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!

Blue Run Spirits 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon – Winner of Top Category Prize At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Now Available

May 27, 2021 by evebushman

GEORGETOWN, KY. (PRWEB) – A Bourbon treasure hunt is about to commence as Blue Run Spirits unveils its Spring release, which recently won Best in Class and a Double Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon launches today as ten separate limited-edition bottlings from ten different barrels, each hand numbered to denote the proof, barrel number and bottling date, enticing whiskey sleuths to find the entire collection and whiskey enthusiasts around the country to discover their favorite flavor profile. Each bottle comes in a custom, handmade black lacquered wooden box, adding to the collectability.

The unveiling of Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon comes on the heels of Blue Run’s inaugural release in October of 2020. Blue Run 13-Year-Old Bourbon received exceptional reviews and sold out quickly. With Jim Rutledge as the company’s Liquid Advisor, this new batch of Blue Run will delight Bourbon drinkers around the country. Rutledge is a 50+ year whiskey industry veteran and a managing partner of J.W. Rutledge Distillery.

Each of the ten barrels comes from the same mash bill, same yeast, same still and same warehouse, but how the liquid reacted to the wood and its position in the warehouse can delicately change the characteristics of the whiskey. Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon has the brand’s characteristic smooth and mellow flavor; a long, sweet and dry finish; little to no burn on the back end – even at cask strength – and a long tail.

Between 104 to 150 bottles will be available from each barrel, with the proofs varying from 124 to 132. The secret to which barrel the Bourbon came from can be found on the hand-numbered label, which gives a hint at that whiskey’s particular characteristics and flavor profile:

Barrel #1: Mellow sweet corn and brown sugar apple butter that develops into mellow oak tannins

Barrel #2: Deep chocolate and honey-drenched s’more

Barrel #3: Gorgeous crème brûlée with a burst of dark brown sugar and streaks of ginger

Barrel #4: Creamy toffee with bites of cocoa and black pepper

Barrel #5: Sultry black cherry and oak with clove honey

Barrel #6: Decadent dark chocolate with a marshmallow frame and clove cascade

Barrel #7: Layers of char smoke and rich vanilla wood sugar

Barrel #8: Roasted pecan and nutty campfire smoke

Barrel #9: Spice forward with bold black pepper and baking spices and an herbaceous wrap

Barrel #10: Oak tannin and dark raisin combination with a whip of smoke on the finish

Though each barrel has its own subtle flavor differences, consumers can expect the liquid in each bottle to have a deep glow, streaked with bronze highlights; an alluring aroma of molasses and brown sugar with a toasted, nutty frame that reveals itself around baking spices and cocoa; and a long, sweet and dry finish wrapped in dark cherry highlights.

“This limited-edition, high-proof release offers a uniquely customized experience based upon each whiskey fan’s palate, pairings and passions,” said Mike Montgomery, CEO of Blue Run Spirits. “While a bottle of Blue Run Bourbon will definitely stand out on your bar, it’s the flavor we are most proud of and glad to see experts like the judges at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition agree.”

Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon will be found in May initially in Kentucky, California, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington, DC, as well as online. But here’s the twist: No state will receive bottles from all ten barrels. Each will get up to nine, encouraging collectors to reach out to friends to help amass the entire collection. The product will also be available through Seelbachs.com, with bottles from a different barrel made available every few weeks (but again, with only nine available). Seelbach’s will also offer a very limited number of ten-bottle complete sets.

Blue Run’s latest release will stand out on store shelves due to the modern design by Devon McKinney, the creative mind behind some of the world’s most-sought-after sneakers. The brand’s signature butterfly medallion, a nod to the Commonwealth of Kentucky butterfly the Viceroy, will be matte black on the Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon bottle. This new offering will come housed in a striking, handmade black lacquered display box made of sustainable birch and imprinted with gold leaf.

Blue Run Bourbon will be available at $229.99 SRP. The company’s next release, a 14-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon that also won Best in Class and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, will be launched this summer, followed by a Gold Medal-winning Rye Whiskey in late summer.

Blue Run Spirits’ distribution partners include Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) in Kentucky; Breakthru Beverage Group in Illinois and Colorado; Savannah Distributing Company in Georgia; Advintage Distributing in South Carolina and Tennessee; Prestige-Ledroit Distributing Co. in Washington D.C., Maryland and Delaware; American Spirits Exchange in California; and Evergreen Beverage Canada in Canada.

