems, it is increasingly demanding, even if always rewarding. Here’s to wine! And of course, to the organisers of this poll.” – Jancis Robinson MW

TOP 20 Best Wine Critics of the World are:

1. Jancis Robinson MW
2. Jeannie Cho Lee MW
3. James Suckling
4. Antonio Galloni
5. Neal Martin
6. Michel Bettane
7. Allen Meadows
8. Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW
9. Tim Atkin MW
10. Richard Juhlin
11. Andrew Caillard MW
12. Eric Asimov
13. Julia Harding MW
14. Markus Del Monego MW
15. René Gabriel
16. Jeff Leve
17. José Peñin
18. Christer Byklum
19. Jeremy Oliver
20. Robert Parker

Most voted wines of the main categories are:
Most voted Red Wine of the World: Winner: Hill of Grace 2013, Henschke, Australia
Most voted White Wine of the World: Winner: Montrachet 2009, Ramonet, France
Most voted Champagne of the World: Winner: Dom Pérignon 2008, France
Most voted Sparkling Wine of the World: Winner: Original Sparkling Shiraz Seppelt, Australia
Most voted Fortified Wine of the World: Winner: Graham’s Vintage Port 2016, Portugal
Most voted Rosé Wine of the World: Winner: Boat Shed Nebbiolo Rosé, Longview, Australia
Most voted Sweet Wine of the World: Winner: Château d’ Yquem 2011, France

The TOP 50 Wine Critics and 1000 Most voted wines -lists can be found at www.tastingbook.com

BWW is the largest wine competition in the world, whether measured by the number of wines, the number of consumers involved or the judges taking part.

BWW warmly welcomes all vineyards to enter their wine for the 2019 competition.

Registration is the easiest, fastest, and most affordable in the business.

Registration will begin on January 1st at www.bwwcompetition.com.

Newcomer ‘El Pandillo’ Rated The Number One Tequila Distillery by TasteTequila.com

December 12, 2018 by evebushman

JESÚS MARÍA, Mexico /PRNewswire/ — TasteTequila recently ranked the El Pandillo distillery (http://g4tequila.life/) as number one in its exclusive tracking of all tequila producers. The designation was based on the ratings from over 41,800 different consumers and tequila judges using the Tequila Matchmaker mobile app. The family-owned distillery at El Pandillo placed at the head of over 129 active tequila distilleries currently operating in Mexico.

Makers of the premium G4 Tequila, El Pandillo recently launched distribution into the U.S. and the brand is the buzz of the tequila business nationwide. Owner and operator Felipe Camarena hails from a family line of great tequila makers, transforming his passion for making great tequila into an art. Camarena’s engineering background was strategically applied to perfecting his line of pure, luxury tequilas. The name G4 simply represents the 4^th generation of Felipe’s line of the Camarena family.

Camarena honored the traditions behind tequila making while adding his own unique twists: using harvested rainwater and specially modified copper stills, 100 percent pure Blue Agave from their own family farm, modified stone ovens, and an entirely unique mechanical alternative to the traditional stone tahona used to crush the cooked agave. Numerous proprietary processes eliminate any bitter notes in the flavor, producing a smooth, perfect taste.

The final result is bottled simply, though beautifully. As Camarena himself noted: “I’m not in the business of making fancy bottles, I’m in the business of making great tequila.”

The secrets that go into crafting Camarena’s G4 are many, but expert tasters agree that a combination of multi-generation wisdom and innovative new distilling technologies, plus captured rainwater and the highest of the highland’s agave are a winning combination. G4 has already received top accolades this year:

Spirits Competition Awards

Number One Distillery in the World: TasteTequila.com.
Gold Medals from the Beverly Hills Spirits Competition.
Best in Category and Best Agave Spirit at Spirits of Mexico.
Best in Show at the WSWA industry event in Las Vegas.
Platinum Medals and Best in Show by Tequila Aficionado.

Learn more about the El Pandillo distillery here.

