Eve's Wine 101

The Best Whiskeys in Texas from the Texas Whiskey Festival!

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AUSTIN, TEXAS (PRWEB) – Each year the Texas Whiskey Festival hosts a competition to determine who has the best Texas Bourbon, Rye, and Malt Whiskey. With a panel of judges, we conduct the competition with a method known as blind judging. The brands and specific whiskeys they are tasting are unknown to the judges. “Our panel of judges smell and taste their way through each whiskey, rating the aroma, taste complexity, and finish,” says Co-Founder Jake Clements.

Bourbon: Grain to Glass

  • Still Austin Whiskey Co. – Cask Strength Straight Bourbon
  • Shire Distilling Co. – Cask Strength Percheron Bourbon
  • Ironroot Republic Distilling – Harbinger 115 Straight Bourbon

Bourbon: Aged and Bottled in Texas

  • Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery – 6 year Single Barrel Bourbon
  • Oak & Eden – Bourbon & Vine
  • Luckenbach Road Whiskey – Straight Bourbon

Rye Whiskey: Grain to Glass

  • Tahwahkaro Distilling – Texas Rye Malt Whiskey
  • Maverick Whiskey – Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Devils River Whiskey – Straight Rye Whiskey

Rye Whiskey: Aged and Bottled in Texas

  • William Price Distilling – Straight Rye finished in bourbon barrels
  • Oak & Eden – Rye & Rumba
  • Old Humble Distilling Company – Double Oak Straight Rye

Malt Whiskey: Grain to Glass

  • Andalusia Whiskey Co. – Stryker Smoked Single Malt
  • Acre Distilling Co. – Texas Single Malt
  • Spirit of Texas Brewing and Distilling – Pfluger Single Malt Whiskey

Other Whiskeys: includes whiskeys aged in used barrels, blended whiskey, and light whiskey.

  • Austin Craft Spirits – Austin 85 Light Whiskey
  • Maverick Whiskey – Straight Triticale Whiskey
  • Dripping Springs Distilling – Republic Whiskey

“These are their winners, but remember the best whiskey is the one you like,” says Co-Founder Jake Clements. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite distillery to decide on the people’s choice award.

You can taste the best Texas whiskeys and many more. It doesn’t matter if you are an avid whiskey drinker or think you might like whiskey this is an opportunity for you to try new whiskeys and meet the people that make them. You will get to choose from 70+ whiskeys made by the 34 distilleries participating.

It is a night of sampling new whiskey, meeting friends, and enjoying food, cigars, and music. Get your tickets HERE!

Thank you to the Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co for hosting us. A big thank you to our talented judges.

  • Nino Kilgore-Marchetti is a whiskey writer and the owner/editor in chief of The Whiskey Wash, an award winning whiskey lifestyle website.
  • Mark Shilling is the CEO at SUSTO Mezcal and Partner at Big Thirst.
  • Big Thirst represents some Texas brands, but Mark does not work on production of any brands in the whiskey category.
  • Lance Kotal, Friend of the Festival, Tejas level and a big fan of whiskey.

About the Texas Whiskey Festival
The festival’s mission is simple: To help promote and enhance the brands of the many great distilleries throughout Texas. We want to promote and educate whiskey lovers about the whiskeys produced in our great state. We’re doing it all while having fun, drinking great whiskey, and building memorable experiences. As an organization, we know that Texas has some of the best distilleries and whiskeys globally. The Texas Whiskey Festival is an opportunity to showcase that. For more information, please visit https://txwhiskeyfest.com.

Party Seltzer Becky Personality Juice Takes Home Silver Medal From Largest World Spirits Competition After Only 15 Months on the Market

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SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (PRWEB) – Becky Personality Juice, one of the newest hard seltzer brands on the market, announced that it was awarded the prestigious silver medal for each of its four flavors from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 22nd annual judging of spirits.

This competition, hosted by parent company Tasting Alliance, is the oldest, biggest and most influential competition in North America. This year, approximately 5,000 spirits were evaluated over two weeks in April 2022 by a panel of 70 judges from around the world. This represented the largest number of entrants that the competition has ever received.

Becky Personality Juice comes in four flashy flavors: pink lemonade, passion fruit, mango and tropical cherry. It was founded in January 2021 when Eric Burdick and Sheldon Wiley, both veterans in the nightlife and hospitality space, recognized a gap in the market for a seltzer that had a bold flavor and an equally bold marketing spin. Becky was conceived specifically to appeal to Gen Z, and the brand’s plan for national distribution is to follow the bachelorette party crowd.

SWFSC medal winners represent some of the most renowned international distillers to small-batch producers, both established beverages and brand new products alike. An award from the SWFSC is a universally recognized indicator of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. The silver medal specifically recognizes outstanding spirits that show refinement, finesse and complexity.

“We’ve always been confident that Becky Personality Juice is an award-winning seltzer, but the fact that it was honored with the prestigious recognition of silver medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition less than two years after we launched the product just blows our minds,” said Eric Burdick, cofounder & CMO of Becky Personality Juice. “This is a huge deal in our industry and will undoubtedly help us bring Becky to more markets across the U.S. quickly.”

Currently, Becky Personality Juice is available in all BevMo and Total Wine stores in Arizona and the Nashville and greater Tennessee area through its distribution partner, Lipman Brothers.