Find Blue Run Spirits online at http://www.bluerunspirits.com, and on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT BLUE RUN SPIRITS
Blue Run Spirits is a new kind of spirits company, creating a unique luxury proposition by tapping into the deep heritage and craft that makes a truly great whiskey, then elevating it through a modern design and marketing lens to reach a younger, broader and more diverse whiskey drinker. The company’s founders include a Nike designer, the first director-level employee at Facebook, a hospitality executive, a political advisor, and a philanthropist – all huge whiskey fans and individuals who acutely understand how to build demand and buzz for a contemporary consumer product. They are backed by a team of advisors including Nike marketing experts; the Campari communications veteran behind the US launch of Espolòn Tequila and the Aperol Spritz; a former vice president of innovation from Brown-Forman; a former spirits distributor; and others with deep industry experience. The Blue Run name is a nod to one of our founder’s upbringing in Georgetown, KY, where Bourbon began in the Bluegrass State.

Vintage Eve Circa 8/2018: And the Best of Show Goes To…?

February 23, 2021 by evebushman

By now you’ve (hopefully) read my two articles on judging the first annual Global Wine Awards; you may have even seen a third installment on the winners. But what you haven’t seen, or had your virtual taste of, is the wine the judges awarded a Gold, then a Double Gold, and then finally the Best of Show to: Martellotto 2016 Il Cappocia Riserva (Barrel Aged) from Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara.

So, I’m here to rectify that. I ordered a bottle for myself, just for a little R and D, and to give me a full opportunity to savor over. For good measure I thought it wise to try another red from the same winery and same AVA, the 2016 La Bomba Cabernet. So, without further adieu, here are the results:

2016 Martellotto Il Cappocia Riserva

(Barrel Aged)

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec

Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara

Best in Show and 97 points at the Global Wine Awards

https://martellotto.com/products/2016-martellotto-riserva-il-capoccia-happy-canyon-of-santa-barbara

Color: Dark purple with some raisin-coloring on the edge.

Aroma: Crushed black cherry, blueberry, char, dark chocolate, cream, cigar, dried leaves and the tiniest whiff of menthol.

Flavor: Blue to black fruit, cracked black pepper, dark chocolate again, velvety at the start and then a great bite of spice and tannin, yet balanced and just as good as I remembered. Excellent blend of Bordeaux grapes.

Pairing: Cheese and charcuterie board was our dining choice for the evening but this would pair well with anything from a juicy steak, Bolognese pasta to chocolate crème Brûlée.

Conclusion: As I noted when I had my taste: just as good as I remembered and well deserving of the Best of Show award we gave it. I was really looking forward to trying the Cab next…

2016 Martellotto La Bomba Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc.

Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara

Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; Double Gold and Best of Show at the Central Coast Wine Competition.

https://martellotto.com/products/martellottocabernet

Color: Beautiful opaque blackberry.

Aroma: So, knowing that La Bomba translated is The Bomb I was looking forward to what I would find on the nose: a LOT of fresh and ripe blueberry, plum, green peppercorn, rich, spicy, coffee bean and no nose burn. The nose definitely called you in for the taste.

Flavor: bold red fruit followed by dark fruit in luscious layers and incredible balance, nice spicy qualities that lingered in the palate, both green and black pepper with the same velvety quality on the palate as the Il Cappocia Riserva.

Pairing: I had this with a bacon-wrapped filet mignon smothered in sweet onion and sautéed mushroom. Yea, that was pretty great. But I also imagined this with a robust charcuterie board filled with Mortadella with pistachio, chorizo and both hard and soft cheese.

Conclusion: I found both an unexpected flavor and balance – akin to a young Napa Cab – for a SBC Cabernet. Very well done. Makes me want to seek out Happy Canyon and the winery to learn more.

From the Winery

Martellotto Wines is the only winery in Santa Barbara County to be winning this many awards for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals, specifically from Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara.

The Rise of Santa Barbara Wines

As you know, this area is already well regarded for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production (which I also make). However, were you aware that our region is also producing some outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals? The TTB established the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA in 2009 given its distinctive climate in the far eastern part of the Santa Ynez Valley. This warmer climate is proving to be fertile ground for high quality Bordeaux varietals, especially since the diurnal temperature changes are so dramatic.

Today, a handful of producers are leading the way. I’m pleased to report Martellotto Winery is one of those wineries. In fact, Martellotto is one of the few wineries in California bottling varietally labeled wines of each of the five noble Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

Martellotto Winery

100 Los Padres Way #7

Buellton, CA 93427

(619) 567-9244

*Tastings Available by Appointment Only

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.

