New Wines for the Jewish New Year

September 2, 2021 by evebushman

Bayonne, NJ – There’s little time to catch your breath between summer and the High Holiday season this year. With Labor Day and Rosh Hashana sharing the same date on the calendar, it’s not too soon to start thinking about festive meals, gatherings with loved ones, and other traditions that go hand-in-hand with the fall Jewish holidays.

Fortunately, we’ve had another exceptional year for kosher wine production. That means there’s an excellent selection of exciting releases to choose from – and one less thing to worry about. They’re ready to serve now, so whether you’re planning to host a crowd or be a guest, you’re sure to find something deliciously suitable for the holiday table.

Wine expert Gabriel Geller, Director of PR and Manager of Wine Education for Kedem/Royal Wine, has recommendations for wines that offer quality and value across all price points.

Herzog Wine Cellars celebrates the new Jewish year with its first release of the Herzog Limited Edition Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2020 (MSRP: $60). This rich and complex white wine is the result of careful harvest planning and skillful winemaking, led by Head Winemaker Joe Hurliman. The 2020 harvest in California was marked by some of the worst wildfires the Golden State has ever known. However, thanks to Divine Providence the harvest for the Chalk Hill Chardonnay took place before the fires, and yielded fruit of the highest quality.

Geller is also enthusiastic about Herzog Special Reserve Méthode Champenoise Russian River NV (MSRP $60), Herzog’s first-ever high-end Champagne method sparkling wine, is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in Sonoma’s Russian River area.

He also points to Château Malartic Lagravière Blanc 2019 (MSRP $100), the first kosher cuvée release by the Bordeaux estate. Malartic received elite Grand Cru Classé status for both its red and white wines in the 1959 Classification of Vins de Graves. Now owned by the Bonnie family, Malartic has produced several kosher cuvées of its red Grand Vin in collaboration with Royal Wine since 2003. Its sister property, Château Gazin Rocquencourt, started making kosher runs in 2015.

Another exciting release is Razi’el Syrah-Carignan 2018 (MSRP $65), says Geller. Razi’el wines scored 97 points by acclaimed wine critic James Suckling – the highest rating ever for Israeli wines. Meanwhile, Europe’s first fully kosher winery, Terra di Seta in Italy, received an unprecedented 97 points and a platinum medal from Decanter magazine for the Terra di Seta Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 (MSRP $35).

While many of this year’s newcomers are produced by classic, old-world methods, some intriguing surprises are in the mix. They include Nana Estate wines (MSRP $30-$50), grown and produced in Israel’s scorching, nutrient-poor Negev Desert. Nana earned widespread buzz even before their wines were available in the U.S.; with their innovative viticulture techniques, they’ve not only beaten the odds, but they’ve crafted a collection of distinctive and popular kosher wines.

Baron Herzog, the entry-level line of value wines from Herzog Wine Cellars retailing between $10-13, are now available with fresh, new labels. Baron Herzog wines were first launched in 1986, following the winery’s establishment in California in 1985. The elegant and classy packaging further emphasizes the care and attention the Herzog family crafts each and every wine they produce from top to bottom. The Baron Herzog line includes an award-winning Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, a Rosé, White Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio, Old Vines Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a red blend called Aleph. Several of the wines are grown in the Herzog’s estate Prince Vineyard in Clarksburg CA, as well as from Paso Robles AVA.

Then there’s Bartenura Froscato cocktail pops (MSRP $25 per package of 12). Bartenura is no stranger to bending the rules. After introducing the wildly popular Moscato in blue cans last year, the Italian kosher producer has now released refreshing Moscato frozen wine cocktail pops. Perfect for the warmer high holiday season.

About Royal Wine/Kedem

Founded in 1848, Royal Wine Corp. is owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots go back eight generations to its origin in Czechoslovakia.

Today, Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand and Argentina.

Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.’s spirit and liqueur portfolio offers some of the most sought-after scotches, bourbons, tequilas and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest, Mediterranean-inspired, contemporary Californian Cuisine. Follow Royal Wine Corp at @royalwinecorp and on FB https://www.facebook.com/RoyalWineCorp

Shibui Becomes Most Awarded Japanese Whisky to Launch in the United States

August 25, 2021 by evebushman

The Woman-Owned Company Earns Record Number of Accolades in Nine Months

NEW YORK/PRNewswire/ — Shibui Whisky has become the most awarded Japanese whisky brand to launch in the United States, earning a record number of accolades in its first nine months with 15 medals and 19 scores of 90 or above from global spirits competitions and world-renowned experts.

Among Shibui’s nine initial range offerings, the Single Grain 10-Year-Old Virgin White Oak was certainly a highlight, earning a staggering 95 points from the 2021 International Wine and Spirit Competition and 95 points from the 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, as well as recognition as a Chairman’s Trophy Finalist.

Part of IND Beverages, a woman-owned company founded by sisters Lauren and Rachel Simmons, Shibui launched in October with nine unique expressions aged up to 30 years. The sisters brought in Co-Owner and Head of Global Whisky Nicholas Pollacchi to lead Shibui to success.

“We are honored and delighted that Shibui whiskies have been so well received by some of the greatest aficionados and experts around the world, especially in such a short amount of time,” said Pollacchi. “We look forward to raising the bar so our customers can continue to raise a glass of award-winning whisky.”

Competing against 4,000 entrants from 86 countries at IWSC and similarly thousands of entrants from 52 countries at USC, Shibui is quickly making a name for itself in the spirits industry.

Highlights from International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) and Whisky Advocate (WA):

Shibui Niigata Range
Grain Select – USC: 90 points, SFWSC: Silver Medal
Pure Malt – IWSC: 92 points
Pure Malt 10 YO – IWSC: 91 points, USC: 92 points, SFWSC: Gold Medal

Shibui Okinawa Range
Single Grain Small Batch 8 YO Sherry Cask – WA: 90 points
Single Grain 10 YO Bourbon Cask – IWSC: 92 points, USC: 94 points & Chairman’s Trophy Finalist
Single Grain 10 YO Virgin White Oak Cask – IWSC: 95 points, USC: 95 points & Chairman’s Trophy Finalist
Single Grain 15 YO Sherry Cask – IWSC: 92 points, USC: 92 points, WA: 92 points
Single Grain 18 YO Sherry Cask – USC: 91 points
Single Grain 30 YO Rare Cask Reserve – WA: 91 points

ABOUT SHIBUI
Shibui whiskies are crafted by multiple award-winning distilleries from two different regions of Japan, making their range of whiskies truly unique. Shibui World Blends showcase the art of Niigata Master Blenders who create exquisite marriages of flavor using multi-cask maturation. Shibui Single Grain whiskies are a reflection of the Japanese distilleries in Okinawa who distill the grains of the land and make whisky unlike any other.

Trailblazers in transparency, Shibui wants consumers to know exactly what is in the glass. Shibui shares details about the distilleries, grains, blends, fermentation, distillation and maturation, as well as the fact that all Shibui whiskies are 100% natural in color.

Ranging from World Blends to Single Grain Japanese whiskies aged up to 30 years, Shibui is priced from $49 to just over $1,000 creating an opportunity to try a Shibui whisky at every level.

Visit Shibui @drinkshibui on Instagram and www.shibuiwhisky.com.

De Négoce Named “Wine Company of the Year,” Receives 53 Medals

August 23, 2021 by evebushman

NAPA VALLEY, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — De Négoce has been named “Wine Company of the Year” in the 18th Annual Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition. The company also received an unprecedented 53 medals, 35 of which were platinum and gold with 90 to 94-point scores for wines priced from $12 to $29.

“New company de Négoce, the brainchild of well-known negociant Cameron Hughes, is deserving of major kudos for delivering amazing value in bottlings from up and down the American West Coast and featuring famed appellations like Atlas Peak, Diamond Mountain District, Carneros and others,” said Rich Cook, director of Critics Challenge.