The brand is also working with Southern Wine & Spirits, the world’s pre-eminent alcohol distributor, to take the product nationwide. The brand is specifically eyeing an immediate expansion into California, Florida, Texas, Illinois and South Carolina.

Since the launch, the product has exceeded initial projections.

“It has been amazing to watch the demand continue to accelerate for Becky,” said Sheldon Wiley, co-founder and COO of Becky Personality Juice. “We are working hard on identifying additional distribution partners to continue to expand our reach. We’re fully loaded with inventory and ready to keep bringing our award-winning seltzer to the masses.”

Sales of hard seltzers skyrocketed in 2020 by 130%, pushing the ready-to-drink sector ahead of total spirits. According to a recent report by IMARC Group, the hard seltzer market is expected to grow at around 11% per year through 2026.

For more information about Becky Personality Juice, please visit http://www.tastebecky.com.

Old Elk Distillery Releases Limited Series Blends: Four Grain and Double Wheat

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FORT COLLINS, COLO. (PRWEB) – Old Elk Distillery is proud to announce the release of two additional expressions of Master Distiller Greg Metze’s Master’s Blend Series: Old Elk Four Grain and Old Elk Double Wheat.

Old Elk’s Master’s Blend Series is the creation of new tasting experiences for whiskey aficionados nationwide. “By marrying traditional favorites, award-winning bourbons and whiskeys, and a bold sense of adventure, we have created two exquisite, unique whiskies that I am personally very excited to share with the world,” says Greg Metze. Creating some of the most celebrated spirits in the world for over four decades, Greg’s experience is apparent in every sip.

“We are so proud of what Greg has accomplished with these two new releases,” adds Old Elk’s CEO, Luis Gonzalez. “At Old Elk, we value innovation, quality, craftsmanship and integrity beyond anything else, and Greg has really poured those values into these liquids.”

Old Elk Double Wheat Straight Whiskey is a combination of two of Old Elk’s most beloved and awarded wheater whiskeys: Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey and Old Elk Wheated Bourbon Straight Bourbon Whiskey, creating a unique pour. The liquid yields a higher proof (107.1), and a brighter profile whiskey with fresh and crisp tasting notes and an undeniable presence of fruit. Old Elk’s Double Wheat is doubling down on all the classic notes that make their traditional wheaters beloved. Aged 6-8 years. Mashbill: 71.5% Wheat, 25% Corn, and 3.5% Barley; ABV: 53.55%

Old Elk Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a blend of all four cereal grains including corn, wheat, barley, and rye, leading to a complete profile. The result honors tradition while leading the palate on a rare journey of flavor. Fans will recognize the smooth base with hints of almond, vanilla, maple, and spices creating a balanced sweet and spicy profile at a higher proof (105.9). Aged 6-7 years. Mashbill: 51% Corn, 22.5% Wheat, 19% Barley, 7.5% Rye; ABV: 52.95%

“My goal was to always create whiskeys that bring generations together over one bottle. It’s humbling to see my four decades of experience in the industry merging in the Master’s Blend Series,” adds Metze. “With the Master’s Blend Series, I am taking my expertise and creating new and innovative whiskeys for the true aficionado – the one seeking something to discover.”

Old Elk’s Master’s Blend Series will be distributed by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and will be a national limited release, available at select retailers in the U.S. with a suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750 ml bottle. For more information, please visit http://www.oldelk.com.

ABOUT OLD ELK DISTILLERY
Rooted in innovation, quality, craftsmanship, and integrity, Old Elk Distillery of Fort Collins, CO was founded in 2013. Founder Curt Richardson’s desire was to create a distinctive portfolio of whiskeys that embodied his passion for whiskey, and he succeeded. In 2016, Greg Metze joined the team as Master Distiller, bringing his 40 years of experience in the whiskey industry to Old Elk. While the signature Old Elk Slow Cut® proofing process takes significantly longer than most recipes, taking the time to proof slowly makes all the difference. The proof is in the liquid. Today, the Old Elk portfolio is available in all 50 states and contains Old Elk Whiskey, including the flagship Blended Straight Bourbon, Whiskeysmith Co.™ Flavored Whiskey, Dry Town® Gin, and Nooku® Bourbon Cream. For more information, please visit http://www.oldelk.com.

Singular bottle of 27-litre 2003 Sine Qua Non The Inaugural Syrah to Command Auction

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Los Angeles – The Legacy Cellar Foundation will unveil its first fundraiser in grand fashion with a wine of legends: the singular 27-liter bottle of 2003 Sine Qua Non The Inaugural Syrah. The 100-point wine, a generous donation from The Wine Advocate founder, Robert M. Parker, Jr., will be served at “A Goliath 60th Celebration” benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and its mission of “Finding cures. Saving children.®” on Saturday, May 14. The wine will be served alongside dinner prepared by James Beard award winning chef, Nancy Silverton and Steve Samson, chef and owner of Superfine and Rossoblu.

Legacy Cellar Foundation Director Garth Hodgdon.

The intimate, unprecedented affair will be held at a private residence in Bel Air, California. The opportunity to savor the one-of-a-kind wine and dinner is limited to 60 St. Jude supporters to commemorate the 60th anniversary of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, founded in 1962. The evening will honor the legacy of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas and his family, which has carried on his dream. Thomas’ vision for the organization was as rare today as it was then: a research hospital where children with catastrophic diseases receive care and treatment regardless of their ability to pay.

