Eve's Wine 101

CUTWATER SPIRITS SCORES TOP HONORS AT SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION 2022

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SAN DIEGO/PRNewswire/ — San Diego-based distillery, Cutwater Spirits, is proud to announce exciting new wins from the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).  Cutwater brought home top honors for five of its bottled spirits including a Double Gold for Cutwater Mezcal Joven and Gold medals for Cutwater Tequila Blanco, Cutwater Tequila Reposado, Bali Hai Tiki Gold Rum, and Devils Share American Whiskey. SFWSC is the oldest, largest and one of the most respected competitions of its kind, and this year, Cutwater earned 36 total awards across the brand’s portfolio of bottled spirits and canned cocktails.

 

The Competition judging panels consist of some of the industry’s most esteemed and renowned industry experts, including Anthony Dias Blue (Tasting Panel) and Jeffrey Morgenthaler (Clyde Common). The 2022 competition was the largest ever with 5,000 spirits from more than 40 countries entered.

To date, Cutwater Spirits has earned over 1950 awards across its portfolio, reflecting Co-Founder and Master Distiller Yuseff Cherney’s passion and unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.

“It is a truly important honor to be recognized by this esteemed competition,” comments Cherney. “These awards speak to the entire team’s dedication to making world-class spirits and canned cocktails.”

Cutwater will continue to release new, bar-quality canned cocktails and spirits. Follow Cutwater Spirits on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest.

About Cutwater Spirits: Cutwater Spirits, the most awarded canned cocktail brand in the U.S., is a San Diego-based distillery known for its award-winning lineup of over 20 canned cocktail classics made from its portfolio of bottled spirits that span nearly every spirit category including tequila, vodka, rum, gin, whiskey and liqueur. Co-Founder and Master Distiller Yuseff Cherney began distilling as a side project under Ballast Point Brewing. He started canning cocktails because he wanted to make drinks he could enjoy while doing the things he likes to do (mostly fishing and hiking). In 2017, Cutwater Spirits was established as a separate entity from the brewery and now operates from a 50,000 square foot distillery and production facility, which includes a world-class tasting room and restaurant. To date, Cutwater has earned over 195o awards across its portfolio of products and is distributed in 50 states. Learn more at www.CutwaterSpirits.com or follow @cutwatersprits on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Kilinga Bacanora, An Agave Spirit from Sonora, Mexico, Launches in the U.S.

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Sonora, Mexico – Mexican spirits brand, Kilinga, announces the U.S. launch of their award-winning Bacanora, an agave spirit native to the state of Sonora, Mexico. Bacanora has been enjoyed for over 300 years, but has not been shared beyond Mexico until now.
Kilinga is a boutique, family-owned Bacanora distiller and brand founded in 2018 by Rodrigo Bojorquez Bours in Álamos, Sonora, Mexico. Inspired by and named for his mother, Kilinga, La Señora Kilinga is the vibrant matriarch and heart of the family. The company’s first official bottling was in the fall of 2019 which was awarded silver at the San Francisco Spirits Competition. It is the first officially designated Bacanora by the Consejo Sonorense Regulador del Bacanora available in the United States, and the second brand in Mexico to have the authentic Bacanora designation.
“Kilinga speaks to the grandeur of the Sonoran desert,” says Kilinga Bacanora Founder Rodrigo Bojorquez Bours. “We wanted to create a smooth, bright Bacanora that evokes the beauty of the region to agave aficionados everywhere.”
Rodrigo is not only the founder of Kilinga but also its Maestro Bacanorero. He fell in love with his hometown spirit after having tried a refreshingly bright expression made by a local rancher–it wasn’t like any mezcal he had before, and not close to what tequila tastes like. It has its own unique history born in the mountainous northeast of Sonora over 300 years ago. It survived prohibition (it was illegal to distill Bacanora until 1992) and received its Denomination of Origin in 2000. This intrigued Rodrigo and he was enthralled with the idea of making a Bacanora of his own, one reflective of the desert blooms unique to the Sonoran terroir.
Kilinga harvests their agave at different stages of maturation which makes each of their Bacanoras one-of-a-kind. Every bottle of Kilinga is numbered and signed by Maestro Bacanorero Rodrigo. He has perfected the art of distilling and polishing Bacanora after years of R&D, education and hands-on experience, resulting in a flavor distinct to Kilinga. Made using native Agave Angustifolia Haw unique to Sonora, where the desert meets the sea and mountains, Kilinga Bacanora is infused with local terroir and aromas. Furthermore, Kilinga only uses agave cultivated on their own family-run farm for superior quality and authentic taste. With the family’s roots in agriculture, the brand carefully practices safe, sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming. They truly believe in working with nature, not against it.
Kilinga’s eye-catching packaging is another nod to the Sonoran desert. The packaging reflects the color palette seen in the region’s natural landscape with captivating blues, shades of greens, and pops of violet, red, pink, orange, and yellow. The label captures the untamed beauty, wilderness and irrepressibility of the desert, mountains and sea. It also celebrates the feminine in honor of La Señora Kilinga and the women in the family, who are so strong and inspiring.
The portfolio features four handcrafted, small batch Bacanora expressions, all double distilled for crystalline purity. Kilinga will launch with the Bacanora Silvestre and Bacanora Blanco expressions this Spring 2022 and will release aged expressions in the near future.
Bacanora Silvestre
Made with wild 7-8 year old Agave Angustifolia Haw, the young, green plants give Silvestre the lightness of a springtime bouquet. At 80 proof (40% ABV), it is clear with aromas of wildflowers, violets, and green agave. It is very floral and vibrant on the palate with herbal notes and a subtle violet finish in the aftertaste. SRP: $64.99
Bacanora Blanco
Handcrafted with capón of 10-12 year old mature Agave Angustifolia Haw, Blanco is imbued with the rich sweetness of an autumn campfire. Presented at 84 proof (42% ABV), it exudes deep aromas of caramel, toasted agave, soil, and wildflowers. It tastes of boldly toasted caramel and agave, flowers and minerals with a subtle, balanced finish. SRP: $54.99
Bacanora Reposado
Artfully aged in American White Oak barrels at 80 proof (40% ABV), Reposado is a unique experience for agave aficionados. This expression is an evolution of the Bacanora Silvestre, which allows the floral notes to harmonize with the oak. Evoking Sonoran wildflowers and fresh herbs with hints of vanilla and agave followed by a smooth, clean, woodsy finish that lingers.
Bacanora Añejo
This rare Bacanora is bold and complex having been aged in ex Baja red wine French Oak casks for a decadent depth of flavor. This expression is an evolution of the Bacanora Blanco allowing the deep caramel aromas to develop into a toasted caramel flavor profile. Bottled at 88 proof (44% ABV) it has a sweet, earthy nose with delightful hints of dark chocolate, tobacco, vanilla, and charred sugar flavors present.
La Señora Kilinga enjoys her Bacanora served up, slightly chilled, and accompanied by a slice of orange dusted with cinnamon. Maestro Bacanorero Rodrigo Bojorquez enjoys his served neat with a kumquat.
Kilinga Bacanora can be found at select restaurants, bars and liquor stores in California, Colorado, New York, and New Jersey with online retail to come. The company plans to expand distribution to major markets in TX, IL, TN, MD, DC, SC, GA, and FL through the rest of 2022.
For more information, please visit https://kilingabacanora.com/kilinga-en/, or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook.