About G4 Tequila

The pinnacle of craftsmanship, G4 Tequila is the premium product of four generations of tequila mastery. Producers of the eponymous G4 Tequila, the distillery is well known for meticulous craftsmanship and attention to excellence. Previously unavailable in the U.S., G4 has begun distributing in an impressive 30-state rollout over 2018. Learn more about G4 at: www.G4Tequila.life.

Hengshui Laobaigan is the First Chinese Liquor to Win the Global Spirit Awards

September 17, 2018 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Chinese baijiu, Hengshui Laobaigan received top honors at the recent Global Spirit Awards Competition held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Judges for the competition sampled the world’s best liquors from several categories including vodka, tequila, rum, bourbon, scotch whisky, liqueur and Chinese liquor. The Laobaigan 1915 was awarded the prestigious Best in Category award. In addition, The Laobaigan 5 Star and Laobaigan 1915 were each named Double Gold Winners by the panel of judges.

The jury for the 2018 Global Spirit Awards Competition was comprised of 18 experienced spirits masters with a strong background in spirits production and bartending. They included Steve Beal, founder of the San Francisco world spirits contest and one of America’s top distilling experts. The judging process for the specialty spirit categories began with a double-blind tasting preliminary round, with the best spirits advancing to the Sweepstakes Rounds, where the Double Gold and The Best of Show Categories were awarded.

Americans can be hesitant to try Chinese baijiu (the term, “baijiu” means “clear liquor”) due to its exotic taste. As far back as 1915, Hengshui Laobaigan won the Panama World Exposition top prize and marked the product’s entrance into the US market. Today’s multiple prizes from the Global Spirits Awards continues the tradition of Hengshui Laobaigan’s baijiu earning recognition and respect from western judges.

The Secret of Hengshui Laobaigan’s Brewing: The Mysterious Underground Urn
There are many types of Chinese liquor, which can be challenging for the uninitiated. In China, baijiu is often used to accompany meals and is paired to match the taste of Chinese food. Most Chinese baijiu have a strong and distinct flavor, which can cause many American drinkers to choose more familiar liquors.

But the fact that Hengshui Laobaigan 1915 was recognized by the Global Spirit Awards suggests that not all Chinese spirits are the same. The liquor’s distinct taste is known as “Lao Bai Gan Xiang Xing,” which comes from its unique underground Urn brewing method.

Unlike the western custom of using oak barrels or sherry barrels for storage, Hengshui Laobaigan produces their liquors in ceramic tanks buried in the ground.

A study from the China Academy of Food and Fermentation showed that Hengshui Laobaigan’s dry ground cylinder fermentation process can effectively isolate impurities and harmful microbial pollution, the impurity content is less than one-tenth of China’s national standard, creating a more mellow and clean flavor.

The process, which has been used for thousands of years, produces a great tasting liquor without a needlessly high alcohol content.

Chinese scientists have also conducted microbiological research on the Laobaigan underground cylinder brewing technology. The Microorganism and Applied Enzyme Laboratory of Jiangnan University collaborated with Hengshui Laobaigan to produce a study entitled, “Environmental Microbiota Drives Microbial Processes and Metabolic Profiles for Chinese Liquor” published by Dr. Xueshan Wang. The study was selected as the cover article by Applied and Environmental Microbiology, an authoritative publication founded by the American Society for Microbiology.

This Mystery Liquor Conquered America a Hundred Years Ago
In 1915, The 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition Was Held In San Francisco. Hengshui Laobaigan’s Predecessor, Zhili Kaoliang Liquor, was submitted to the panel of judges. With its mellow and sweet taste and transparent color, Zhili Kaoliang won the “First Class Medallion” of the Panama Pacific International Exposition.

To commemorate this milestone in the company’s history, the manufacturer introduced “Laobaigan 1915” to the marketplace. The product’s recent award at the Global Spirit Awards proves that Chinese liquor can be adapted to American tastes.