“Through the generosity of Robert M. Parker, Jr. we are thrilled to support his desire to raise much- valued resources for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with this incredible wine, the only bottle of its kind,” said Garth Hodgdon, director of The Legacy Cellar Foundation. Attendance is in such high demand that much of the event is already committed and Hodgdon estimates that a minimum of $3 million will be raised through the once-in-a-lifetime dinner. Tickets may be purchased by contacting St. Jude here.

Because of generous donors and events like this, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Plus, treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened in 1962. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.

“We are so very grateful that the Legacy Cellar Foundation will help celebrate 60 years of St. Jude advancing lifesaving research and treatment,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “The funds raised from this gala will make a difference now and in the future of childhood cancer patients by helping St. Jude with its six- year, $11.5 billion strategic plan which includes tripling its global investment and impacting more of the 400,000 kids around the world with cancer each year.”

The inaugural fundraiser for The Legacy Cellar Foundation champions its mission “to convert wine collections into charitable donations – bringing a previously untapped source of funding to the philanthropic sector, enabling greater positive impact and ensuring curated wine collections will be enjoyed by future enthusiasts.” Parker, who plans to pull from his impressive wine collection to raise money for causes important to him and his family, personally selected St. Jude for this initial donation.

More than 20 years ago, Parker, who is widely regarded as the most influential wine critic in the world, recognized the exceptional quality of the harvest and tasked Sine Qua Non’s winemaker, Manfred Krankl, with a commemorative, Goliath bottle. He sought to one day open the bottle for a special occasion, and now, in recognition of the bottle’s tremendous worth, is donating the wine to raise money for St. Jude.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the inaugural fundraiser for The Legacy Cellar Foundation, which provides an innovative new model that makes it possible for me to give 100% of the proceeds from the donation of this wine to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Parker. “This incredibly special one-of-a-kind bottle from my personal cellar will be converted into a multimillion-dollar gift to honor St. Jude’s Goliath 60th anniversary and advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.”

The 2003 Syrah is the first made entirely from Sine Qua Non’s Eleven Confessions’ vineyard in the cool Santa Rita Hills appellation. Made from 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, the wine was bottled in 2007 after 38.5 months of aging in French oak. The 2003 vintage precipitated what has become a storied and magical career for Krankl. Parker’s 100-point review of the wine by The Wine Advocate described it as:

“The mind-boggling 2003 The Inaugural Syrah is an emotional experience to taste as well as drink. Aged 38 1/2 months in French oak, it was fashioned entirely from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard, which is planted with Syrah clones #470, 174, and the Estrella River and Alban field selections. This stunning Syrah boasts a magnificent bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, charcoal, licorice, and roasted meats. It hits the palate with remarkable intensity, purity, and full-bodied power, but it somehow manages to dance across the taste buds with the gracefulness of a ballerina.”

Enlisted to prepare a main course to match such an exceptional wine is none other than Silverton, who famously founded La Brea Bakery and later Campanile with her former husband, the late Mark Peel, and Krankl, who led the wine program for the James Beard Award-winning restaurant. After the sale of La Brea Bakery in 2003, Krankl dedicated his full efforts to Sine Qua Non and it was that same year that the 27-litre bottle of Sine Qua Non The Inaugural Syrah was bottled.

Silverton attended Le Cordon Bleu in London and launched her culinary career in the early 1980s as pastry chef of Wolfgang Puck’s original Spago, during which time she penned her first cookbook, “Desserts.” After selling La Brea Bakery, which had become the largest artisanal bakery in the United States, she opened Osteria Mozza, Nancy’s Fancy and Pizzette. Silverton was most recently named Culinary Ambassador of The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn.

More information about The Legacy Cellar Foundation can be found at www.legacycellar.org; and more information about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital can be found at www.stjude.org.

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About The Legacy Cellar Foundation:

The Legacy Cellar Foundation is a 501c3 donor-advised fund that will collect, authenticate and liquidate wine collections for charitable purposes. The organization’s mission is to convert wine collections into charitable donations – bringing a previously untapped source of funding to the philanthropic sector, enabling greater positive impact and ensuring curated wine collections will be enjoyed by future enthusiasts. More information about The Legacy Cellar Foundation and upcoming events can be found on the website at www.legacycellar.org, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

ADOBE ROAD WINERY WINS LA INVITATIONAL WINE AND SPIRITS CHALLENGE

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(Petaluma, Calif.)— Renowned family-owned producer, Adobe Road Winery is pleased to announce its 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer Vineyards-Georges III was honored with multiple awards at the inaugural 2022 LA Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge. The judges bestowed Adobe Road Winery with its prestigious Overall Winner “Best of the Best” along with “Best of Class” in the Cabernet Sauvignon category and “Best of Show” in the red wine category. The competition also awarded the wine 100 points making it the most talked-about wine of the entire competition. The winery secured additional awards during this year’s voting process including “Double Gold” for its 2018 Blue Dog Cabernet Sauvignon and “Gold” for its 2019 Sangiacomo Pinot Noir.

“It’s great when the team gets recognized for their hard work. We have an amazing group of people that are very good at what they do,” says Owner, Kevin Buckler. “There’s no secret sauce, it’s just passion and drive to make the best wines we possibly can.”

