Jaw Dropping Results Breaking for BTI’s 2020 Whisk(e)y Awards

September 16, 2020 by evebushman

CHICAGO /PRNewswire/ — Beverage Testing Institute, conductors of the oft-imitated first international spirits competition in the United States, has completed its evaluation of 2020’s Best Whiskies. Twenty-one all-trade blind tasting panels assessed the spirited contenders for quality in the BTI Lab using its proprietary methodology and custom software.

From small US artisans, to Canadian distilleries, to Kentucky powerhouses, here are some of the best of category winners:

Colorado’s Old Elk Distillery came out with gloves on. The 15-year Old Elk Straight Rye and Old Elk Straight Wheat dressed to impress winning Gold and leading their categories. The secret to Old Elk’s success? We think it’s likely the combo of the lifetime experience of Master Distiller Greg Metze (38 years at Seagram’s Distillery) and the exceptional palate of Head Distiller Kate Douglas.

Also, from the “The Centennial State”, the Boulder Bottled-In-Bond American Single Malt from Vapor Distillery set the bar for what ASMW can produce with its 95-point, Gold Medal winning, liquid treasure. Nods to The QuintEssential ASMW from Iowa’s Cedar Ridge Distillery for a great showing as well at 93 points.

For the Blended Rye Whiskey category, Utah’s High West Double Rye! received a golden accolade solidifying its place as a bar and consumer top-performer.

Rye Whiskey craft dominators Old Potrero from California and Evanston Illinois’ FEW Rye Whiskey excelled at 94 and 92 points, respectively. And Kentucky stalwart, Wild Turkey Rye 101 shined as an expert expression of the Rye persuasion.

There’s no denying that there’s something about that Kentucky limestone-filtered, “branch” water… The big winner was Kentucky scion Doc Swinson’s 15 Year Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which grabbed the only BTI Platinum Medal—the beverage world’s ultimate honor for a spirits brand.

Heavy-medal-laden Kentucky distillery, Sazerac belted out some big Bourbon anthems. Their Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, Weller Full Proof and Stagg Jr. all hit 95-point high notes.

The Knob Creek 12-Year-Old 100 Proof Bourbon from Clermont Kentucky’s legendary Jim Beam Distillery not only proved that it provides great bang for the buck, but with an sensational 95-point score, will make your taste buds sing.

Flavored Whiskey nods go to the Michigan craftsmen at Journeyman Distillery for their 92-point Field Rye Fig Flavored Whiskey and the from-left-field, only-in-America Skrewball Peanut Butter Flavored Whisky, which are both delicious and far more than just guilty pleasures.

For the full list of BTI’s 2020 North American Whiskey Results visit their free consumer buying guide Tastings.com: http://www.tastings.com/Calendar-Spirits/Review-2020-09-01-North-American-Whiskey.aspx

Across the pond in the World Whiskey Review a record 7 Platinum BTI Medals were awarded to Midleton, Redbreast, Jameson and Kavalan this year. Kavalan from Taiwan shows off its whisky finishing and how their liquid gold and barrels benefit from the region’s warmer temperatures.

Do you know about Jameson’s Bow Street 18 Year Old Cask? It made our judges’ knees buckle as they fell in love with it. At 96 points, gifting this beaut will ensure that your in-laws write you into their will.

Midleton’s Dair Ghaelackh Knockrath may be difficult for Americans to pronounce but even harder to put down. Savory, warming and a spiritual experience. Consistently golden Aberlour grabs 5 gold medals.

On our radar, newcomer Archie Rose from Australia will be a collector’s dream whiskey as we suspect the brand grow and get better and better and better. Slightly peated Irish Blended Whiskey The Legendary Silkie is highly recommended.

The takeaways?

No matter the size of the budget of the consumer, delicious North American drams are plentiful.
Digging for gold? Get lucky in Kentucky.
Ready to venture beyond the bluegrass state? Craft distilleries Journeyman and FEW deliver and show that craft spirits producers have truly honed their technique and distilling skills.
Learn to leave the Steakhouse Single Malts to the uninspired. Instead try Aberlour, the malt of the individual.
And if you do have some extra dough to dish out for some quality whiskies—our results show, they should be Irish.