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

Piper Sonoma Scoops The Sparkling Pool At San Francisco International Wine Competition

December 3, 2020 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Historic Sonoma County sparkling wine producer, Piper Sonoma, has scooped the pool: winning a Double Gold medal, and being named both Best Sparkling Rosé and Best in Show Sparkling Wine at this year’s 2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC).

Piper-Sonoma photo from Wine Industry Advisor.

Now in its 40th year, the San Francisco International Wine Competition is one of the world’s longest-running international wine competitions and SFIWC medals have become reliable indicators of wine excellence across the globe.

Speaking to the success, well-respected and long-time winemaker Keith Hock, was thrilled with the result: “Our Rosé has always been one of my favorite wines to craft. It’s terrific to see the wine be judged so well, in a blind tasting by such a respected line-up of judges.”

Piper Sonoma is one of the first, and the few California sparkling wines with ownership ties to France. It was founded in 1980 in Sonoma County by Marquis d’Aulan, whose family has been linked for generations with Champagne.

Sourcing from vineyards across Sonoma County, the Brut Rosé is a blend of Chardonnay (53%) with Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc. With aromas of freshly picked berries and tangerine, the palate displays red fruits and citrus, showcasing the bright fruit flavors of Sonoma County.

In total, all four of the current release wines in the Piper Sonoma range received Gold and Silver medals. The Piper Sonoma Sparkling Rosé NV was rated 94 points, and awarded a Double Gold, the Reserve Brut received a GOLD medal, while SILVER Medals were awarded to Blanc de Blanc and Brut.

Competition results appeared on their website on November 23, and a list of all Gold, Double Gold, and Premium Award winners will appear in the March 2021 issue of The Tasting Panel Magazine.

The wines are available nationally at the suggested retail prices: Piper Sonoma Brut NV ($22), Piper Sonoma Brut Rosé ($22), Piper Sonoma Blanc de Blancs ($22), and the limited release Piper Sonoma Brut Reserve ($25). Piper Sonoma wines are represented by Folio Fine Wine Partners.

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About Folio Fine Wine Partners:
Founded by the Michael Mondavi Family in 2004, Folio Fine Wine Partners is an importer, fine wine agency and producer of quality wines from the world’s premier and emerging wine regions, providing sales, marketing and public relations services to wine brands from California, Italy, France, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Washington State, Austria and South Africa. For more information about Folio Fine Wine Partners, visit http://www.foliowine.com or social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Sampling Single Estate El Sativo Tequila Blanco

November 20, 2020 by evebushman

I have two go-to Tequilas: Cazadores and Asombroso, the former was a gift from my daughter’s fiancé and the latter was one I reviewed that I have since purchased for my liquor cabinet. I’m not much of a tequila-cocktail lover and prefer to sip alone or on ice, and was happy to receive another tequila for review that I could add into my “sipper” category of spirits.

After reading the press release for El Sativo below, I was intrigued by several points it made including the idea that the “terpenes, found in the agave, have a myriad of health benefits, including mood-lifting and energy-boosting attributes”, that they give back to ocean conservancy and are a triple time double gold medal winner. Definitely made me ready to sample.

Tasting Notes

Notes of vanilla bean, heavy sweet cream and toasted popcorn kernel – with no burn whatsoever – on the nose. The taste was smooth yet peppery – so interesting – and flavors reminiscent of buttered popcorn, and that same cream, ending with a spicy finish. Really liked having it both smooth and spicy! Then tried it with a little bit of squeezed lemon and it was like a lo-cal Margarita. This is not a Tequila to shoot! Not so sure about added energy, may have to do further study = drink more!

News Release

EL SATIVO, THE FIRST TEQUILA TO INNOVATE A “ONE OF A KIND” COMPOUND FOCUSED DISTILLATION, MAINTAINING THE BENEFICIAL ELEMENTS IN THE AGAVE

100% Blue Agave – Single Estate – 100% USDA Organic – 100% NON-GMO – Certified OK Kosher

El Sativo, the 2020 Tequila of the Year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, launched this summer. Bottles will be available for purchase at Whole Foods and Total Wine in California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Illinois along with retail stores throughout Texas, more states will be added shortly. El Sativo will debut their offerings with the award-winning Tequila Blanco, with plans to offer a reposado and anejo in 2021. Tequila Blanco will retail between $39.99 – $45.99 for a 750ml.