Officially Introducing El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market!

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(Los Angeles, CA) – El Granjero Cantina is L.A.’s newest most colorful cantina featuring a top-notch culinary team delivering a delectably delicious fun and fresh take on authentic Mexican cuisine influenced by Southern California farmers market ingredients. With its lively, bright, and inviting indoor-outdoor seating and great patio for people watching, El Granjero (pronounced gran-heh-roh) Cantina is the perfect one-stop spot offering up Tacos, Dorados, Vegan Tacos, Salads, Bowls, Burritos, Quesadillas, Tequila, Mezcal, Top Shelf Margaritas, Sangria, Specialty Cocktails, Cerveza, Mocktails and much more for Los Angeles locals and pleasure travelers alike to all enjoy!

Photo Credit:  Michael Brown

Located in the former Ulysses Village space on the Market Plaza at The Original Farmers Market, El Granjero Cantina originally opened in late June 2021 and is the brainchild of EGC Founder and Owner John Moshay who has a deep connection to the cultural traditions of Mexico. Moshay, also Co-Owner of Fritzi Coop inside The Original Farmers Market with Fritzi Coop Partner Chef | Owner Neal Frazer (Redbird | Vibiana), put together a dream team of young culinary talent starting with General Manager Grace Etchegoyen who spent time on the floor at Pizzeria Mozza, and was General Manager at Fritzi DTLA, PYT, and Redbird earning her hospitality stripes by first becoming Event Manager, then Assistant General Manager, and then General Manager while working alongside her celebrated father Chef | Owner Neal Fraser and stepmother, Co-Owner & Operator of Redbird | Vibiana Amy Knoll Fraser. Next, Moshay sought out Executive Chef Jenni Sklar (Lucques, Sqirl, Son of a Gun, and Whoa Nelly Catering) to create El Granjero Cantina’s modern Mexican menu and oversee the kitchen, and finally, Moshay reached out to Cocktail Consultant Tobin Shea (Bar Director, Redbird | Vibiana) to create El Granjero Cantina’s innovative agave-forward bar program.