Today, with western liquors such as whiskey and vodka consumed within the Chinese market, the makers of Laobaigan seek to foster a reciprocal appreciation for Chinese baijiu. With its award-wining taste and thousand-year history, Laobaigan deserves a place in every American liquor cabinet.

Global Spirit Awards Announces the 2nd Annual 2018 Winners

August 19, 2018 by evebushman

LAS VEGAS – PRNewswire – The 2nd Annual 2018 Global Spirit Awards was hosted July 10-13 at Palace Station in Las Vegas. The competition featured a judges panel (https://www.globalspiritawards.com/judging/) of industry experts with extensive diverse spirits, and mixology backgrounds to determine each of the spirits’ quality.

The judging process for the specialty spirit categories began with a 100% double blind tasting preliminary round, with the best spirits advancing to the Sweepstakes Rounds, where the Double Gold and The Best of Show Categories were awarded. During the competition, all the spirits in their respective and specific sub-categories are sampled together as flights, carefully evaluated from color to finish, and scored by each one of our spirits judges in the flight.

The Award-Winning Spirits include: (For a complete list of all the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners, visit https://www.globalspiritawards.co/awards/)

Overall Best in Category winners are:
- Best Vodka: Cape May Distillery, Sandcastle Vodka
- Best Tequila: Casa Noble, Casa Noble’s Anejo
- Best Rum: Kimberly Rum Company, Canefire Rum, Cane Fire 14
- Best Bourbon: Crooked Water Spirits, Old Hell Roaring Bourbon
- Best Whiskey: Omsons Marketing Pvt. Ltd., Star Walker Whiskey
- Best Liqueur: NCCGA of CT, Vincenzi Arancia
- Best Baijiu – TIE – Lao Bai Gan, 1915 and Yu Tan, Shang Pin

“Our 2018 Global Spirit Judges and I are pleased to recognize and salute the superior craftsmanship, quality, and taste of some of the very finest spirits in the world,” said Eddie Rivkin, CEO/Executive Director of Global Spirit Awards.

Double Gold Winners (Listed by: Company, Brand, Spirit Name):

Arizona Craft Beverage, Arizona Craft Beverage, Regalo de Vida Gran Rum
Cape May Distillery, Cape May Distillery, Sandcastle Vodka
China Liquor Sales LLC, Lang, Qinghua, Lang 20
China Liquor Sales LLC, Lao Bai Gan, 1915
China Liquor Sales LLC, Lao Bai Gan, 5 Star
China Liquor Sales LLC, Yu Tan, Shang Pin
Compass Distillers, Compass Distillers, Gin
Crooked Water Spirits, Crooked Water Spirits, Abyss Gin
Crooked Water Spirits, Crooked Water Spirits, Old Hell Roaring Bourbon
Destilaria Serralles, Don Q Rum, Don Q Double Aged Vermouth
D & S Distillers LLC, D&S Distilling Company, Delgado White Rum
E & J Gallo, New Amsterdam, Lemon Vodka
Enemigo Ltd, Tequila Enemigo, Enemigo 00 Extra
Kimberley Rum Company Pty Ltd, Canefire Rum, Canefire No. 14
LeVecke, Jesse James Spiced, American Whiskey
LeVecke, Spiced Rum Conciere, Rum & Cachaca
NCCGA of CT, Vincenzi, Arancia
Neptune Rum, Neptune Rum Barbados Gold, Neptune Gold Rum
Nevada Distilling Co, LLC, Smoke Wagon, Uncut Unfiltered Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Omsons Marketing Pvt. Ltd./ Star Walker Whiskey
Rhino Global Enterprises, Dos Ron, 16 Anos Solera
ROK Drinks, Bandero Tequila, Blanco Tequila
Casa Noble, Casa Noble’s Anejo
Rock N Roll Tequila, Rock N Roll Tequila, Cristalino

The 2018 Global Spirit Awards prestigious judges panel include (https://globalspiritawards.com/judging/):

