Khortytsa Vodka Wins Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

August 3, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

San Francisco, CA & New York, NY – Khortytsa Platinum Vodka took the Gold at the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Founded in 2000, the SFWSC is one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions of its kind. All results can be viewed at: http://sfspiritscomp.com/results/overview.

Photo: Newswire.com

According the SFWSC website, the award is a universally recognized indicator of exceptional quality and craftsmanship: “Products awarded a Gold medal are exceptional. They are near the pinnacle of achievement in their particular category. They are products that set the standard for all others of their type.”

“The Khortytsa Distillery has been recognized as one of the world’s best distilleries. Only 19 of the world’s leading distilleries have been recognized with this high honor. Moreover, this award comes on the heels of several big wins over the past few months including gold medals at the Denver International Spirits Competition, the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, the New York International Spirits Competition and awards from the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.

Gold winner Khortytsa Platinum is the most popular item in the Khortytsa line and retails for $11.99 per 750-mL. There are three other items in the line including Khortytsa Ice, which took a Silver Medal in the competition, and has a bottle color that changes when chilled; it retails for $11.99 per 750-mL. Khortytsa Honey Pepper, offers a spicy zing to a variety of cocktails and retails for $11.99 per 750-mL, and Khortytsa De Luxe, appreciated by vodka connoisseurs, is a “super premium” vodka with a suggested retail of $24.99 for a 750-mL bottle.

Khortytsa Vodka, commonly referred to as Khor, has been gaining ground in numerous markets since its introduction in the United States just a few short years ago. It is currently the third-largest selling vodka brand worldwide.

Ukraine’s famed Khortytsa (Hor-Ti-Tsa) Distillery named after Khortytsa Island, the “heart of Ukrane.” This ancient island’s history dates back thousands of years and reaches the roots of civilization. It is considered a sacred place in Ukraine and is one of the country’s seven wonders.

Built in 2003, the Khortytsa Distillery 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.

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.

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

Paul John Single Malts on a Winning Streak

June 25, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Bangalore, Karnataka (PRWEB) – Paul John Single Malts continue their sparkling run by bagging more awards for their celebrated expressions. The most recent honours were achieved at the World Whiskies Awards 2017, an international competition set up to choose the world’s finest whiskies. The Paul John Peated Select Cask was declared the Best Indian Single Malt. While Paul John Brilliance and Paul John Classic Select Cask were awarded Gold and Silver respectively. Furthermore, Mr Paul P John, Chairman of John Distilleries and the man behind the Paul John Single Malts, was declared the World Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year, one of the most prestigious awards to be won. He was lauded for his entrepreneurial skills and passion for premium products.

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Photo from Paul John Facebook page

At the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), 2017 the Paul John Single Malt Whiskies brought home five prestigious medals. One of the most prestigious and influential spirit competitions in the world, the SFWSC awarded us with three Double Gold and two Silver medals. The double gold medal winners are considered to be among the finest whiskies in the world. Our Bold, Edited, and Peated Select Cask expressions received the Double Gold medals, and the Paul John Bold was also proclaimed the “Best Other Whisky” by the judges, from over a 100 entries. Additionally, the Brilliance and Classic Select Classic expressions received Silver medals, given to outstanding spirits that show refinement, finesse and complexity.

Of the other prestigious awards won by the brand this year the first was at the Òran Mór Annual Whisky Awards, held at Glascow, Scotland. The 10th annual Òran Mór whisky awards was held on the 23rd of February, and Paul John Brilliance was proclaimed the Best Overseas Whisky. The unpeated single malt, which has previously won many awards, was commended for its sweet fragrance, honey-like smoothness and a beautifully relaxed finish.