For a full list of BTI’s 2020 World Whiskey Review along with detailed tasting notes and cocktail recommendations visit: http://www.tastings.com/Calendar-Spirits/Review-2020-08-01-Scotch-Irish-and-World-Whiskey.aspx

About BTI: Beverage Testing Institute was founded in 1981 with the mission of making the beverage industry better, one brand at a time. Creators of the first international spirits competition in the U.S. they have a rotating monthly category call for their unbiased, professional published reviews. For more information about BTI’s reviews, competitions and other services visit: www.bevtest.com

Vintage Eve Circa Oct 2017: That Boutique-Y Whisky Company, Via Whisky Live

June 23, 2020 by evebushman

I met whisky aficionado Monique Huston at the Universal Whisky Experience, aka the Nth show, in Las Vegas earlier this year. I assumed I’d be lucky if our paths ever crossed again as she lives in Illinois, so I kind of scored in not only seeing her, but getting to learn from her too when I realized she was leading a course at the recent Whisky Live LA.

The class was listed in the program with this tantalizing title, “U.S. Launch! That Boutique-Y Whisky Company – Single Casks Done Our Way.”

Be one of the first in the US to taste through the massively awarded range of single cask Single Malt and Single Grain Scotches from experts at That Boutique-y Whisky Company. You’ve seen them written up, scored and bragged about in the UK – now taste them for yourselves! Warning: These cask-strength darlings are not for the faint of heart, come armed with your water dropper! Hosted by Monique Huston, National Director of Spirits Winebow.

Tasting

Aromas and flavors separated by ;

Invergordon 42 year old

Orange peel, leather, cream and cinnamon stick on the nose; followed by toasted oak, orange again, with both a nice sweetness and heat. Distilled from corn, neutral barrel finish. This was my favorite of the tasting line-up.

Speyside 15 year old

Dark chocolate, vanilla, a bit of peat; very balanced flavors of chocolate, cream and honey. Was finished in a first fill bourbon barrel.

Glentauchers 17 year old

Meyer lemon, green grass, vanilla bean; then bark, that same vanilla and some nice heat. They had made a 38 year old that sold out, their production is rare, and this one was probably finished in a second fill bourbon cask.

Benrinnes 18 year old

Sweet pear, whipped cream, orange hard candy; smooth and velvety, heat, cream and spice. “Ben” is one of the hills of Pennines. This was from #19 of only 24 barrels. Finished in a third fill sherry cask barrel. My second favorite.

Bruichladdich 12 year old

Toffee candy, tobacco, bark; smooth and spicy with a big finish. This was finished at one of only eight distilleries in Islay. Another top fave for me.

Islay 16 year old

Wet wood, suede, sweat caramel, yogurt; peat, smoke and s’mores. Liked this one for the peat.

Some of What We Learned

Ninety percent of whisky produced in Scotland goes into blends, single malts only get the remaining ten percent. So need a lot of whisky to make all of the single malts we enjoy.

The three peat-heavy distillers, Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Ardbeg, have a convenient walking path connecting them in Islay. (Time to plan a visit!)

That Boutique-Y Whisky Company use a 375ml half bottle format, making them more accessible and affordable. No extra finish is added, the company selects, buys and then bottles. These whiskies were a “preview” and not yet available to the mass market. When they do hit U.S. most likely will be at K and L.

From That Boutique-Y Whisky Company Website

That Boutique-y Whisky Company is an independent bottler which offers stunning whiskies from world-renowned brands and distilleries. Each bottle has a fun and informative graphic-novel-style label containing humorous references, in-jokes and shocking puns.

http://www.thatboutiqueywhiskycompany.com/

https://www.facebook.com/boutiqueywhisky/

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, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

San Jose’s 10th Street Distillery Wins Double Gold and More

December 2, 2019 by evebushman

SAN JOSE, CALIF. (PRWEB) – San Jose’s 10th Street Distillery has earned Double Gold at the 2019 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition for its Peated Single Malt American Whisky, which expanded distribution to Southern California on November 1. 10th Street Distillery Single Malt American Whisky offers discerning whisky enthusiasts an award winning, super-premium American Single Malt that draws inspiration from both Scottish whisky-making tradition and Californian ingenuity.

10th Street Peated Single Malt American Whisky (ABV 46 %, MSRP $65) is the first whisky produced in San Jose. It is crafted by a small, passionate team with painstaking attention to detail, combining time-tested methods with a unique sense of adventure. The carefully crafted harmony between the wood, malt and peat has resulted in a delicate, balanced whisky with subtle complexity which has already won Best in Class Gold at Whiskies of the World.

“We wanted to make an authentic peated whisky with California provenance. So, we needed a malted barley that had been dried over a peat fire to give it that essential peat reek with a touch of smoke,” explains 10th Street Distillery co-founder Virag Saksena. “At the same time, we also wanted it to be distinctly Californian, incorporating local terroir.”

After months of searching, partners Virag Saksena and Vishal Gauri found a maltster who created a custom peated malt that perfectly complements the alkaline, mineral-rich water of the Bay Area – the essence and key ingredient in their distillate. The gentle heathery notes of the peat used for malting allowed them to craft a flavor profile which is distinctly peaty yet extremely approachable.