Executive Chef Jenni Sklar’s ingredient driven menu embraces regional Mexican flavors using seasonal and fresh ingredients showcasing a selection of Antojitos (Snacks) including Guacamole, Fiesta Nachos, Papas Fritas and Pork Belly, and the Ensaladas (Salad) spotlight Chef Sklar’s signature Caesar Salad prepared with romaine lettuce, cured egg yolk, sunflower seeds, and breadcrumbs, or Kale Salad made with avocado, griddled cheese, house pickles, corn, and black bean salsa. The Oaxacan Quesadillas are house favorites featuring the HIBISCUS made with sauteed hibiscus flowers, onion, and cheese, or the Queso prepared with cheese, black bean puree, salsa negra, and escabeche relish served with lettuce. Chef Sklar’s Tacos do not disappoint and there are two for every guest to enjoy featuring a sublime selection including Avocado, Beef, Carnitas, Chicken or Crispy Fish. The Dorados (Golden Tacos) are lightly fried to perfection and offer up three delicious options, Chili Braised Beef & Cheese, Tomatillo Chicken & Cheese, and Soyrizo & Vegan Cheese. The Los Tazones (Bowls) include the California fresh Crispy Avocado Bowl prepared with chipotle aioli, marinated kale, corn, black bean salsa, and pickled red onions, along with a Chicken Bowl, Beef Bowl, Carnitas Bowl, Seared Fish Bowl, or Keto Bowl comprised of your choice of protein with cauliflower rice, griddled cheese, cabbage slaw, marinated kale, and crema. Chef Sklar’s Cheese and Chicken Enchiladas are a family favorite and her Carnitas and Chili Beef Burritos are packed with flavor. As, with any proper Mexican meal, Chef Sklar’s Acompanantes (Sides) are the perfect addition to each dish featuring fresh Avocado, Blistered Jalapeno, Cauliflower Rice, Corn Tortillas, Flour Tortillas, Guacamole, Black Beans, Black Bean Puree, and Herb Rice. “We make everything in-house from our pickles to our salsas, carnitas, and our tortillas,” states Sklar. El Granjero Cantina’s tortillas are extremely special as Sklar spent months looking for the perfect blend of fresh corn masa and maseca (dry corn flour) to create a unique texture that resembles a flour tortilla. Says Sklar, “Our Tortillas are soft, pliable, full of moisture and fantastic flavor. The density reminds me of a tamale and every tortilla is handmade to order every time.”

“I am constantly impressed with Jenni’s cooking as she knows the perfect way to balance every dish with acid, salt and texture,” states Etchegoyen. “She is excited by Mexican food, and it definitely shows. It was important to her to make everything from scratch, and I love the vegan items she created for our menu. She put extra time and attention into preparing them to make sure they were thought through, exciting and delicious.”

BAR: El Granjero Cantina’s bar program, created by Cocktail Consultant Tobin Shea, honors traditional agave-based spirits from Mexico with a specially curated list of Tequilas y Mezcal showcasing a special selection of Blanco Tequila, Reposado Tequila, Anejo Tequila, and Mezcal, while also featuring fun and frothy Frozen Margaritas, Cocktails on Tap, and collection of Classic Margaritas and Specialty Cocktails such as the EGC Old Fashioned comprised if reposado tequila, mezcal, Meletti Amaro, and orange, Lifesaver made with mezcal, Fiero, lime and pineapple syrup, and Rasp-Hib Cocktail prepared with guests choice of tequila, Italicus, hibiscus tea, lime and soda to name just a few. In addition, El Granjero Cantina also offers select Beer, Wine, house-made Sangria, and non-alcoholic beverages such as El Granjero Cantina’s handmade Horchata and freshly carbonated Agua Frescas.

“I am really proud that we squeeze fresh lime juice for all of our cocktails as this is something that is very important to us, and it really helps us produce the best quality beverages we can provide,” says Etchegoyen. “Tobin introduced us to the Spinzall which clarifies juice to give a perfect texture and color. We clarify our cucumber juice and raspberry hibiscus for our house-made Agua Frescas, and I am in awe of how Tobin took classic cocktails, the Old Fashioned and the Mai Tai, and he put a tequila twist on them. They are well balanced and it’s a fun way to lean into agave-based spirits. We truly have something for everyone – a red Sangria for easy drinking, a frozen strawberry margarita for those hot days on the patio, and the option to have your very own version of the perfect margarita with a choice of over 30 different tequilas, mezcal, and/or spicy tinctures.”

El Granjero Cantina was designed by Amy Knoll Fraser who wanted to take full advantage of the existing architecture of the space and exposed joist of the ceiling. Fraser drew inspiration from many trips to Mexico City and she wanted the space to feel like a lively bustling cantina where the energy from the street outside gives back to the restaurant inside, spilling into each other. She saw the space as casual, but cosmopolitan and created a subtle division between the two with tall folding panel doors and dangling light fixtures meant to evoke lightning bugs in a jar creating a warmth that immediately attracts guests into the space. Fraser created bold pops of color throughout the restaurant which inspired the stripes running down the back bar and interior side wall and the bold and bright mural on the outside walls based on a traditional Mexican Otomi embroidery with a nod to Matisse cut outs. The chair design was created by Hee Welling inspired by refrigerator racks, and all the woodwork throughout the space was thoughtfully designed in hickory by John Moshay’s son designer Ned Moshay making this project a full family affair.

El Granjero Cantina is open every Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. El Granjero Cantina offers Happy Hour “All Day” every Monday and Tuesday, and every Wednesday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information about El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market or to make reservations, please call 323.879.9324 directly or visit www.CantinaLA.com.

Social Media:  Follow El Granjero Cantina on Facebook @ElGranjeroCantina and Instagram @elgranjerocantina

El Granjero Cantina

The Original Farmers Market

6333 W. 3rd Street, Stall 750

Los Angeles, CA 90036

T: 323.933.9211

www.CantinaLA.com

Código 1530 Enters The Mezcal Category With Two Unique Releases: Ancestral and Artesanal Mezcal

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OAXACA, Mexico, /PRNewswire/ — Código 1530, the award winning, independent tequila brand is releasing an Ancestral Mezcal and an Artesanal Mezcal. The Código 1530 founders value the time-honored art of premium tequila and mezcal making and the natural evolution has brought them to join forces to refine and bring two new premium mezcals to the market. With an appreciation for the skill and patience needed to create an authentic, high-quality spirit, the Código 1530 mezcals have flavor profiles that are smooth on the palate, with subtle smoke to sip alone or layer into an interesting cocktail.