The Paul John Single Malts were also honoured at the American Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2017. This world class event, judged by renowned experts who define the platinum standards for the industry, was led by F. Paul Pacult, known as the “Spirits Guru” of America, and is a life member of Kentucky’s Bourbon Hall of Fame. At this year’s event, which concluded on the 29th of March, he awarded the Chairman’s Trophy in the World Whisky category to Paul John Peated Select Cask, from among finalists like Armorik Classic and Bastille 1789 from France and Kavalan from Taiwan. The Peated Select Cask, known for its crisp layered flavours and delicate smokiness, was also given an “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation” and an excellent 96 point rating.

Commenting on the single malts winning many great honours, Mr Paul John stated, ‘it is indeed an honour to be recognised on such a global level and I hope to continue creating great whiskies that win the world over.’

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.

BWW – The World’s Largest Wine Competition Has Begun – Created By tastingbook.com

June 21, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

BWW – the Best Wine of the World Competition, true to its name, selects the Best Wines in the World. It 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.

The competition differs significantly from other wine competitions in that the wines are selected by consumers all around the world and many thousands wine during a three-month period of voting, which takes place on Tastingbook.com and via social media, such as Facebook and Instagram.

The public votes and points awarded by wine professionals are tallied, and the twenty wines with the most votes from each competition category enter the finals that will be held in the fall. In the finals, the wines undergo a blind evaluation by panels consisting of leading wine makers, wine writers, Masters of Wine and wine professionals.

The finals are held on three different continents – Europe, Australia and the United States – so that each region evaluates the wines from that region and its nearby areas.

Public voting commences on July 31, 2017 and concludes on October 30, 2017. Judging of the finalists will follow and BWW will announce the Best Wine in the World and the winners of the different categories at the inaugural BWW Awards Gala, to be held in the United States on January 25, 2018.

The competition is organized by the world’s largest wine information service Tastingbook.com (http://www.tastingbook.com) and the world’s leading fine wine magazines – FINE Magazines (http://www.fine-magazines.com).

For more information about the competition, please visit http://www.bestwineoftheworld.com.

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

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

Registration opened on May 21 at http://www.bestwineoftheworld.com and judging commences on July 31.

Canadian Cider Takes Top Prize At Dan Berger International Cider Awards

May 22, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Nearly 200 Ciders from across the globe were judged at the second annual Dan Berger International Cider Competition with the “Bittersweet” from Sea Cider Ciderhouse winning the Sweepstakes Award

(Santa Rosa, California) Bittersweet from Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse in British Columbia took the Sweepstakes Award for best cider at the Second Annual Dan Berger International Cider Competition (DBICC). The traditional English style cider is produced from apples grown in the Sea Cider’s own orchards. The Sea Cider Bittersweet beat out nearly 200 other ciders entered into the competition held in Sonoma County, California on May 5th.

The DBICC also awarded Best of Class medals in the following categories:

Common Cider Sweet
BROOKLYN CIDER HOUSE KINDA SWEET

Traditional Cider Dry
EVES CIDERY 2015 DARLING CREEK

Spanish Style Cider
BEREZIATUA GOURMET EDITION

Herbed/Hopped/Spiced Cider
MARCH FIRST BREWING DRY HOPPED CIDER

Fruit Cider
FOXCRAFT HARD CIDER BLOOD ORANGE

Pear Cider
FOX CRAFT HARD CIDER PEAR

Dessert/Iced/Pommeau
2 TOWNS CIDEROUSE 2014 POMMEAU

The Sweepstakes Award Sea Cider Bittersweet is made from a selection of traditional bittersweet cider apples including Dabinett and Yarlington Mills. Off dry and rich in tannin, the Sea Cider Bittersweet impressed the judges with its rich yet balanced style and a complexity that results from use of well-cultivated traditional cider apples. Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse is located in Saanichton, British Columbia.

We were thrilled by the diversity of styles of cider we saw at the competition this second year, said Tom Wark, director of the DBICC. No doubt this had much to do with the fact that we had entries from 20 different states and four different countries, which is a testament to the growing popularity of cider in the American marketplace.