El Sativo’s co-creators and fourth-generation family of distillers use an innovative distillation process that captures and accentuates the agave plant’s own natural benefits. “These terpenes, found in the agave, have a myriad of health benefits, including mood-lifting and energy-boosting attributes, which is why we transformed our distillation process in order to help maintain their properties,” states co-founder Dr. Robert Summers.

The El Sativo team is committed to improving the environment, helping to build awareness, and pushing to find remedies to help preserve the precious resources of our planet. Translated from Spanish, El Sativo means “Sown in Seeds,” as anything planted, nurtured, and grown is life. Every bottle sold gives back to ocean conservancy. The bottle is made of 100% recycled smart non-combustible glass and has an organic soluble label that is pesticide free.

El Sativo Tequila is certified USDA organic, 100% Non–GMO, Kosher and Eco-friendly.

THE PROCESS

“Our distillery is located in the lowlands of Amatitán, Jalisco; we’re single estate, our agaves are planted, nurtured, and harvested solely in our fields and never sourced. It was important for us to be completely organic, so our cultivation is carried out without pesticides or fungicides, and we only use organic fertilizers. The organic certification process is far more complex and time consuming than the process for common tequila.” says co-founder and singer-songwriter Jaime Whitton.

Using small batch stone ovens, the blue agaves are slowly steamed for 24-48 hours, using no diffusers nor autoclaves. The process pays homage to the art of tequila making by using the traditional technique. Fermenting with its own natural yeast, the team uses reverse osmosis water filtered through 135 feet of volcanic rock for a pure filtration process.

40% ABV, 750ml, NOM 1480

TASTING NOTES: EL SATIVO TEQUILA BLANCO

Bouquet: Opulent bright citrus with sweet agave
Palate: Lift of white pepper and sweet agave with a waterfall of stone fruit savoring on the taste buds Finish: Long, seductive rollercoaster finish.

ABOUT EL SATIVO

Originated by a spirited family with over 25 years in the tequila industry. El Sativo is an innovative tequila that lifts the spirits and stands apart from the crowd. Our sweet agave dances in waterfalls of stone fruit soaking in memorable days and fun-filled nights. El Sativo sets itself apart by utilizing a special distillation method that naturally highlights the agave plant’s precious resources known to have mood lifting and energy boosting attributes that exemplify #SoSativo. A Single Estate masterpiece and the winner of 3 double gold awards, including 2020 Tequila of the Year (San Francisco World Spirits Competition).

El Sativo Tequila is Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO, OK Kosher and each bottle is 100% smart combustible recycled glass with organic soluble labels. Every bottle sold gives back to ocean conservancy. Truly “A Better Tequila for a Better World.”

…

Website: http://www.elsativo.com/
Instagram: @elsativotequila

PURITY IS THE HIGHEST RATED ORGANIC DISTILLERY IN THE WORLD BASED ON TASTE

November 5, 2020 by evebushman

Hundreds of judges and industry experts across the globe blind-tasted Purity Vodka, Purity Spritz, and Purity Gin. The results coming out of multiple prestigious competitions were remarkably consistent, GOLD.

Master Blender Mathias Tonnesson and Master Distiller Stefan Magnusson

ULTIMATE SPIRIT CHALLENGE RESULTS

Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve Organic Vodka Awarded 96 points – Extraordinary Ultimate Recommendation 2020
Selected as “Top 100 Spirit” – the only organic spirit selected as a Top 100 Spirit 2020

INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE RESULTS

Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve Organic Vodka – Double Gold Medal Winner 2020
Purity Navy Strength Organic Gin – Double Gold medal Winner 2020
Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve Organic Vodka – Trophy winner 2019 (World´s best organic vodka)
Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve Organic Vodka – Gold medalist 2019
Purity Old Tom Organic Gin – Gold Medalist 2016

INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRITS CHALLENGE

Purity Navy Strength Organic Gin Awarded 95 points – Gold Medalist 2020
Purity Mediterranean Citrus Spritz Awarded 95 points – Gold Medalist 2020
Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve Organic Vodka – Trophy winner 2017 (Best vodka in the world)
Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve Organic Vodka – Gold Medalist 2017
Purity Signature 34 Edition Organic Vodka – Gold Medalist 2017

“It is humbling and gratifying to watch so many experts choose Purity completely based on taste,” said Master Blender Mathias Tönnesson. “It takes extra time, care, and attention to source superior ingredients then carefully distill them, it’s reassuring when others recognize the Purity taste shining through.”