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon This 2017 Beckstoffer Georges III sports intense aromatics of licorice, shaved dark chocolate, ripe red fruits, and pencil lead. Since debuting, it has become one of Adobe Road Winery’s most desired red wines, known for a palate explosion of crushed blackberries and toffee mixed with forest floor and graphite. Super fine dusty tannins add focus and length to the extended finish.  The wine was barrel-aged for 30 months in 90% New French Oak and 10% Neutral French Oak. It comes charging off the line with an opaque black color in the glass. (SRP: $195)

“Making wine from a famous and historical vineyard such as Beckstoffer Vineyards Georges III is always a joy. The grapes are perfectly suited to their site there in Rutherford, expressing everything that is good from the soil, sunshine, and careful attention that the vineyard managers give. The resulting wines always speak eloquently of their place and time,” says Winemaker Garrett Martin. “2017 in Napa started unusually cool and wet. The season progressed into an intense summer with a few heat waves that accelerated ripening. Making the best wines in 2017 meant working extremely closely with our vineyard partners to make quick and thoughtful decisions to harvest incredible grapes.

About Adobe Road Winery

Kevin and Debra Buckler established Adobe Road Winery in 2002 with a commitment to making the very best small-lot wines by sourcing premier fruit from some of the most historic and finest family-owned vineyards in Sonoma and Napa Counties. To learn more visit adoberoadwines.com

About TRG and “The Racing Series”

Kevin and Debra founded TRG (The Racers Group) 30 years ago and have grown the company into one of the most successful sports car teams in history. Kevin was the lead driver and achieved international success with wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 hours of LeMans. Authenticity is in their DNA and as Kevin likes to say…“ I like to win”. Adobe Road launched “The Racing Series” in 2019 using the same philosophy that drives their success on the racetrack. “The Racing Series” is all about pushing the envelope and challenging existing norms. The wines represent the highest expression of what a premium red blend can be when pushed to the limit. The racing parallels don’t end with just the wine. All “Racing Series” wines incorporate physical aspects of auto racing into the packaging. For more information on The Racers Group visit theracersgroup.com.

CA Wins at NY International Wine Competition

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NYIWC Winners from CA in 2021