 

Image from Vine Pair

“After many years of going to Oaxaca, we were able to partner with trusted local producers from different regions in the San Juan del Rio region. With their help, we have had access to a wide variety of palenques and communities, hence the ability to make a very unique and exceptional ensemble,” says Co-Founder/co-CEO Ron Snyder.

Código 1530 has opted to use a Mezcal Master to adjust the process such as the temperature and different types of agave rather than machinery. This human effort guarantees the highest quality and efficiency at all times, while keeping sustainability in mind. Código 1530 uses agave from three different regions to ensure that the company is never over harvesting any of its agave, and prioritizes the time needed for land regeneration from harvest.

“Código 1530 has a great opportunity when creating its mezcal to use different types of agaves to obtain a wide range of natural flavors. By carefully combining different agave types, using espadín and tobalá from different terroirs, an incredibly well balanced mezcal was found that can be enjoyed either straight or in a cocktail,” Co-Founder/co-CEO Federico “Fede” Vaughan explains.

“‘Pearls’ tell the first story of mezcal, giving you a rough estimate on its ABV. It is by tradition we still view this method as our first stopping point in our process, allowing the gourd and benecia to produce ‘pearls’ while we watch for the size of the bubbles and how long they take to dissipate. This is our traditional method, our starting point, but certainly not our end point,” Vaughan said.

The Ancestral expression keeps with the ancient process and honors the origins of mezcal, the people producing it, and the region of Oaxaca. Because no machines or automation are involved in the process, the higher priced mezcal, Ancestral, is even more rare and has a different profile than the Artesanal mezcal. Starting with a sweet, earthy nose, notes of honey, tobacco and salinity from clay can be tasted, followed by bright minerality, vanilla, cantaloupe and hazelnut to finish. The agave is mashed by hand using a wooden stick, the fermentation is done in a leather vat, and the distillation in clay pots. This can only be done by a master distiller with vast experience and knowledge of mezcal, which is what makes this process so valued and appreciated. This unique mezcal is inherently sustainable because the process is so slow, and so careful, that overproduction is not possible. There are no machines anywhere in our ancestral process, and the fermentation vats, stills, and pestle have been used for generations.

The Artesenal expression follows the traditions of mezcal, incorporating a donkey-pulled tahona wheel, wild fermentation with begasso, and copper still for distillation. A market standout, due to the use of different terroirs that capture the flavors of different elevation regions of Oaxaca. This includes a wild tobalá incorporated in the process, to capture the bold notes of western Oaxaca. The Artesanal mezcal is then rested in sauvignon blanc wine barrels to take advantage of the herbaceous aroma to create something unique with notes of floral, light woody vanilla, citrus, dark cherry with hints of earth and clay and a delicate, subdued smoke.

Both Ancestral ($180) and Artesenal ($65) mezcals from Código 1530 are newly available through the Código 1530 website www.codigo1530.com or from licensed fine retail shops. The ABV of each mezcal is: Ancestral 43.1%, and Artesanal – 42.2%.

ABOUT CÓDIGO 1530
Código 1530 is a premium spirits brand born from a private recipe known for generations by only a select group of Mexico’s most respected families and finest jimadors. Now available to the world, Código 1530’s five core offerings Blanco, Rosa, Reposado, Añejo, and “Origen” Extra-Añejo, have been perfected using time-honored customs without ever veering from the historic traditions of including no added chemicals, flavorings, or sweeteners. Passionately produced in a distillery in Amatitán, the rested tequilas are meticulously aged to taste in the world’s finest French Oak Cabernet wine barrels procured from the Napa Valley region. Código 1530 is now available in all 50 states, and in 30 countries world-wide. Learn more at www.codigo1530.com.

Acme Hospitality Restaurants In Santa Barbara Introduce New Cocktails for Fall and Winter Season

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Seasonal Santa Barbara County-Inspired Cocktails are Created By The Lark,

Pearl Social, Loquita and La Paloma Café’s Talented Bar Team

 

Acme Hospitality’s bar team, led by Alberto Castillo (The Lark and Pearl Social), Michael Bowlds (Loquita) and Sam Hamlin (La Paloma Café), has designed a new menu of hand-crafted cocktails, reflecting the change of season in Santa Barbara County.

Nine fresh cocktails include Flora Rosa and Saguaro (The Lark); Accident in Paradise and Bird is the Word (Pearl Social); Del Maguey Mezcal Flight and Verde Eastside (La Paloma Café); and Las Fallas; Siderias and El Caqui de España (Loquita).

All fall drinks are priced from $12-14; $30 for the Mezcal Flight and are now available through December. High resolution photos available.

Loquita, photo credit Kate Winter.