The platinum award winners were the OG N.41 2018 St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon ($29), OG N.89 2018 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon ($18), and OG N.132 2018 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ($25). Each received 94 points. Additionally, the winner of Best Cabernet Franc was de Négoce’s 2018 OG N.85 Cabernet Franc from Walla Walla Valley, while Best Petite Sirah went to their 2018 OG N.58 Petite Sirah from McDowell Valley. Both wines received gold medals and 91-point scores and are sold for $16 and $14, respectively.

Founded by wine critic Robert Whitley in 2003, Critics Challenge is one of the most important and respected wine and spirits competitions in the world. Entries are judged blind by noted wine and spirits journalists, bloggers and critics. With an unprecedented level of transparency, Critics Challenge publishes the comments and scores from the individual judges on the competition results page for all award-winning entries.

“We are thrilled to have received such accolades and high scores from this prestigious competition,” says Cameron Hughes, founder of de Négoce. “We want people to know that we are not selling discount wine. We are offering amazing value and access to high-end, award-winning luxury wines that would normally sell for 4 to 8 times the price. There is a big difference!”

Since launching last spring, de Négoce has shipped over 200 unique wines and well over 100,000 cases. More than 80 new wines have shipped in 2021 alone, with 80+ in the pipeline for the remainder of the year. For more information or to join the de Négoce mailing list, please visit deNegoce.com.

About de Négoce
Founded by Cameron Hughes, de Négoce offers the opportunity to pre-purchase ultra-premium wines from around the globe before they are bottled. Known in the trade as En Primeur or “futures,” buying wine prior to bottling allows for pricing at 60 to 80 percent less what you would pay under its original label. The platform also has an online bottle shop where customers can mix and match their own selections of ready-to-drink wines. For more information, please visit deNegoce.com.

Brännland Cider awarded IWSCs inaugural ice cider trophy

August 16, 2021 by evebushman

At IWSC:s inaugural international judging for cider produced as wine from 100% apple juice Brännland Cider won a number of medals, out of which five gold, in the class “Ice Cider – naturally cold produced”. The ice cider judged as the best in the entered field, taking home the class trophy, was Brännland Iscider Barrique 2013. The jury gave it 97 points and wrote:

”Aromatic and giving on the nose. The palate is elegant yet rich with fresh walnuts, spicy nutmeg and cinnamon wrapped around caramelised oranges and orange peel. This is so well balanced with great acidity. Complex example with depth and a long finish.”

Andreas Sundgren, founder, Brännland Cider,

“We made the decision a few years ago to stop competing but when we heard about the IWSC initiative this spring we felt the time had come for an exception. The IWSC puts its focus on judging rather than competition which strengthens an entire field of producers and they have, as the first organisation in Europe, split the ice cider class into two categories, differentiating between ice cider produced using natural cold and ice cider produced by other means, in line with the AOC in the country of origin. IWSC:s global position together with a strong jury made it impossible not to participate. We are honored and happy to have won these medals and to be a part of this historic initiative by the IWSC.”

Brännland Cider’s ice ciders are available in a number of international markets.

About Brännland Cider

Brännland Cider was founded a decade ago with the vision of creating a world class sweet wine using Swedish apples only and guided by the same principles as the greatest sweet wine producers around the world. In its ten years of existence the company has taken place in some of the world’s best restaurants to be served alongside legends like Yquem and Müller.

The company, situated on latitude 63 at par with Iceland, Greenland and Alaska, focuses entirely on ice cider, a sweet dessert wine born in the early 1990s in Quebec, Canada. The light warm summers and cold winters of the sub-arctic are ideally suited to produce ice cider. Parallel to developing European ice cider Brännland Cider are establishing the world’s northern most apple orchards.

The vision is a singular ice cider born out of singular and unique terroir. A truly Nordic terroir that can grow and develop for a century and beyond and rival the finest wine making regions in the world.

About the IWSC

With over 50 years of experience, the IWSC, or Club Oenologique as it was called back in 1969, was the first official wine and spirit competition.
The IWSC is proud to set the international benchmark for quality, standing out in the crowded world of drinks awards with hundreds of global experts.
IWSC judges consist of a mix of wine and spirit experts, such as leading sommeliers, Master of Wines and Master Sommeliers, and distillers from across the globe.
The IWSC is the go-to platform for having your wines or spirits tasted and reviewed by leading decision-makers from both the off- and on-trades, as well as by key influencers.
Whether you are looking for new distribution channels, local or global exposure, product benchmarking, greater brand awareness or simply expert feedback, the IWSC is there for you.