  • Aimee (Morgan Hill, CA)
    • Gold medal: Petite Sirah- Region lll 2017
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
    • Silver medal: Bollicine 2019
    • Bronze medal: Petite Sirah- Region V 2017
    • Individual award: Napa Petite Sirah Winery of the Year
  • Benson Marketing Group (Napa Valley, CA)
    • Gold medal: Vermouth di Torino
  • Blair Estate (Carmel By The Sea, CA)
    • Silver medal: Blair Estate Pinot Noir Morgantini Vineyard 2016
    • Silver medal: Blair Estate Rose of Pinot Noir 2019
    • Individual award: Arroyo Seco Rose of Pinot Noir Winery of the Year
  • Cameron Hughes Wine (San Francisco, CA)
    • Gold medal: Lot 746 Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 2019
    • Silver medal: Lot 765 Sierra Foothills Zinfandel 2018
    • Individual award: Arroyo Seco Chardonnay Wine of the Year
  • Clos de la Tech (Woodside, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Domaine Lois Louise “Cote Sud”  2015
    • Silver medal: Domaine Valeta “Sunny Slope” 2015
    • Bronze medal: Santa Cruz Mountain Estates 2015
    • Individual award: Santa Cruz Mountains Winery of the year
  • DoublePlus Wines (St Helena, CA)
    • Gold medal: Rose 2020
    • Gold medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Individual award: Napa Sauvignon Blanc Winery of the Year
  • E&J Gallo Winery (Modesto, CA)
    • Barefoot Hard Seltzer
      • Gold medal: Peach
      • Silver medal: Pineapple
      • Bronze medal: Cherry
    • J Vineyards
      • Gold medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Gold medal: Pinot Noir 2018
      • Silver medal: Brut Rosé
    • La Marca
      • Gold medal: Prosecco
    • Louis M. Martini
      • Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
      • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon
      • Individual award: Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Wine of the Year
    • Alamos
      • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Barefoot
      • Silver medal: Sangria
      • Silver medal: Pink Pinot Grigio
      • Silver medal: Merlot
      • Silver medal: Zinfandel
      • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc
      • Bronze medal: Chardonnay
      • Bronze medal: White Zinfandel
      • Bronze medal: Moscato
      • Bronze medal: Pinot Grigio
      • Bronze medal: Moscato
    • Barefoot Bubbly
      • Silver medal: Brut Cuvee
      • Bronze medal: Brut Rosé
      • Bronze medal: Prosecco
    • Barefoot Fruitscato
      • Silver medal: Strawberry
      • Silver medal: Mango
      • Bronze medal: Watermelon
      • Bronze medal: Peach
      • Bronze medal: Blueberry
      • Individual award: Wines with Fruit Flavor of the Year
    • Barefoot Spritzer
      • Silver medal: Moscato Spritzer
      • Bronze medal: Summer Red
    • Black Box
      • Silver medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Silver medal: Malbec 2018
      • Silver medal: Pinot Grigio 2019
      • Silver medal: Shiraz 2018
      • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
      • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
      • Individual award: Boxed Wine of the Year
    • Edna Valley
      • Silver medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Bronze medal: Rosé 2020
    • MacMurray Estate Vineyards
      • Silver medal: Pinot Noir 2018
    • Prophecy
      • Silver medal: Pinot Noir 2018
      • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Starborough
      • Silver medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Talbott
      • Silver medal: Kali Hart Chardonnay 2019
    • William Hill Estate Winery
      • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
      • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2019
  • Fazeli Cellars (Temecula, CA)
    • Gold medal: Merlot 2017
    • Silver medal: Shiraz 2017
    • Bronze medal: Petite Sirah 2017
    • Individual award: Temecula Winery of the Year
  • Frey Vineyards (Redwood Valley, CA)
    • Frey Organic
      • Double Gold medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
      • Gold medal: Viognier 2018
      • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
      • Silver medal: Sun & Rain Chardonnay 2019
      • Silver medal: Pinot Grigio 2019
      • Bronze medal: Zinfandel 2019
      • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Individual award: California Organic Winery of the Year
    • Frey Biodynamic
      • Gold medal: Merlot 2019
      • Silver medal: Chardonnay 2019
  • Garemani Wines (Santa Barbara, CA)
    • Gold medal: Chardonnay 2019
    • Gold medal: Pinot Noir 2019
    • Silver medal: Merlot 2019
    • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Bronze medal: Tannat 2019
    • Individual award: Central Coast Pinot Noir Winery of the Year
  • Halleck Vineyard (Sebastopol, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Pinot Noir; Three Sons Cuvee 2017
    • Gold medal: Calandrelli Vineyard 2019
    • Gold medal: Hillside Cuvee 2017
    • Silver medal: Little Sister Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Silver medal: The Farm Vineyards 2017
    • Silver medal: Clone 828 2018
    • Bronze medal: Pinot Noir; Haas Vineyard 2017
    • Individual award: California Gewurztraminer Winery of the Year
    • Individual award: Russian River Pinot Noir Winery of the Year
  • Hartlam Winery (San Gabriel, CA)
    • Gold medal: Grenache 2020
    • Silver medal: Syrah Rosé wine 2020
    • Bronze medal: Sauvignon blanc 2020
    • Individual award: California Grenache Winery of the Year
  • Herzog Wine Cellars (Oxnard, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: American Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Gold medal: Choreograph 2020
    • Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Gold medal: Rosé 2020
    • Silver medal: French Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Silver medal: Four Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Bronze medal: Pinot Grigio 2020
    • Bronze medal: Momentus
    • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Individual award: Kosher Winery of the Year
  • Kenwood Vineyards (Kenwood, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
    • Gold medal: Six Ridges Chardonnay 2018
    • Silver medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Silver medal: Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
    • Bronze medal: Six Ridges Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Bronze medal: Six Ridges Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
    • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2018
    • Bronze medal: Pinot Noir 2018
    • Individual award: Sonoma County Chardonnay Winery of the Year
  • Libelle Wines (St Helena, CA)
    • Gold medal: Grüner Veltliner 2019
    • Individual award: Gruner Veltliner Winery of the Year
  • Maker Wine Company (San Francisco, CA)
    • Gold medal: Chenin Blanc 2020
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Silver medal: Sparkling Rose
    • Silver medal: Merlot 2018
    • Bronze medal: Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Bronze medal: Rose of Grenache 2020
    • Individual award: Chenin Blanc Winery of the Year
  • Mystic Hills Vineyard (San Miguel, CA)
    • Gold medal: Unforgiven 2015
    • Bronze medal: Gran Trio 2015
    • Individual award: San Luis Obispo County Winery of the Year
  • New Clairvaux Vineyard (Vina, CA)
    • Gold medal: Moschofilero 2020
    • Silver medal: Barbera Rose 2020
    • Silver medal: Petite Sirah 2018
    • Bronze medal: Assyrtiko 2020
    • Individual award: Tehama County Winery of the Year
  • Nichelini Family Winery (St Helena, CA)
    • Gold medal: Remeber
    • Silver medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Silver medal: Engine 318
    • Individual award: Napa Rose Winery of the Year
  • Oak Farm Vineyards (Lodi, CA)
    • Gold medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Silver medal: Zinfandel 2018
    • Silver medal: Rosé 2020
    • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2020
    • Individual award: Lodi Winery of the Year
  • Penrose Hill (Napa, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Musa Noctuaria Rosé of Garnacha 2020
    • Double Gold medal: Trailstone Chardonnay 2019
    • Gold medal: Tintoretto Pinot Grigio 2019
    • Gold medal: Watchful Maker Bold Red Wine 2018
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Bronze medal: Iron Arrow White Blend 2019
    • Bronze medal: Luxana Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Bronze medal: Penrose Hill Rosé of Pinot Noir 2019
    • Bronze medal: Tintoretto Sangiovese 2019
    • Individual award: Spain Rose of the Year
    • Individual award: Italy Pinot Grigio Winery of the Year
    • Individual award: Columbia Valley Winery of the Year
  • Perchance Estates (Rutherford, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard 2018
    • Individual award: Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Wine of the Year
  • PR Farms, Inc. (Clovis, CA)
    • Gold medal: My Italian Cousin Eugenio 2018
    • Silver medal: My Italian Cousin Eugenio 2016
  • Rodney Strong Wine Estates (Healdsburg, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Russian River Valley; Estate Rose of Pinot Noir 2020
    • Gold medal: California Chardonnay 2019
    • Silver medal: Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2017
    • Silver medal: River West Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2017
    • Silver medal: Red Blend 2018
    • Silver medal: Knotty Vines Pinot Noir 2018
    • Silver medal: Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2017
    • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Bronze medal: Sonoma County Merlot 2017
    • Individual award: Russian River Winery of the Year
  • Vinesse (Westlake Village, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Sangiovese 2019
    • Gold medal: Garnacha 2019
    • Gold medal: Merlot 2019
    • Gold medal: Chardonnay 2019
    • Silver medal: Merlot 2019
    • Silver medal: Chenin Blanc 2019
    • Silver medal: Bordeaux Superieur Red Wine 2018
    • Silver medal: Montepulciano 2019
    • Bronze medal: Syrah 2019
    • Bronze medal: Shiraz 2019
    • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Bronze medal: Aglianico 2019
    • Individual award: Wahluke Slope Winery of the Year
    • Individual award: International Wine Club of the Year
  • Vintage Wine Estates (Santa Rosa, CA)
    • Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Gold medal: Chardonnay 2020
    • Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Gold medal: Malbec 2020
    • Gold medal: Zinfandel 2019
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Silver medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Silver medal: White Zinfandel 2020
    • Silver medal: Moscato 2020
    • Bronze medal: Sangiovese 2020
    • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
  • VJB Cellars (Kenwood, CA)
    • Gold medal: Barbera 2018
    • Silver medal: Primitivo 2017
    • Silver medal: Nebbiolo 2017
    • Silver medal: Wellington Cellars Merlot 2017
    • Bronze medal: Wellington Cellars 1882 Zinfandel
    • Individual award: Sonoma Winery of the Year
  • WineShop At Home
    • Gold medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Gold medal: Alcedo 2019
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Silver medal: Hero’s Blend 2017
    • Bronze medal: Black Muscat 2020
    • Individual award: Chile Sauvignon Blanc of the Year