ACME HOSPITALITY’S SEASONAL COCKTAILS 2021 available now through fall and winter season

The Lark

Flora Rosa

jalapeno-infused reposado tequila, guava, lime, ginger cordial, rosemary $14

 flora rosa highlights the beautiful romance that tequila has with spice

the jalapeno infusion provides the right blend of spice and bite that is brought

together and brightened by notes of ginger…

tropical hints of guava as a finish gives this cocktail the perfect amount of complexity

Saguaro

vida mezcal, ancho reyes chile liqueur, lime, mint, basil, grapefruit peel $14

 vegetal/herbaceous brightness and hints of spice complement the mezcal, blending fresh crisp flavors of cucumber mint and lime with the natural smokiness of the spirit and stimulate the palate before dinner

Pearl Social

Accident in Paradise

tequila, pineapple, cilantro-mint-cucumber, lime, firewater $12

 pineapple and cilantro go perfectly together;

blending with firewater brings out all the flavors in this most refreshing of cocktails

Bird is the Word

mezcal, pineapple, campari, lime, salt $13

perfect balance between smokiness, bitterness, and sweetness

 a pinch of salt so when shaken perfectly complements the agave

La Paloma

Del Maguey Mezcal Flight

a rotating selection of single village© mezals $30

warm the palate with aromas, flavors and rich textures

each taste takes you on an adventure…remember… sip it, don’t shoot it

Verde Eastside

mezcal, cucumber, agave, lime $15

a take on the classic eastside with mezcal instead of gin and

cucumber puree replaces muddled cucumber

the smokiness of the mezcal pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the cucumber; the puree adds brilliant color and texture

Loquita

Las Fallas

rye, rum, carpano, vermut $14

inspired by the popular festival holidays in valencia that occurs from september 1-5

it is marked by flower offerings, fireworks and substantial communal bonfires

Siderias (de Pasado Verano)

gin, lime, passionfruit, manzanilla sherry $14

in spain, parties and festivities that honor tradition are referred to as “siderias”

this drink highlights the first tasting of spanish ciders when they are ready

El Caqui de España

mezcal, lime, persimmon, sherry $14

caqui is spanish for persimmon, featured in this cocktail

spain is the largest producer in the world of this autumn fruit

All seasonal cocktails are priced from $12-$14; $30 for Mezcal Flight

 

The Lark

131 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.284.0370

Pearl Social

131 Anacapa Street, Ste B, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

 805.284.0380

 

Loquita

202 State Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.880.3380

 

La Paloma Café

702 Anacapa St

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.966.7029

The mission of Acme Hospitality is to bring together the community to experience warm hospitality and the highest quality food, beverages and ambiance while venerating the diversity of Santa Barbara and the Central Coast.

ABOUT THE LARK:

The Lark’s menus are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using the highest quality seasonal ingredients based on the abundant bounty of the Central Coast. Drawing inspiration from the coastal regions of the Mediterranean Sea, The Lark’s food is beautifully plated, featuring bold flavors designed to delight the senses while staying rooted in the climate, geography and inspiration of Santa Barbara, the American Riviera.

ABOUT PEARL SOCIAL:

Pearl Social is a romantic, intimate cocktail bar, social destination and live music venue where people come to celebrate life while enjoying the music and ambiance of this dynamic new space. Pearl Social is the ideal place to grab a hand-crafted artisanal cocktail before or after dinner at one of the Funk Zone’s most popular restaurants – The Lark or Loquita. Pearl Social’s name gives a nod to the celebrated first lady of Santa Barbara, Pearl Chase, a local activist who worked tirelessly on the historic preservation and beautification of the popular coastal city. Pearl Chase was an intelligent and courageous woman who deeply loved her adopted hometown of Santa Barbara and spent her life committed to bettering it.

ABOUT LOQUITA:

Loquita, an endearing Spanish colloquial term for a wild and fun-loving young girl, is a love letter to the Spanish origins and history of Santa Barbara. The menu presents a variety of authentic Spanish pintxos, tapas, paella, charcuterie and cheeses; seafood and meat dishes sourced from Santa Barbara’s ranchers, farmers, and fishers.

ABOUT LA PALOMA CAFÉ:

La Paloma is an approachable neighborhood restaurant, patio and watering hole, picking up just where it left off. La Paloma Cafe is a thoughtfully crafted California barbecue restaurant where flavors reflect the past and present of our local community. Paying tribute to the age of the vaquero, La Paloma uses indigenous ingredients prepared with Mexican and Spanish influences and cooked over California live oak.

For further information on Acme Hospitality, visit

www.acmehospitality.com

Follow on Instagram

 @thelarksb

@pearlsocialsb.com

@loquitasb.com

@lapalomasb.com

SIP Awards’ Annual Spirit Competition Shatters Through the 1,000 Entry Submission Milestone

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IRVINE, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — The SIP Awards to be honored for another record setting year as the authority review leader in innovative tasting competitions, representing the one and only organization focused on the feedback of real consumers, not professional tasters or industry insiders. The 2021 SIP Awards surged with more than 1,000 competing brands from 49 countries — the highest since its inception in 2009.
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The SIP Awards International Spirits Competition is committed to its core mission of bringing together informed, passionate consumers to experience rare and unique spirits and mixers from around the world. This year, cognizant of the ongoing global pandemic, SIP Awards reimagined spirits judging with their innovative at-home evaluation kits. With a record breaking 1,183 submissions, the 2021 evaluation was by far the most competitive for brands vying to secure coveted SIP Awards recognition and exposure.
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Participants registered online and selected a sampler kit in one of 108 spirits categories and subcategories (bourbon, vodka, tequila, mezcal, whiskey, scotch, liqueurs, infused spirits, and more) to be delivered to their home. Each kit included 6 to 12 unbranded samples, a link to submit the results and one exclusive Neat Glass scientifically designed to maximize the aroma, flavor and finish of each spirit. After the submission, the judges were able to see which spirits they actually liked and disliked in their blind tasting evaluation, which could help them in their buying decisions.