Mathias continues,” We distill our spirit very, very slowly, many times, in a specially designed copper still. It can be compared to when you slowly cook your food at a low temperature. It brings the most taste, character, and depth to the spirit and it’s a process that other brands don’t bother with. For Purity, every step matter because the taste matters. Our goal is to make the best tasting spirit in the world and make products we are proud to sell and to serve to our family and friends.

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 spirit, and of course, is better for mother nature. 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 RESERVE ORGANIC VODKA

For more information please visit www.PurityDistillery.com

Largest Consumer Spirits Competition Pivots to In-Home Kits, Sets New Records

October 12, 2020 by evebushman

IRVINE, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — SIP Awards has grown into a movement that is gaining traction across the spirits industry. The only competition with consumers as judges, the SIP Awards provides small and big brands — local and international — an opportunity to receive unbiased consumer feedback.

From its inception 12 years ago, the SIP Awards International Spirits Competition brought together consumers at local venues to taste and judge spirits and mixers. This year, in the wake of a global pandemic, SIP Awards had to quickly evolve and pivot their annual event into an at-home tasting experience. “At first we didn’t know how COVID-19 would impact our event but time was not on our side and we needed to find a way to have consumers evaluate spirits safely.” – SIP Awards Founder & CEO Pouya Hashemi

In comparison to last year’s event with 146 judges, the SIP Awards 2020 revolutionary digital experience hit a record-breaking 212 judges who evaluate spirits in the comfort and safety of their homes. With more judges providing feedback, this contributed to a more accurate and broader rating method for the spirit and mixer brands.

Breaking industry standards, the first of its kind, at-home tasting kit included a signature NEAT Tasting Glass and 12 curated samples ranging from a bargain $2 bottle to an ultra-premium $1,600 bottle. Judges are carefully vetted and extensively screened to ensure there is no affiliation with marketing, wholesalers, or distributors tied to the spirits industry. Utilizing innovative technology, SIP Awards integrated a unique barcoding system to identify the location of the brand samples. Leaving no room for error, this system tracks the sample from the kitting process and delivery to the evaluation provided by the consumer judges.

Despite the pandemic, the number of entrants for this year’s competition increased, keeping to the tradition of setting new records. Making history, a diverse combination of 981 spirits and mixer brands from around the world participated in the first ever at-home spirits tasting competition.

Winning a SIP Award is a milestone for brands that speak directly to their target audience, consumers. Awards include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Double Gold, Platinum, and Best of Class in over 100 categories. The most sought after, Consumers’ Choice Award, honors a brand’s unwavering commitment to their Legacy, Craft, and to the ever-important Consumer Palate, by placing in the SIP Awards two or more consecutive years.

“By having the ability to taste new products and brands, consumers are more open to purchasing those that they enjoyed most. As we continue to see more new products and brands, The Innovation Award was introduced as a way for our consumer judges to really honor and highlight brands that are doing something different and unique in the marketplace.” – SIP Awards Director, Cher Holmes

The SIP Awards have uniquely positioned themselves in an exploding spirits industry and yet again, introduced new standards that continue to revolutionize the spirits competition realm.

For a complete list of the SIP Awards categories, winners, photos, and info visit: https://sipawards.com

About the SIP Awards

The SIP Awards provides a unique competition for spirit brands to gain exposure, feedback, and recognition from unbiased consumers. As the only blind tasting competition of its kind, the SIP Awards offers a platform for brands to showcase their products to their most discerning audience. To learn more about the SIP Awards competition or for a complete list of this year’s winners, visit https://sipawards.com.

Guillotine Vodka’s Heritage Edition Included in “The Best Vodka Brands To Buy Right Now”

October 8, 2020 by evebushman

MARINA DEL REY, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Guillotine Vodka had a pretty successful summer season. Throughout the summer the brand had heavily promoted and highlighted their Originale, an ultra-premium vodka made from the finest Champagne-region grapes. This vodka has a light and clean finish, offering notes of citrus with hints of almond and toffee. However, the star of this past summer season was the Heritage barrel-aged vodka. To no one’s surprise, this amber-colored vodka continues to steal the show, receiving validation from global news outlets.

Guillotine Heritage barrel-aged vodka has been listed as #3 by the acclaimed New York-based magazine, Rolling Stone in their “The Best Vodka Brands To Buy Right Now” article. Recognized for their opinions on popular culture, Rolling Stone emphasized the demand for Guillotine Heritage and reinforced the brand’s credibility by noting the uniqueness and sophistication the Heritage possesses, comparing it to a fine cognac.