About the New York International Wine Competition:

The NYIWC is part of the International Beverage Competition (IBC) series, a unique group of wine, beer, and spirits competitions taking place in New York City, Berlin, Melbourne, and Hong Kong annually. The judging panels at all IBC competitions consist entirely of active trade buyers, including sommeliers, cicerones, retail store buyers, distributors, importers, restaurant beverage directors, and more. The organizers of the competition feel that these judges, whose livelihood rely upon their skill set, truly know what the consumer wants, as they receive on a daily basis the feedback from the consumer of what is good and what will sell. The carefully selected judges taste the products in a blind tasting format, judging the products by both category and price.

From Founder Adam Levy:

“We’re the only international beverage competitions where all the judges are real trade buyers who are judging by category and actual price. These judges are buyers from the top New York Area liquor stores, restaurants, hotels and more. The submissions in 2021 were exceptionally good, and the judges were excited to be able to sample such a wide range of well-executed traditional styles of alcohol, as well as some more inventive products from all over the USA and internationally. Many of our judges discovered new products that they will be incorporating into their inventories in the coming year.”

View the full list of 2021 winners, learn more about the judging panel, and find information about submitting products for next year’s competition at https://nyiwinecompetition.com. In addition to the annual competition series, the IBC also publishes The Alcohol Professor – an online “homeroom” for the beverage trade and the enlightened consumer to learn about all things bibulous. Visit https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/ for thoughtful, in-depth articles about wine, beer, spirits, and more.

Delysia Chocolatier Honored As 2022 Best Chocolatier in the Americas

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AUSTIN, TEXAS (PRWEB) – Continuing its award-winning run, Delysia Chocolatier has been named as 2022’s Best Chocolatier and Confectioners in the Americas with the highest honor, Six Star Award: Grand Master Chocolatier by the International Chocolate Salon Awards and Taste TV. The Austin-based chocolatier recently won a Gold medal for their Golden drinking chocolate at the Hot Chocolate Awards in December (2021), as well as a Gold medal for their Merlot Cherry chocolate truffle at the 1st Annual Ruby Chocolate Awards (2021).

Delysia Chocolatier has been awarded a Grand Master Chocolatier in the Americas title a total of nine (9) times, recognizing the chocolatier’s continual excellence in creating delicious, handcrafted confections using only the freshest ingredients and the finest quality of chocolate from sustainably and ethically sourced cacao. The International Chocolate Salon is one of the premier international bodies honoring artisanal and premium chocolate confectioners. To qualify for this title, Delysia Chocolatier received the most votes from the panel of judges, which included national and regional magazines, newspapers, and expert chefs who evaluated hundreds of fine chocolate artisans and large-scale producers.

“It is a true honor to be recognized internationally for a ninth time for our ability to craft unique and delightful confectionery treats across multiple product categories,” says Delysia chef-owner and chocolatier, Nicole Patel. “We push beyond the boundaries of traditional culinary trends by incorporating innovative flavors into our artisanal chocolates. To be recognized once again as a Grand Master Chocolatier is the highest of accolades. We are grateful to all of those who have been a part of our journey to achieving such distinction, and to our dedicated clientele who support our small business.”