Brännland Cider produces ice cider using 100% Swedish apples for a national and international market. The company’s first vintage, an ice cider produced in the Swedish county of Västerbotten, not far from the arctic circle, using Swedish apples in adherence to the denomination set in the country of origin of ice cider, Canada, was released in 2012.

Yellow Rose Distilling Unveils Harris County Whiskey

August 12, 2021 by evebushman

Houston, PR Web – Yellow Rose Distilling, an award-winning distillery located in Houston, Texas, widely known as Houston’s first legal whiskey distillery, is pleased to announce the launch of Yellow Rose Harris County, a High Rye Bourbon. Named for the county in which the distillery is located, Harris County fits the characteristics of a high rye bourbon with 25% of the recipe coming from Texas-grown rye and uses all Texas grown corn and malted barley.

Making its debut across Texas, California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida this month, via distribution partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wines & Spirits, Harris County will retail for $44.99 per 750ml bottle.

Since launching its first whiskey in 2012, Yellow Rose Distillery has established itself as one of the premier Texas whiskey companies, with its portfolio comprised of three original whiskey offerings, Premium American, Rye and the flagship Outlaw Bourbon, alongside several limited batches. Yellow Rose Distilling has been focused on finding new, innovative expressions and processes, ultimately bringing consumers the finest Texas whiskey in the world. Since 2012, Yellow Rose Distillery has garnered some of the spirit industry’s highest accolades including ‘Best in Class’ for Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon at the American Distilling Institute and was recently awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition, Yellow Rose Rye collected a series of awards from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020, with a 96 Point rating and named Top 100 Spirits of 2020.

“Harris County Bourbon represents an evolutionary step forward and an important milestone for Yellow Rose Distillery. While in the past we had our gaze set as a single distiller toiled to create whiskey as quickly as possible, today we think in terms of how a talented core group of distillers will work together as we endeavor to create the ideal whiskey. The blueprints of Harris County Bourbon reflect this as we set out to create the best possible High Rye Bourbon from our little Houston Texas Distillery,” says Michael Langan General Manager of Yellow Rose Distillery. “We selected Texas grown grains, settled on double pot distilling and a low entry proof to barrel. This allows us to highlight our region as well as the expertise of our team, while paying homage to pre-prohibition techniques that we feel allow us to balance the maturation of this whiskey within our dynamic local climate. Despite its low entry proof, we choose to bottle at 92 proof to maintain density of flavor and mouthfeel that was hard earned in our slow double pot distillation and 30 months in the Texas heat and humidity.”

“The addition of Harris County rounds out the Yellow Rose portfolio perfectly. While most high rye bourbons are typically described as having a spicy character, we wanted more than spice alone, it needed to have an underlying sweetness with the typical vanilla, caramel, coconut notes. We are using all Texas grown and malted grains. We have the power of the Southeast Texas climate during maturation, and, in that regard, Harris County is not an imitation, nor can it be imitated,” says Houston Farris, Head Distiller at Yellow Rose Distillery.

In addition to Harris County making its debut, and due to increasing sales and increased brand awareness of all the Yellow Rose Marques, the distillery has been expanded. As a result of the expansion, the Yellow Rose Distillery has undergone a major refurbishment of its visitor and experience center. Features include a brand-new bar, lounge, presentation and tasting rooms well as a new 1,200 sq ft. outdoor deck.

On the nose of Harris County, you’ll find notes of brown sugar, cherry, fruit-wood smoke, toasted pecan, and tobacco. Upon tasting, brown sugar and cinnamon engulfs, followed by warm pecan pie, balancing the spice profile, paired with toasted coconut, black tea, and peanuts. Finishing with sweetness throughout, combined with a pop of cinnamon candy.

Yellow Rose Harris County is available in 750ml, bottled at 92 proof (46% Alc/Vol), with a suggested retail price of $44.99 per bottle. Like all Yellow Rose offerings, Harris County will be sold at a variety of premium liquor stores, bars, and restaurants across the United States.