Chairman of the Judges Panel, Steve Beal, renowned whiskey expert with over 20 years’ experience judging competitions around the world, and judges, Mia Mastroianni, Damian Cross, Dänny Ronen, Anthony Alba, Heather Manley, Robert Gonzales, and Tim McDonald.
For more information and a complete list of judge’s bios, photos and winners, visit the website at https://www.globalspiritawards.co/awards/

About Global Wine Awards & Global Spirit Awards
Eddie Rivkin CEO/Executive Director of Global Wine Awards and Global Spirit Awards hosts the events from the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information visit: https://www.globalspiritawards.com

The Winners of the 2018 Global Wine Awards, Nine Judges (including yours truly) Select Best in Show and Highest Awards Winners

August 3, 2018 by evebushman

Las Vegas, Nev. – The inaugural 2018 Global Wine Awards was hosted June 18- 20 at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The competition featured nine world class judges with a panel of the finest palates including, Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, wine educators and industry experts.

Bottom Row: Cami Sisk MS, Chairwoman of the Judges Panel Deborah Parker Wong, Eve Bushman, Stacie Hunt. Top Row: Danny Ronen, Paul Ellis, Cassandra Brown, David Glancy MS, Roger Bohmrich MW

L to R Top Row: Danny Ronen, Paul Ellis, Cassandra Brown, David Glancy MS, Roger Bohmrich MW. L to R Bottom Row: Cami Sisk MS, Chairwoman of the Judges Panel Deborah Parker Wong, Eve Bushman, Stacie Hunt.

The 3-day judging process for the diverse and specific wine categories began with a 100% blind tasting preliminary round, with the best wines advancing to the Sweepstakes Rounds, where the Double Gold and The Best of Show Categories were awarded.

Featured Award Winning Wines: ( For a complete list of all the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners, visit GlobalWineAwards.co/)

• Overall Best in Show and Best in Show, Red Wine:
o Martellotto Wine Productions, 2016 Il Cappocia Riserva (Barrel Aged)

• The Best in Show, White Wine:
o Frank Family Vineyards, Late Harvest Chardonnay

“Our expert judges are pleased to announce the 2018 Global Wine Awards winners who all represent excellence in winemaking skills and superior presentation from all around the world. The wines were judged based on varietal expression, uniqueness in character and approachability” said Eddie Rivkin, CEO/Executive Director of Global Wine Awards. “Las Vegas is an entertainment destination known globally for its vibrant wine culture, its fine-dining restaurants and celebrity chefs. It was the perfect paring to our first annual event.” he said.

Double Gold Winners (Listed by: Winery, Wine Name, Wine Type, Vintage, Score):

Martellotto Wine Productions, Martellotto, Il Capoccia Riserva, 2016, 97
Frank Family Vineyards, Frank Family Vineyards, Late Harvest Chardonnay, NV, 97
Wines Of Greece, VOURVOUKELI ESTATE MALAGOUZIA, Malagouzia, 2017, 97

2Hawk Vineyard & Winery, 2Hawk Winery, Viognier, 2016, 96
Penrose Hill, Cantharos, Grenache, 2014, 96
Cellardoor Winery, Cellardoor Winery, Petite Sirah, 2013, 96
Wines of Greece, HELEXO WINERY RETSINA White, RETSINA white, 2016, 96The prestigious judges, encompassing years of expertise, passion and credibility in the wine industry, featured: Deborah Parker Wong, Global Wine Chairwoman and Editor for SOMM Journal and The Tasting; David Glancy, Master Sommelier & CWE, Founder & CEO of San Francisco Wine School, the largest wine school in the USA; Cameron Sisk, Master Sommelier, with thirty-five years in restaurants; Cassandra M. Brown, Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, and Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators; Stacie Hunt, Certified Silver Pin Sommelier /North American Sommelier Association and Vice President of the Board of the National Association of Wine Retailers; Paul R. Ellis, Sommelier at Rao’s, Caesars Palace; Eve Bushman, 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); Roger Bohmrich, Master of Wine, independent consultant, writer, and educator; and Dänny Ronen, educator in spirit and cocktail development.
During the awards competition, all the wines, in their respective and specific sub-categories, were sampled together as flights, carefully evaluated in all aspects, and scored by each one of the skilled judges. All winners received industry acknowledgment and a distinguished medal of recognition.