In December 2021, Delysia Chocolatier won a Gold medal in Best Overall Drinking Chocolate with the first-ever Golden dark drinking chocolate. Delysia Chocolatier’s Golden Dark drinking chocolate is made with high-quality chocolate that is a luxury in itself. This exceptional beverage gets a glittering shot of opulence courtesy of pure gold chocolate that makes this extravagant beverage as dazzling as it is delicious. The Golden Dark drinking chocolate is intensely rich and flavorful, handcrafted using 72 percent bittersweet chocolate with morsels of gold chocolate dotted throughout the mix. Delysia Chocolatier’s Golden Dark Chocolate was one of three of the brand’s hot chocolate flavors which swept awards at the competition.

In addition to winning multiple recent awards for its drinking chocolates, Delysia Chocolatier won Gold for their Merlot Cherry chocolate truffle and Bronze medal for their Chipotle Orange chocolate truffle at the 1st Annual Ruby Chocolate Awards competition, announced in January 2022. Both of these award-winning ruby chocolate truffles can be enjoyed by purchasing the brand’s Sensual Ruby Collection of chocolate truffles.

Delysia Chocolatier is a woman-owned business, founded by engineer-turned-chocolatier Nicole Patel in 2008. In addition to handcrafting luxurious chocolate confections for life’s every occasion, the brand is well-known for creating overall engaging experiences. Chocolate lovers indulge in the essence of Delysia Chocolatier by unwrapping beautiful, elegantly packaged handmade chocolates, enjoying new and unique flavors infused into chocolates, and learning about how to taste chocolate like a professional in their virtual tasting sessions led personally by the chocolatier. Shoppers can view the brand’s award-winning products and tasting experiences online at Delysia.com.

About Delysia Chocolatier
Delysia Chocolatier is an award-winning artisan chocolate company based in Austin, Texas. Chef-Owner & Chocolatier Nicole Patel, named a Six Star Award Grand Master: Best Chocolatier in the Americas nine (9) times, handcrafts its creations with the care and attention people savor in every flavorful bite. Delysia Chocolatier uses only the finest quality chocolate from sustainable sources and freshest ingredients to create something unique, something memorable, something remarkable. Connect with Delysia Chocolatier on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Purity Breaks Top 10 Brands of Premium Priced Vodka in the United States

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ELLINGE CASTLE, Sweden /PRNewswire/ — Purity is now a top 10 super premium priced vodka brand in the United States based on 26-week Nielsen dollar sales.

Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve Organic Vodka is made from natural ingredients, its prize-winning flavors come from the combination of organic barley and wheat, distilled slowly with low heat multiple times. The heart of Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve is distilled 51 times to maximize flavor as well as smoothness. As a family- owned, craft, organic distillery we are so pleased when consumers and critics alike praise Purity for its quality versus more industrial producers.

PURITY is committed to making the best tasting, highest rated organic spirits in the world. Purity has earned hundreds of international awards in blind tasting as well as sustainability.

Purity Vodka is comprised of three award winning straight vodkas. In 2021 all Purity Vodka offerings earned a 93+ point rating and Purity Connoisseur 51 Organic Vodka took top honors with a 95-point rating. The highest rated Vodka the last 5 years by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

PURITY is now available for purchase in store and online in more than 25 US States.

“To become a Top 10 Super Premium Vodka brand indicates we have earned the recommendation of expert retail and on-premise partners. It also means consumers are responding favorably to the Purity taste and quality promise,” says Purity Vodka Inc CEO Andy Kullhem.

Mathias Tönnesson, Master Blender at Purity Distillery says: “Our main ingredients, Swedish wheat, and malted barley, are carefully selected without any chemical cultivation or processing. We believe that by using organic ingredients it creates a much better tasting vodka, and of course, is better for the environment. We also value the quality of the water that we use and believe it’s crucial to the taste. Most brands use only distilled water, which removes any of the natural nuances, sediments, and flavors that help bring out the complexity of the vodka. At Purity, we use naturally soft Swedish water, and as a result, it blends with the other ingredients creating a complex, characterful, and truly unique spirit.”

Purity Connoisseur 51 Organic Vodka. Available in 750mL, 1.0L, and 1.75L For the true connoisseur, this is our most refined and exquisite vodka. Incredibly smooth and distinctive, our flagship spirit requires very little to enjoy all the nuance and flavor that the world’s finest vodka has to offer. When it’s this good, you don’t need anything but time to enjoy it.

Purity Signature 34 Organic Vodka. Available in 750mL, 1.0L, and 1.75L
Perfectly balanced, our signature edition has won more than 150 international awards and is recognized for its character, smoothness, and ability to be enjoyed neat or blended for unforgettable cocktails. Signature 34 Edition is our original vodka, with a decade spent refining the number of distillations required by our master distiller, Stefan Magnusson, to create this extraordinary spirit.

Purity Estate 17 Organic Vodka. Available in 750mL and 1.75L
Estate 17 Reserve is a versatile and full-bodied ultra-premium vodka and is the perfect partner for making unforgettable cocktails. The heart of the Vodka is distilled 17 times, it is smooth enough to enjoy neat but really shines when blended with other distinguished ingredients.

For more information, please visit www.puritydistillery.com

About Purity Distillery – the home to the world ́s best tasting Vodka & Gin  At the Swedish family-owned Purity Distillery we only have one motivation – to produce the best tasting spirits imaginable. It’s a simple statement to make but much harder to achieve. For the last decade, every decision is based on that one criterion. From choosing the best organic ingredients and mineral-rich soft natural water to spending years refining our unique distillation process. Every step matter, because the taste matters. That’s all that counts.