Winning a SIP Award is a critical milestone for brands that speak directly to their target audience, consumers. Awards include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Double Gold, Platinum, and Best of Class.

In addition, 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. This year, 344 Consumer Choice Awards were distributed, underscoring the growing popularity of the event and the value it provides to brands.

There’s also an Innovation Award for spirits that bring an interesting and unique taste profile, as well as Package Design Awards for creative bottles and aesthetics. No brand receives participation awards, as the competition focuses solely on tangible differentiation in the winner’s circle.

“The fact that the SIP Awards sets new records each year for consumer and brand participation highlights what we’ve believed all along — that consumer opinion carries a lot of weight for brands to create, improve on, and market their products,” says Cher Holmes, Director of Operations. “We look forward to continuing this tradition of bringing spirits brands and their ideal customers together and improving the industry as a whole, one sip at a time.”

For a complete list of 2021 SIP Awards winner, visit: http://sipawards.com/

About the SIP Awards
Founded in 2008, the SIP Awards is the world’s only spirits tasting competition that uses real consumers as its judging panel. Brands can enter one or multiple spirits and review the raw feedback they receive from the judges and use it to improve their product. For brands that win a SIP Award, they can leverage their award in their branding and marketing. To learn more about the SIP Awards beverage competition, venue partnerships, or for a complete list of this year’s winners, visit https://sipawards.com.

Wine Country Network Launches The 2021 Tequila Mezcal Challenge

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BROOMFIELD, COLO. (PRWEB) – Wine Country Network, publishers of Wine Country International magazine, and producers of six professional beverage competitions have announced that the third annual Tequila Mezcal Challenge (TMC) is now accepting entries in more than sixty categories of Tequila, Mezcal and Agave spirits.

The company is organizing the TMC and selecting a prestigious panel of Tequila & Mezcal professionals consisting of Master Sommeliers, F&B Directors, Journalists, and Retailers Buyers. Several recognized Tequila Mezcal experts from around the US will participate as guest judges.

Christopher J. Davies, Wine Country Network, CEO and Co-Founder stated, “Serious tequila deserves serious recognition. Our well-rounded panel of experts will taste the Tequilas, Mezcal & Agave Spirits “double-blind” and achieve the fairest scoring results possible. We plan to separate spirits in different price points for our popular categories to maintain an even playing field. We are looking to identify the absolute best products in this exciting category!”

There are currently around 150 distilleries in Mexico, making Tequila, Mezcal, and Agave products. There are now over 1,500 Tequila brands, with more coming online every week. In 2020, top competition winners included:

  • Geu Beez Mezcal Espadin “Best of Show”
  • Cierto Tequila “2020 Hot Tequila Brand”

The 3rd Annual Tequila Mezcal Challenge will occur on November 13 & 14, 2021, at the Origin Hotel in Westminster, Colorado. The competition is now open to Craft Distillers, Merchant Bottlers, Brand Marketers, Commercial Distilleries, and Duty-Free Spirits Producers. Producers, Importers, and Distributors are now encouraged to enter their products online before November 1, 2021. For details visit: TEQMEZCHALLENGE.COM

The Award-Winning Lost Explorer Mezcal Brand Expands Distribution Presence in U.S.

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OAXACA, Mexico/PRNewswire/ — The Lost Explorer Mezcal, an award-winning, sustainably crafted and Oaxacan-cultivated mezcal, announces expanded distribution across the U.S. by partnering with Infuse Spirits Group. Infuse has built a strong distribution network spanning 34 states for their unique single-bottle infused vodkas and unapologetically non-traditional Broken Barrel Whiskey brands. As a part of the agreement, Infuse Spirits Group will lead U.S. sales for The Lost Explorer Mezcal, making inroads in 12 markets by the end of 2021.

 

Seth Benhaim, founder of Infuse Spirits Group says, “Working with The Lost Explorer Mezcal will open many doors for all brands involved. The undeniable popularity of Mezcal and the unique profile, quality and packaging of The Lost Explorer are perfect compliments to the vodka and whiskey brands we currently sell. There are so many great synergies between our two teams.”

Launched at the end of 2020, The Lost Explorer Mezcal most recently received Double Gold (Salmiana), Gold (Espadin) and Silver (Tobala) recognition from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the most established and influential spirits competition in the world. The brand was also named Taste Master, the prestigious accolade of the best of the best across the tequila and mezcal category, in a competition hosted by The Spirits Business.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Infuse Sprits Group to bring The Lost Explorer Mezcal to even more consumers across the country,” said The Lost Explorer Mezcal CEO Tanya Clarke. “As a new brand entering the growing Mezcal market and gaining recognition quickly, this partnership puts our sustainably-crafted and Oaxacan made Mezcal on the fast track for growth.”