The DBICC strives to raise the visibility of the best ciders sold in the American marketplace. Founded by Dan Berger, the Dean of American wine competitions and directed by Tom Wark, publisher of The Cider Journal, the DBICC accepted entries in 12 categories that were judged by cider and orchard professionals.

All the medal winners can be viewed at http://www.dbiwc.com/results/cider/_2017_Resultslist.php

Award Winning Spirits: Taste + Sustainability

May 3, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

FOUR GOLD MEDALS & BEST IN DIVISION FOR MARBLE DISTILLING CO. SPIRITS

Carbondale, CO – Marble Distilling Co. won four Gold Medals at the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition and Best in Division (Vodka) at Distilled: San Diego Spirit & Cocktail Competition.

A sustainable distillery nestled at the base of the Elk Mountains of Colorado, Marble Distilling Co. was awarded four Gold Medals at Denver International Spirits Competition (DISC) for the following signature spirits: Marble Vodka, Gingercello, Gingercello Reserve & Moonlight EXpresso. The founders of Wine Country Network formed DISC in 2011. This is one of the few international spirits competitions worldwide to be judged “double blind” by a panel of highly regarded beverage professionals including sommeliers, retail buyers, journalists, mixologists and beverage directors.

Coming on the heels of the DISC wins, Marble Distilling Co. was named Best in Division-Vodka for Marble Vodka at Distilled: San Diego Spirit & Cocktail Competition. Marble’s Gingercello & Gingercello Reserve also won Silver and Bronze Medals in the liqueur division. The San Diego County Fair hosts Distilled, one of the best spirit competitions in the country, with more than 180 entries from 85 distilleries around the world judged by industry professionals.

These awards come just after receiving a Master’s Medal in Green Initiatives, the highest award allotted, from The Global Spirits Masters series. Produced by UK-based The Spirits Business which has long celebrated the international spirits industry, they created the Global Distillery Masters to celebrate the achievements and innovations of the distilleries themselves, beyond their spirits. “This is an example of what you should be doing” said Judge David T. Smith, Founder of the Craft Distilling Expo. Smith went on the say “they (Marble Distilling Co.) have the additional challenge of having a hotel as well. I think it’s great that they are zero-waste.” Judge Nicholas Clark Director General of The Gin Guild remarked that “The figures for water savings are astonishing.”

“We are honored to receive these prestigious awards, as we are an emerging distillery,” said Co-Founder & Head Distiller Connie Baker. “Not only do we distill first-rate spirits, we are leaders in sustainable distilling, saving 4.1 million gallons of water annually and recapturing enough energy annually to power 20 homes.”

Drink Sustainably.
Marble Distilling Co. is a pioneer of sustainable distilling and is one of the only (if not the only) zero-waste distillery in the world. Our motto “Drink Sustainably” is the core of our business. MDC recaptures 100% of its process water & reuses energy harvested from the distillation process to heat its facility, saving more than 4 million gallons of water annually & capturing for reuse, enough energy to heat 20 homes. All grains are sourced locally & all stillage from MDC’s distillery is sent to local Carbondale ranchers. MDC – Saving the planet one bottle at a time!

About Marble Distilling Co. and The Distillery Inn

Located in the heart of Carbondale, Colorado’s Creative District, Marble Distilling Co. & The Distillery Inn is a family & friends owned craft spirits distillery, tasting room and luxury inn. The only distiller in the world to use the world-famous marble stone as a filtering agent, MDC currently offers four spirits – Marble Vodka, Moonlight EXpresso, Gingercello & Gingercello Reserve (Whiskey & Bourbon for future release). The Distillery Inn is the first and only inn in the world to be housed within an operational distillery – guests can “Sleep with the Stills”. The Distillery Inn offers luxury accommodation, with five sophisticated, contemporary rooms. For more information or to make a reservation call (970) 963-7008 or visit www.marbledistilling.com.

Follow Marble Distilling Co. & The Distillery Inn on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarbleDistilling
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarbleDistillin
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and Visit our YouTube Channel: Marble Distilling Co.