The scoring ranges are: Bronze – 80-84
Silver – 85-89
Gold – 90-95

Double Gold – 96-100

About Global Wine Awards & Global Spirits Awards

Eddie Rivkin CEO/Executive Director of Global Wine Awards and Global Spirits Awards hosts the events from the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information and a complete list of judges bios, photos and winners, visit the website at www.GlobalWineAwards.co. Follow on Instagram at Globalwineawardslv.

How Did We Judge the First Global Wine Awards?

July 13, 2018 by evebushman

Nine judges in total, one Executive Director, a local restaurant sommelier, professional photographer and attentive servers = our first meeting in Cohiba Room three at the Tropicana Las Vegas, while avoiding rooms one and two as they held all of the wine that we were very anxious to judge…blind.

Donning my first wine judge lab coat!

Welcome to the inaugural Global Wine Awards in Las Vegas!

Deborah Parker Wong (Tasting Panel, Somm Journal and the Clever Root. See all of the judges bios here) was consulted by Exec. Dir. Eddie Rivkin and then had our entire preliminary round set up to begin the first day. On the second day we would do the “sweepstakes” round, where we would decide which of the Gold medal awarded wines would be our choice for any Double Golds, Best of Show and Judge’s Choice of best overall.

But let me back up to explain how we chose which wines to medal to begin with, and then I’ll return to our judging and sweepstakes.

For nine judges it was decided that we would begin with three panels of three. Within those panels we would select a leader and a note taker. Wines were served to us in “flights” with corresponding sheets that read titles such as Domestic Merlot, Spanish Reds or Wine Made From Fruit – no price points were given. On these sheets each wine was given a four-digit number instead of a name that corresponded with a number written on each glass. We would do one or more flights at a time, as some flights only had less than six or so wines while others had nearly a dozen.

Every judge is different in how they then proceed. Most will sniff each one in the flight and then go back to the start for a sample, spit and make some notes. I didn’t feel confident in being able to recall a sample 12 or so glasses before so I opted to do each at once: sniff, swirl, sniff again, note what I liked in the aroma, sample, hold in my mouth long enough to get the general gist of the wine, expectorate, make some slight notes and select a medal.

This was the cheat sheet (most) of us kept at hand in deciding on a medal:

Anything less than 80 would be a “no medal” wine and usually had a fatal flaw.

80-84 for Bronze

85-89 for Silver

90-95 Gold

96-100 Double Gold

After your panel is done with the flight they then, each taking a turn to start, announce the medal. You may have three people that completely agree, or as is most often the case, don’t. So while I may say Silver minus (which borders on Bronze) the other panelists may say Silver plus and Gold. In one panel the person with the highest medal would then try to convince the others to raise their scores based on the merits they found. Roger Bohmrich MW, one of the judges, puts it this way: “With a panel of qualified tasters, it’s somewhat rare to have one judge say Gold and another No Medal, though it can happen. The more common challenge is to decide whether to elevate a Silver plus into Gold territory.” On another panel the three scores were just averaged out and a numerical score was calculated. (We were rotated to a different panel halfway through.) Most times, in either instance we would taste again. Have I lost you yet? LOL. Hang in there.

By the end of the first day, we had each sampled 90-100 wines. We were then invited out by Exec. Director Eddie Rivkin for a lovely meal at Marche Bacchus. And prepare ourselves for the next day, which would be sweepstakes:

In sweeps all of the wine judges would have an opportunity to sample all of the wines we had nominated for Gold medals. We would then note our favorites, and by a showing of hands, decide which the majority agreed would be awarded with Double Golds and then narrow down again to award, which were Best of Show. Instead of breaking into our panels we sit together for sweeps.

Stay tuned, the next time I write about the Global Wine Awards I hope to be able to disclose the medal winners!

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 and the Global Wine Awards. 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