About Yellow Rose Distillery

We’re proud to bring you the finest whiskey from the first legal distillery in the City of Houston since Prohibition. This isn’t one of those distilleries with rolling hill and fields – we craft our whiskey in the heart of the city, where the art of making fine whiskey is married with the spirit of the city it’s born in. The idea for Yellow Rose Whiskey was born one night among friends more than 10 years ago. In the years since, Yellow Rose Distillery has challenged traditions, won awards, and put the city of Houston, Texas, on the global whiskey map. Fittingly, our name Yellow Rose pays homage to a legendary character, Emily West, The Yellow Rose of Texas, known for her bravery and independent nature. Yellow Rose Distilling’s core portfolio currently includes Premium American, Rye, Harris County, Outlaw Bourbon and several limited-edition offerings. For additional information please visit https://yellowrosedistilling.com/

Internationally Award-Winning RUM Co. of Fiji Wins Top Consumer and Bartender Awards

August 10, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Internationally award-winning RUM Co. of Fiji, the only rum distillery in the Fiji Islands, is proud to announce that it has been recognized at the 2021 SIP Awards and Bartender Spirits Awards with its premium rum ranges, Bati and Ratu. Across the acclaimed competitions—judged by consumers and the trade—RUM Co. of Fiji won an Innovation Award, four Platinum Awards, four Gold Medals and three Silver Medals.

Made from the molasses from hand-cut Fijian sugar cane grown in rich volcanic soil, RUM Co. of Fiji’s rums express the island’s unique position as “Paradise on Earth.” The sugar cane in Fiji has been grown and harvested since 1863 by generations of independent farmers, and the distillery uses only the purest local water to produce its exquisite rums, filtering them through coconut-shell carbon for a softer, rounded mouthfeel. Maturation accelerates in Fiji’s Southern Hemisphere climate, so that RUM Co. of Fiji can achieve complex flavor profiles at younger ages. Master Distiller & Blender Liam Costello works with both pot and column stills, blending different distillates to create the two ranges: premium 2-year-old Bati and super-premium Ratu, aged 5 to 8 years.

Heath Baker, Head of International Sales – RUM Co. of Fiji, noted that the accolades by trade and consumers are a turning point in the USA for the brand. “These awards support our passion and vision to make Fiji known as the new home of rum,” he said. “We have built an excellent base in our home markets of Australia and the Pacific, and we see North America as our greatest long-term opportunity to embed this vision.”

The SIP Awards are the only internationally recognized spirits competition that sees consumers become the judges, while the Bartender Spirits Awards are judged by globally respected bartenders, bar managers and on-premise buyers for the on-premise industry.

In the SIP Awards:

Ratu 8-Year Signature Rum Liqueur won an Innovation and Platinum “Best of Class” Award
Bati 2-Year Spiced Rum also won an exclusive Platinum “Best of Class” Award, while – – Ratu 5-Year Dark Rum and Bati 2-Year White Rum both won Platinum Awards; and
Ratu 5-Year Spiced Rum and Bati 2-Year Dark Rum both took home Gold Medals.

In the Bartender Spirits Awards:

Ratu Signature Rum Liqueur, Ratu Spiced Rum and Bati White Rum each received a – – Gold Medal, scoring highly across all aspects of judging: mixability, balance and versatility, taste, mouthfeel and finish, package, and price; and
Ratu Dark Rum, Bati Spiced Rum and Bati Dark Rum all won Silver Medals

Lucy Dodgson, Brand Manager – RUM Co. of Fiji, said, “RUM Co. of Fiji prides itself on having a versatile portfolio with broad trade and consumer appeal. We put a lot of emphasis on building bartender and consumer brand advocacy, so these awards are the ultimate seal of approval, and are further testament to Fiji being an exceptional and credible rum-producing nation.”

Mike Spencer, General Manager, Paradise Beverages, echoed the pride in receiving these awards as a fantastic acknowledgement of the hard work and passion from the team in Fiji. “This is again wonderful recognition for all our people involved in the making of these exceptional rums. These wins serve to amplify Paradise Beverages’ vision of proudly sharing and exporting local Fijian beverages to the world,” he said.