In addition to its direct-to-consumer platform, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is now listed with a variety of e-commerce partners including Caskers.com, ReserveBar and Mercado de Mezcal. The Lost Explorer Mezcal is also available in high-end retailers, restaurants and bar locations throughout California, including Gracias Madre, The Peninsula Hotel, Old Town Tequila and Beverly Hills Liquor & Wine.

The Mezcal is now available in Mexico, the UK and US, and was created in partnership with award-winning Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos and his daughter Xitlali as a premier, earth-centric spirit. For more information on The Lost Explorer Mezcal, visit www.thelostexplorermezcal.com or follow their journey on Instagram @thelostexplorermezcal.

ABOUT THE LOST EXPLORER MEZCAL
Handcrafted from 100% agave cultivated in the sun-soaked Valles Centrales, Oaxaca, Mexico, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is co-founded by David de Rothschild and Thor Björgólfsson, and created in partnership with award-winning Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos and his daughter Xitlali. It is a toast to empowering sustainable Mexican enterprise, while protecting the ancient artisanal craft, heritage, and biodiversity of Mexico. Harvested in harmony with the elements and in tune with the rhythm of nature, the three uniquely profiled varietals – Espadín, Tobalá, and Salmiana – invite people to celebrate the earth and live curiously, exploring the diversity and wonder of the sacred agave.

ABOUT INFUSE SPIRITS GROUP
Infuse Spirits Group [ISG] is based in Los Angeles, California but produces its one-of-a-kind vodkas in North Las Vegas, Nevada and its small batch craft whiskeys in Owensboro, Kentucky. ISG is unlike any other spirits company in the industry, focusing its attention on the diversification and process behind spirits, rather than just the provenance of spirits. In addition to the six current vodka expressions, its Broken Barrel whiskey brands each feature a unique Oak Bill™, which like the “mash bill” describes the barrel stave composition that finishes each whiskey batch. All Broken Barrel whiskeys are finished with various broken cask staves, steeped into the whiskey. ISG’s portfolio is made with passion and purpose and is currently sold in 34 states throughout the U.S. ISG’s brands have received over 70 awards in the past seven years including (3) Double Gold Medals & Best-of-Show at the San Francisco & New York World Spirits Competition.

The Secret Garden Distillery Announces Appointment of ImpEx Beverages as its Exclusive US Importer

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The Secret Garden Distillery is proud to announce they have joined forces with ImpEx Beverages, a California based spirit importer, to bring their award-winning gins from Edinburgh to the USA.

The first shipment will soon find its way into specialty retailers across the USA.  The expressions for this launch include Damask Rose & Juniper, Lemon Verbena & Juniper, and Pink Elderflower, Jasmine, & Juniper.   Each of these bring with them a unique experience for the American consumer, as the nurture and love for each botanical shines through with every sip.

Damask Rose & Juniper

A lovely golden gin with aromas of rose and hints of juniper. It tastes like Turkish Delight with some light citrus and candied cherry. It’s a gorgeous, delicate gin that is as refreshing as it is beautiful.

Perfect serve: Pour over ice and mix with a premium light tonic water and watch it naturally transform from a shimmering gold to a lovely pink in honor of this noble rose’s petals.

Lemon Verbena & Juniper

Crystal clear gin with aromas of citrus, lemon sherbet, and hints of herbs. Its zesty flavors are intermingled with juniper.

Perfect serve: Pour over ice and mix with a premium light tonic water. Garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint.

Pink Elderflower, Jasmine, & Juniper

A delightful salmon pink gin with aromas of orange and pink grapefruit. On the palate it’s quite exotic with citrus and sweet orange flavors. All the sweetness is coming from the natural residual sugar of the plants.

Perfect serve: Pour over ice and mix with a premium light tonic water and watch it change from salmon pink to a brighter vibrant pink. Serve with a slice of pink grapefruit.

Hamish Martin, Founder of the Secret Garden Distillery, said: “I am so delighted to be working in partnership with ImpEx Beverages as our exclusive distributor in the US. They have embraced our beliefs and truly understand our ethos and our one true value; to be rooted in nature. I started the business with a dream, to create a Garden that works hand in hand with nature, using no chemicals whatsoever and actively encouraging our wild indigenous plants. These magical plants and herbs offer an array of natural flavors that work so well together in our gins. There are no added sugars, artificial colorings, flavorings, or preservatives, just nature distilled. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoy making them.”

Andre de Almeida, Managing Director of Secret Garden Distillery said “This is an exciting time for The Secret Garden Distillery, as we embark on the next stage of our journey. Hamish has built a unique business proposition underpinned by his passion for nature which is at the heart of everything. Working in partnership with ImpEx Beverages is an important step in sharing our story with Herb Garden premium gin consumers across the world. We are very excited for the future and our partnership with ImpEx Beverages.”

When speaking to Sam Filmus, President of ImpEx Beverages, he said, “We could not be more pleased to embark on this adventure with The Secret Garden Distillery.  These amazingly unique gins and the team behind them are sure to bring delight to US Consumers looking for something more than just your average gin.  Add to this the way the natural botanicals react to tonic water and change the color of the spirit, you have a real crowd pleaser.  We look forward to seeing the US fall in love with Herb Garden Gin, just as we have.”

