2025 marks the fourth year that I’ve served as a wine and spirits judge for the Proof Awards in Las Vegas. Not sure I would know that except that it’s not only been a fabulous experience sampling spirits, wines and making new friends – on the fifth year I get awarded with their black leather Proof Awards…
Some years, but not all, I do a yearend roundup article listing some of my favorite wines or spirits. This year, as I just got back from wine tasting in Napa and Healdsburg, and writing all about it, I thought I’d do my article on the different spirits and cocktails I discovered this year. So,…
Italian Viola Fig and Tuscan Juniper join the original 12 botanicals from 9 exotic countries in a stunning purple bottle NEW YORK, /PRNewswire/ — From the curious mind of PJ Rigney, Gunpowder Irish Gin is proud to announce the launch of Gunpowder Irish Gin with Italian Fig & Laurel. The vibrant flavor profile and striking bottle design add…
Last year I reviewed four bottled cocktails by Via Carota Craft Cocktail company and they were all winners: Negroni, White Negroni, Old Fashioned and Manhattan. Read that review here, and this is an excerpt: “From Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Access Live 2024 I had many opportunities to try new spirits…From the namesake…
IRVINE, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — SIP Awards, the original consumer-judged spirits competition, has officially announced the results of its 17th annual event. This year’s competition showcased a diverse range of entries from around the world, underscoring the innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship shaping today’s spirits industry. With continued momentum, the SIP Awards remains committed to its mission of delivering…
SEATTLE/PRNewswire/ — Astraea Spirits, the pioneering gin brand redefining the American gin category, proudly announces a historic sweep at The Spirits Business Global Gin Masters Awards 2025. Astraea is now the only American gin brand ever to receive five individual Gold Medals across the competition, a landmark moment for the category and a powerful win for women-led…
MIAMI, /PRNewswire/ — Arkay Beverages, the world pioneer in alcohol-free spirits, proudly announces that its flagship products — Arkay Zero Proof Whisky, Gin, and Vodka — have consistently ranked #1 in sales in their category on Amazon.com since 2011. Available on the official Arkay Amazon store at:https://www.amazon.com/stores/ArkayBeverages/page/BCDA3E94-D3DA-434D-B28D-70EA3FC53101, Arkay’s zero-proof spirits have become the go-to choice for…
NEW DELHI, /PRNewswire/ — Jin Jiji, India’s pioneering artisanal gin crafted by Peak Spirits, has been awarded 98 points and a Gold Medal at the London Spirits Competition 2025, making it the highest-rated gin in the world this year. In a landmark moment for Indian spirits, Jin Jiji was also crowned ‘Spirit of the Year’, the competition’s highest honor—cementing its place as not only a standout gin…
Recently my pal and fellow gin lover Ashley Norris, aka @SipWithMe_LV on Instagram, turned me onto a brand new gin from a relatively new distillery in Las Vegas: Las Vegas Distillery Gin. I was thrilled to taste the gin on its own, and my tasting notes on that are below. I also tried the gin…
Emerging Aperitif Brand Rises Above the Competition at WSWA’s Premier Industry Showdown DENVER, /PRNewswire/ — Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is proud to announce Amante 1530 as the champion of the 2025 Brand Battle competition, held yesterday during Access LIVE — the beverage alcohol industry’s premier gathering for wholesalers, suppliers and retailers. Hosted by Elliott…