RUM Co. of Fiji is proudly distributed in California by Republic National Distributing Company, in partnership with Broken Shed Vodka. The suggested prices for each spirit are as follows: Ratu Signature: $38.99, Ratu Dark and Spiced: $34.99 and Bati (all expressions): $18.99.

About RUM Co. of Fiji

RUM Co. of Fiji is built on an ethos of authenticity, craftsmanship and passion and draws its inspiration – and its identity – from Fijian heritage and culture. The rums are a story of balance and harmony, a coming together of the land’s unique elements and the hands that work with them, crafted in Lautoka, Fiji, by award-winning Master Distiller & Blender Liam F. Costello, together with RUM Co. of Fiji’s passionate and dedicated distillery team. Since launching in 1980, RUM Co. of Fiji has won more than 130 international awards across several prestigious competitions, including the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition, 2020 Melbourne International Spirits Competition and 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. RUM Co. of Fiji is owned by Fiji’s leading beverages manufacturer, Paradise Beverages (Fiji) Limited, which is part of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

RUM Co. of Fiji is proudly distributed in California by Republic National Distributing Company, in partnership with Broken Shed Vodka. For more information on RUM Co. of Fiji, visit http://www.rumcooffiji.com or follow @rumcooffiji on Facebook or Instagram.

About Broken Shed Vodka

Broken Shed Vodka is based in Wanaka, New Zealand. Distilled, crafted and bottled in New Zealand ever since its inception in 2009, its vodka draws upon the country’s natural aquifer and spring waters, without any hint of gluten, additives, sugars or GMOs. Since entering the U.S. market in June 2012, Broken Shed Vodka has won a legion of loyal fans, and an impressive collection of awards. Broken Shed Vodka started in a ‘broken’ down old shed on Lake Wanaka where the formula was originally crafted and produced. Broken Shed Vodka is proud of the strong and experienced sales team they have built. The brand approaches the market with innovative strategies and well-defined focus in all of their markets. Due to this, Broken Shed is able to offer newly-launched spirits brands strong partnership and collaborations, which expand distribution, increase offerings to trade and provide customers access to world-class premium spirits. Learn more about Broken Shed Vodka at http://www.brokenshed.com.

Broken Shed Vodka, 40% ABV, Distilled from Whey. Imported to the USA by Broken Shed Imports, Manhasset, NY. Broken Shed Vodka is produced by Broken Shed Limited, Wanaka, New Zealand. Drink Responsibly. © 2021

Vara Winery and Distillery High Desert Gin Receives High Marks East to West

July 24, 2021 by evebushman

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (PRWEB) – Vara Winery & Distillery’s High Desert Gin received Double Gold at the 2021 New York International Spirits Competition, along with five other medals including “New Mexico Distillery of the Year.” The New York International Spirits Competition is an annual judging of spirits that occurs each spring in New York City. The competition is unusual in that it is one of the few competitions that relies entirely on judges drawn exclusively from the beverage trade.

“Our first Double Gold medal in the Las Vegas Proof awards in December 2020 was humbling, and now this second Double Gold medal from the New York International Spirits Competition serves to validate our inspiration and execution of Vara High Desert Gin,” said Doug Diefenthaler, co-owner at Vara Winery & Distillery. “We seem to have found agreement with our idea of a lighter and more aromatic style of Gin and our distilling team has successfully interpreted our inspirations and has masterfully given life to this intriguingly delicious spirit.”

Vara stayed true to its mission of producing an international family of Spanish and American wines and spirits. Vara co-founders Doug Diefenthaler and Xavier Zamarripa were inspired to create a gin after noticing Spaniards’ affection for gin during their frequent trips there. The Spanish began to make their own gin using botanicals and blossoms found in the Mediterranean. Diefenthaler and Zamarripa wanted to emulate that style of gin. Albuquerque does not have the same botanicals found in the Mediterranean but what it does have is high-desert mountainous aromatics. Vara’s small-batch gin features 13 botanicals and is distilled from New Mexico grapes.