“Fred Minnick Picks” Total Wine and More for new collaboration

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 America’s leading bourbon expert Fred Minnick will share his sophisticated palate and spirits expertise with Total Wine & More customers across the country via “Fred Minnick Picks,” which were selected in a blind tasting.

Fred Minnick for Louisville Magazine at The Silver Dollar in Louisville.

Customers will be able to learn more about Minnick’s bottle picks via in-store displays and shelf talkers, in addition to watching tasting videos featured on landing pages for select products. Minnick, who is renowned as a top spirits critic around the globe, has made appearances on The TODAY Show, Bravo’s “Top Chef,” Discovery’s “Moonshiners” and more. But these appearances came on the heels of a nearly two decades of spirits journalism, authoring seven books and the founding of the American Spirits Council of Tasters.

With Total Wine & More, Minnick continues helping bourbon lovers discover their next favorite bottle.
“Fred Minnick Picks” will be featured in Total Wine & More stores across the U.S. and online until April 24th. To view Minnick’s thoughtfully selected spirits recommendations, visit
To stay up to date on all things Fred Minnick, visit fredminnick.com. For more information on Total Wine & More, visit totalwine.com.
ABOUT FRED MINNICK:
World-renowned spirits critic, entrepreneur and best-selling author Fred Minnick continuously revives the age-old traditions and cultures of Bourbon and spirits through his media empire which includes the Bourbon Pursuit Podcast, DASH Radio’s “Minnick Minute” show and his Hermes Creative Awards Platinum-winning Podcast The Fred Minnick Show (PodcastOne), which features interviews with musicians, athletes and other celebrities including Peyton Manning, Ludacris, Lindsay Ell, Terry Bradshaw, Ashley McBryde and more. Minnick, a Louisville, KY-based father of two, is also an avid music fan, curating his annual Bourbon and Beyond festival which has welcomed acts like Lynn Kravitz, John Mayer and Stevie Nicks to its stages. He is a longtime judge on the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and founder of the American Spirits Council of Tasters. He has authored several books bestselling books, including Bourbon Curious; Bourbon; Rum Curious; and Whiskey Women.
FRED MINNICK ON THE WEB:
ABOUT TOTAL WINE & MORE:
Total Wine & More is the nation’s largest independent retailer of fine wine, beer, and spirits with 229 stores in 27 states. Total Wine & More has an extensive selection of over 8,000 wines, 4,000 spirits, and 2,500 beers, all at exceptional prices. Additionally, Total Wine & More is committed to giving back to the local community. In 2021, Total Wine & More contributed over $8 million in monetary and in-kind donations to 13,000+ organizations.

Geloso Beverage Group LLC Released Their Newest Brand, BUZZ TEA

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Rochester, NY- Geloso Beverage Company LLC, a four-time winner of the industry’s Impact Hot Brand Award and Top 100 Beverage Company, released their latest brand of malt beverages, Buzz Tea on March 1, 2022, just in time for Spring. Buzz Tea released three delicious flavors that include Original, Half & Half, and Peach.

Buzz Tea is a canned hard iced tea that goes harder, smoother, and louder than your typical backyard cooler drink. Buzz Tea will launch three favorite flavors: Original, Half & Half, and Peach, containing 6.5% alcohol available in 12 oz variety packs and 24 oz singles. Geloso Beverage Group’s goal with Buzz Tea is to create a brand of ready-to-drink beverages that reflect current flavor trends consumers will surely enjoy. “The hard tea market has a lot of opportunity right now and we jumped on it. We knew we could produce delicious and easy-to- drink flavors with a higher percentage alcohol than our competition” says Mary Chapman, Marketing Director at Geloso Beverage Group.

The primary alcoholic ingredient in Buzz Tea is a triple filtered malt and all-natural blends of Argentinian black
tea. When developing Buzz Tea, Geloso Beverage Group strived to create a drink with reduced carbonation to give it a clean experience and refreshing taste–and that’s what they did.

Buzz Tea Original 6.5%: The classic Buzz Tea is brewed from real black tea and natural flavors.

Buzz Tea Half & Half 6.5%: Buzz Tea Half & Half—made from real black tea and fresh lemonade. The classic tea meets summertime lemonade that you can buzz on year-round.

Buzz Tea Peach 6.5%: Be a peach and sweeten up your next boat day, house party, or your living room couch. Made from natural Peach tea extracts, keep it light and peachy.

“Here at Geloso Beverage Group we are building on the success of our other brands. With Buzz Tea, we are investing in paid social across all channels, as it is a major part of this brand’s personality. Having conversations with our consumers is more important to us than ever.” says Paul Rene, Vice President of North American Sales at Geloso Beverage Group.

Unlike any other brand, Buzz Tea will be interactive, tapping into social media and offering texting lines to get to know its consumers. Buzz Tea will have a series of hashtags to use on social media that consumers can use to update them on the latest BUZZ. The interactive line will allow consumers to text to learn more about the brand and prevent them from sending those awkward “You Up?” text messages.

About Geloso Beverage Group LLC

Geloso Beverage Group LLC, launched in 2002, exclusively serves the U.S. market and is based in Rochester, NY. It sells and distributes multiple flavored malt beverages, including; Clubtails – Cocktail in a Can, Johny Bootlegger, and Pepito.