The article goes on to highlight the brand’s success, stating: “Guillotine is ideal for anyone who’s already developed a palate for vodka and is looking to try something new. It’s been lauded by experts and the public alike, earning a Double Gold Medal at the consumer-judged SIP Awards in 2019.” The Rolling Stone article was then re-published by Yahoo!, more than doubling its exposure to an audience that may be familiar with vodka, but not necessarily aware of this new French vodka that claims to be A Cut Above Le Reste.

Guillotine Heritage Barrel-Aged Vodka is a unique aged vodka that is matured in Cognac and Armagnac barrels made from very special Limousin oak, adding notes of cinnamon and toffee with hints of mandarin orange and licorice. Made in a 100-year-old distillery using a mix of ancient methods and modern savoir-faire, Guillotine Heritage Vodka is an ultra-premium spirit unparalleled in quality, taste, and joie de vivre.

Guillotine Heritage Barrel-Aged Vodka is the only French vodka from Champagne-region vineyards that is aged in oak barrels, instilling Guillotine Heritage with its unique aromas, increased roundness, and golden amber hue. Smooth and clean, with subtle woody notes complemented by hints of spice, vanilla and cinnamon, this exceptional vodka has just the right amount of umami.

Guillotine Heritage Barrel-Aged Vodka is crafted with care using artisanal techniques steeped in France’s rich history of fine wines and spirits. The process starts by handpicking and de-seeding world-renowned grapes, slowly pressing them, patiently distilling them, and expertly preserving their essence. The taste and finish of Guillotine are the results of mingling white and black grapes such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay.

About Guillotine Vodka

Guillotine is a revolutionary French vodka created exclusively from the Aÿ-Champagne region’s finest pinot and chardonnay grapes. Founded by Paul Berkmann in 2016, the brand’s mission is to introduce the world to the finest artisanal spirits, starting with ultra-premium vodkas that are unparalleled in quality, taste, and joie de vivre. Guillotine is 100% natural, vegan-friendly and gluten-free, containing no coloring or flavoring additives, no glycerol, and no citric acid.

World Class 2018 Pinot Noir Emerges from Sonoma County

September 17, 2020 by evebushman

HEALDSBURG, Calif.,/PRNewswire/ — Gracianna Winery on the Miracle Mile of Westside Road in the Russian River Valley is riding high on the news that their recently released 2018 Westside Reserve Pinot Noir has earned Gold at five separate domestic and international wine competitions in 2020.

Gracianna Cellar, photo from their Facebook page.

Top honors were awarded at the 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition, celebrating a Best of Show win. Standing tall above the over 2,700 entries in this year’s competition, this Pinot Noir wowed the judges with its brilliant bouquet and flawless balance. On the way to winning the top prize, the Reserve Pinot was also awarded Best of Show – Red Wine, Best in Class, and Double Gold and garnered 97 points.

These accolades are in addition to the four other Golds won by the wine at the following competitions:

Best of Class & Double Gold – 2020 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge (98 points)
Gold – 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold – 2020 The Fifty Best California Pinot Noir Wine Competition
Best of Class & Gold – 2019 Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition

It has been a big year for Gracianna. Other Gracianna gold medal winners for 2020:

2017 Gracianna Mercedes Riverblock Estate Pinot Noir – Gold at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Gold at 2020 The Fifty Best California Pinot Noir Wine Competition, and Gold at the 2020 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge
2016 Gracianna Mercedes Riverblock Estate Pinot Noir – Gold at the 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition (93 points) and Gold at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2016 Gracianna Pinot Noir – Gold at 2020 The Fifty Best California Pinot Noir Wine Competition
2015 Gracianna Pinot Noir – Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Lisa Amador, Gracianna Winery partner said, “We are grateful and humbled at being lauded with a record eleven Gold medals for 2020 and are proud of our winemaking team for their care and our hospitality team members who have made Gracianna the #1 recommended winery in Sonoma County on TripAdvisor for the second year in a row. So proud.”

About Gracianna Winery
The Amador Family of Sonoma County are the owners of the award winning Gracianna Winery, a “fruit-first” craftsman’s winery on the Miracle Mile of Westside Road in Healdsburg, CA. They are committed to the care and devotion that goes into crafting and detailing each bottle of wine. Their approach combines science and craftsmanship mixed with gratitude for the brilliant hand-picked fruit they choose to make the wine.

Gracianna symbolizes everyday gratitudes and graciousness in entertaining because of their belief that hosting a special meal with friends and family is an everlasting circle that fills all our lives.

Gracianna wines are for those with something to be grateful for.