“The only other major unique thing about this is it’s not from a neutral grain spirit; it’s from a neutral grape spirit,” Diefenthaler said. “We start with a fruit-based distillation to make this, as opposed to a grain-based distillation. The aromatics that are in this from our region like to attach to that grape spirit. This is just unrivaled. It’s got nice weight, a nice texture and finish.”

Vara Winery & Distillery’s High Desert Gin won Double Gold at the 2020 PR%F Awards, and recently took Double Gold at the 2021 The New York International Spirits Competition.

The gin and other award-winning Vara spirits are available at the Winery and Distillery, 315 Alameda NE, and soon to be available for shipping nationally online at varaspirits.com

Tommy Bahama Spirits Wins A Remarkable Six Awards At The 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, including Double Gold

June 10, 2021 by evebushman

CASHMERE, WASH. (PRWEB) – Coral Cay Beverage Group is thrilled to announce that Tommy Bahama Spirits was recognized with a remarkable six (6) medals at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). The SFWSC honored Tommy Bahama Mango Vodka with Double Gold (Unanimous “Gold” by 30+ judges), Tommy Bahama Copper Finished Vodka a Gold Medal, Tommy Bahama Island Gin a Silver Medal, Tommy Bahama No.2 Rum a Silver Medal, Tommy Bahama Cucumber Vodka a Bronze Medal and finally Tommy Bahama Rye with a Bronze Medal. With these six new medals, Tommy Bahama Spirits extends its run of medalling with every Spirit it enters in every competition.

About San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the oldest and most reputable competitions of its kind. Every year, esteemed judges from around the world come together to engage in the blind tasting process that ensures every entry is judged fairly. The judges of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition are seasoned experts of their industry, each with a well-defined story and trusted palate.

About Coral Cay Beverage Group
Coral Cay Beverage Group utilizes every known distillation known to science including, cold distillation to achieve the brightest flavor and aromatic essences from each individual botanical. Currently producing distilled spirits, Ready to drink vodka + sparkling water, wine spritzers, ready to serve cocktails and craft beer. Coral Cay Beverage Group takes Luxury Relaxation to a new level with products in 4/5 of the top trending beverage categories. To learn more about Coral Cay Beverage Group, please visit: https://www.coralcaybeveragegroup.com/, and follow along on Facebook.com/SipTheIslandLife + Instagram @TommyBahamaSpirits.

About Tommy Bahama Spirits
A lifestyle with no deadlines or demands, where one has the space to reconnect with simple pleasures; the world of Tommy Bahama offers the chance to breathe freely, live spontaneously, and relax in style. To this iconic brand, we add the bespoke beverage selections of Coral Cay Beverage Group, exclusively producing Tommy Bahama Spirits. A portfolio comprised of hand crafted spirits, a lineup of Travelers to take with you wherever relaxation happens!

All-New Spirits Tasting Competition Targets Fledgling Distilleries

January 13, 2021 by evebushman

SPOKANE, WASH. (PRWEB) – Distillery University, the long-time provider of online and hands-on education for craft distillers, announced they would be offering a new Tasting Competition for the industry with a unique twist. Unlike other similar competitions, entrants would be limited to those licensed distilleries that have been in business for five years or less (international entries are also permitted). Registrations are opening soon for a variety of competitive categories, with the Competition taking place in May 2021 in Spokane, WA.

“Our goal is to create a platform for new distillers to get the insight, promotion and exposure they might not otherwise have access to.” – Rockwell Rutter, CEO, Distillery University.

With other competitions, the winner’s circle is often dominated by big brands and deep pockets; they’ve had years with which to perfect their recipes and can afford top-quality ingredients. This can make it difficult for the startups and new operations to compete at the same level. Distillery University plans to level the playing field by offering the truly talented small distilleries a chance to show off their best products and get some well-deserved promotion. At the same time, this is a great opportunity for those same distilleries to get an unbiased critique and analysis of their spirits from a group of experts.