About The Secret Garden Distillery

The Secret Garden Distillery lovingly crafts every bottle from seed to sip, and create unique tasting gins full of natural flavors and aromas with no added sugars, artificial colorings, flavorings or additives. Always with a commitment to better their sustainability credentials and impact on Mother Earth.

The Secret Garden Distillery was founded by entrepreneur and herbologist Hamish Martin, on a 7.5-acre site based on the outskirts of Edinburgh with its very own gin botanical garden.

Hamish and his wife Liberty originally purchased the site in 2012 with the dream to create The Secret Herb Garden, filled with plants, using no chemicals whatsoever, working hand in hand with nature and encouraging wild indigenous plants to flourish. Hamish, who had previously worked in the wine and spirits trade, started to experiment with herbs and spirits to demonstrate how remarkable nature is in naturally delivering flavour and color. By October 2017, the Secret Garden Distillery was established.

The Secret Herb Garden has over 600 naturally and sustainably grown varieties of herbs and plants, including a wide range of junipers, angelica and a dedicated apothecary rose garden. All plants are lovingly cultivated and hand harvested to ensure the highest quality. The botanicals are dried naturally at 37 degrees, distilled and then bottled at 43% ABV (for the US Market only) as they believe this is best for the floral flavors to harmonise with the gin. The garden is maintained with no chemicals – they only use plants to heal plants. They also ensure nature gets its fair share, and currently leave a percentage of plants unharvested to create wildlife habitats to feed and encourage wildlife and allow their 11 colonies of bees to have their fill too.

About ImpEx Beverages

In 2008, a new chapter began for Sam Filmus, after years in the business captaining JVS Imports. With ImpEx Beverages, his vision was to import premium and rare Spirits from around the world, with a special emphasis on the best of what Scotland has to offer.

In 2018, Chris Uhde joined Sam as his business partner in ImpEx Beverages and together they have expanded the portfolio and vision for ImpEx.

Now, ImpEx boasts an impressive portfolio, including some of the most notorious small to medium sized distilleries and independent bottlers.

ImpEx Beverages imports Whisky, Gin, Rum, and Mezcal from Scotland, Belgium, Wales, Japan, Israel, and Mexico with future anticipated additions from unexpected destinations. We also feature a fine line of Liqueurs and Cordials produced in the US.

Regardless of your preference, you are sure to find something that pleases from the ImpEx Beverages Portfolio.

For more information on where to find these amazing craft gins, please email office@ImpExBev.com.

Introducing Mezcal Rosaluna, an Earth Agave Spirit With a Smooth Finish

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LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) – Made in a small Mexican village in Oaxaca, Mexico, Mezcal Rosaluna has officially launched in the United States and is available online and in-store. The handcrafted Mezcal is produced from self-grown agave and offers complex notes of both citrus and tropical fruits, combined with a hint of agave smoke and a silky smooth finish. Available in 750 milliliter bottles, the blend is 40% alcohol by volume and is certified vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, zero carb, plant-based, and carbon neutral.

Mezcal Rolsaluna is created by a brother and sister duo from the quaint town of Santiago Matatlán, which is often referred to as “The World Capital of Mezcal.” Their family perfected the craft of creating Mezcal over the course of six generations, leaving the sibling duo with the ability to grow, farm, ferment, and distill agave from seed to bottle; the result of this is a fully-integrated process that is both sustainable and carbon neutral. The process begins by planting baby agaves and nurturing them for eight years, with hand-cleanings and constant maintenance of fresh, Matatlan soil. After eight years, the heart of the agave is harvested by removing the leaves and extracting just the sweetest part: the piña in the middle. These are then taken to an underground pit and carefully placed atop a stone-buried fire to be roasted for up to five days (adding that cooked, smokey flavor to the Mezcal). These roasted pineapples are then taken to a mill to extract juices and fiber, and are then fermented with water for up to eight days. Finally the remains are distilled, with the head and heart of the first distillation going back in for a second round, separating alcohol from water to truly enhance the purity of the Mezcal.

The result of this process is a robust Mezcal designed with intricate layers of complimentary flavors, all highlighted by a smooth finish. Its aroma is built on tropical fruits and notes of citrus, cinnamon, and ginger, all of which pair beautifully with the caramel notes of the roasted agave hearts. Mezcal Rosaluna pairs well with numerous drinks and fruits including cranberry, coffee, and grapefruit, while also leaving room for experimentation and design. The makers themselves have lovingly crafted 16 unique cocktail recipes that include Mezcal Rosaluna, including the Pink Moon Paloma, the Topo & Luna, and the Seventeen Fifty. No matter how it’s mixed, every sip is a beautiful and intricately woven blend of flavors that is the result of generations of refinement from the World Capital of Mezcal.

Handcrafted in the foothills of Oaxaca Mexico, Mezcal Rosaluna is an authentic agave spirit developed over the course of six generations. It is self grown, processed, and distilled without GMOs, gluten, or carbs, making it vegan, plant-based, and carbon neutral. Bottles are available to purchase on Drizly and ReserveBar, with more information available on https://mezcalrosaluna.com/.