Providing that analysis will be a blind panel of approximately 15 judges, all hand-picked by DU as leaders in their respective fields. For example, the judging panel will include sommeliers, brewers, chefs, journalists, bartenders and more. Over the course of several days in May 2021, these judges will critically sample each spirit submission and provide not only a rating score, but also tasting notes that will be released to the distillery. Distilleries will be awarded medals based on their resulting scores, while select winners will be offered a product placement meeting with a large spirits retailer.

“We believe the Next Great Distillery has yet to be found, and this is how we plan to do it.” – Rockwell Rutter, CEO, Distillery University

Distillery University is the premier provider of online and hands-on education for craft distillers. Since 2012 they have offered a fully comprehensive curriculum for those wishing to enter the industry, or those with a desire to broaden their existing skillset. Distillery University’s nearly 1500 students enjoy a wide range of course topics, covering everything from product development to business management. Students can choose to learn online through self-paced video courses, livestreaming webinars, or in-person at a multi-day Hands-on Workshop. Distillery University’s main goal is to make it as easy as possible for true craft distillers to realize their dream of making phenomenal spirits in a successful business.

Neft Vodka: a Vodka to Sip!

December 25, 2020 by evebushman

I’ve tasted a lot of vodka over the years. Flavorless and colorless are two descriptors assigned to it most often in spirit education courses. But, when you taste vodka over a period of time you can detect certain nuances, things that make them differ, and in the case with Neft, stand above the pack.

For most tasters, beginners to experts, it’s the alcohol burn that sets them apart. Inexpensive vodka can be quite harsh – lots of burn – while other more sought after brands – have little to no burn, but also have some interesting qualities. Neft is one of those.

When my sample arrived I was immediately surprised at the tin container it came in. Did some reading and learned that the tin cylinder leaves less of a carbon imprint, it’s not breakable and will stay cold longer. The sample also came with instructions for tasting. As I’ve said I’ve tasted plenty, but in the essence of a true vodka lover I followed their suggestions: how long to chill it, the type of glass to use, to try alone and not in a cocktail, how to nose the vodka, etc. This is the result:

As instructed we didn’t freeze, only chilled in freezer for an hour before sampling. Tasted neat and in a small glass:

Observation in glass: clear and clean, like a finely filtered water. No minerals or impurities.

Aroma from two inches away and swirling: reminded me of a a very fine sake, like a daiginjo where the sake rice has been milled down to 50%. With a gentle sweetness, as well as a creaminess, and some slightly buttery and even nutty notes.

Flavor: Smooth, burn on the mid palate only and not immediate. Still reminding me of a fine cold sake but of course, this is definitely a smooth and creamy vodka. The mouthfeel makes me want to sip alone, not masked by ingredients in a cocktail or even with ice. If I hold on the palate, the way whisky master blender Richard Patterson instructs for tasting single malt scotch, the mouthfeel only becomes rounder and more balanced.

Conclusion: This is not your mother’s vodka. This is a whole new generation, and a new level, of sippingvodka. 99 Eve points.

From Neft:

NEFT IS MADE FROM THE PUREST INGREDIENTS

NEFT is made from only four non-GMO European ryes and the purest water from the Austrian Alps. No additives. No sweeteners.

Our four grains of ancient rye species (Amato, Askari, Rasant and Pollino) are used in our proprietary blend. When brought together, the result is an award-winning taste with unprecedented smoothness.

It takes fifty years for the water we use to make its way from its source to our secured aquifer. During this time, gravity slowly draws the most important ingredient of our vodka through slate and granite. As it slowly seeps through crystalline rock, it’s purified for decades creating the purest water in the world.

NEFT USES SMALL-BATCH DISTILLING

NEFT is distilled in Lustenau, Austria near the Rhine River and Switzerland Border.
Our distillery has been perfecting small-batch, curated spirits for over 130 years.
NEFT is distilled three times in a copper-pot still.
We use a proprietary activated, carbon-layer filtration process.

NEFT IS AWARD WINNING
Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2019 & 2018

Best Vodka, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2018

98-point rating, The Tasting Panel

92-point rating & Gold Medal, Beverage Testing Institute

Gold Medal, The Fifty Best

Gold Medal, Best Tasting Spirits

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 16k 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