10th Street Distillery founders are engineers with a steadfast passion for making things better. They refused to accept the status quo of making whisky in America (where whisky is spelled with an ‘e’). First, they learned the old ways of making Scotch whisky from the masters; then, they reinterpreted these techniques with an engineer’s precise, meticulous attention to detail and a willingness to erase boundaries. The culmination of eight years of design and development efforts in San Jose’s first modern distillery.

10th Street Distillery’s alembic-shaped, double-pot copper stills are derived from traditional copper pot designs with unique custom modifications for a complex flavor profile. The top-quality, ex-bourbon barrels slowly age and develop the whisky’s smooth, velvety expression without overpowering it with wood. The influence of local microflora during the extended fermentation adds a touch of the local terroir. A premium whisky that respects tradition while breaking new ground, 10th Street’s Peated Single Malt American Whisky promises to be a new American classic.

Peated Single Malt American Whiskey Tasting Notes:
Nose: Citrus, with a peat smoke essence
Color: Light golden
Palate: Creamy full flavors of vanilla and dark red apple peels, turning into rounded peat flavors. A delicate balance of fruity and smoky notes.
Finish: Full bodied, buttery, with a lingering peaty finish

About 10th Street Distillery:
San Jose’s first craft distillery, 10th Street Distillery was founded by two engineers with just one objective – creating world-class whiskies. A grain-to-glass distillery, it reinterprets time-honored traditions using modern techniques and engineering ingenuity to create its award-winning products. Their first product is a Peated Single Malt Whisky, a new American classic that respects tradition, but is not afraid to forge a new path.

Vintage Eve Circa Jan 2016: Five Days Pilfered from a Friend’s Advent Calendar!

February 5, 2019 by evebushman

Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. Yes, that’s right, so not like me. But when my brother couldn’t keep up with his daily dram intake – from the Master of Malts Drinks by the Dram Whiskey Advent Calendar – I wrote about it. On his Facebook page. For everyone to see.

Do you think my brother felt my plea and sent me a few drams of his passed up drams? Nope. Another pal, who must’ve heard about my desire for whiskey from another source – the hubby – sent over a nice little 5-dram gift.

I posted a photo on my Facebook, if my brother noticed it I do not know, as he has yet to send me anything.

Happy a new pal sent me goodies, not through blasting my brother, but okay, rant over. I pretty much won anyway as all five that I tasted scored no less than 89 points each in my book.

Tasting Notes From My Samples (hyperlink gives Master of Malt notes)

Compass Box Great King Street – Artist’s Blend

Nose: Buttered popcorn, cheddar cheese, hard butterscotch candy, white pepper and no burn. Palate: sharp, smoke, Kentucky bourbon, peppery, would like more fruit/nuts. 89 Eve pts.

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon 12 Year Old

Nose: Toasted almond, cinnamon, sugar cone, butter toffee, vanilla ice cream with salted caramel topping. Palate: Harsh, peppery, orange zest, cinnamon toast, with long lingering finish. 91 Eve pts.

Miyagikyo Non Age

Nose: Hazelnut, crème fraîche, tea, pale honey, wheat toast and a hint of apricot. Palate: caramel green apple, pepper, hazelnut, dried melon, metal and a welcoming peaty finish. Interesting. 90 Eve pts.

Balvenie 15 Year Old Single Barrel Sherry Cask

Nose: Salted caramel, creamery butter, milk, vanilla bean, milk chocolate, smooth and resonating. Palate: Caramel again, white pepper, salted butter, smoke and a lingering finish. 92 Eve pts.

Glen Scotia Double Cask

Nose: Toasted marshmallow, sweet heavy cream, popcorn kernel, no burn. Palate with water: Tobacco, vanilla, toast. 90 Eve pts.

Order your own, and/or get the whole list if you want to “read more” and spoil the surprise: https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/drinks-by-the-dram/the-whisky-advent-calendar/

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Wine and Spirit Goals for 2019, NOT Just About Drinking

January 11, 2019 by evebushman

Thinking that in my ten years of writing about wine and spirits, I must’ve set some goals, written them down and shared them in past articles. Did a quick Google search and found yea, sounds familiar as I did it once, just last year, in the column titled: Why Not Have…Drinking Goals for 2018? And No, it’s not too late to set them!

So I gave my 2018 article a gander, to see how many of my goals were met, to see if I should even attempt goals for 2019. The first goal, to learn about Mezcal, wasn’t a complete failure as I got to taste at least one in 2018. So that goal has a continuance for this year. I also went to more wine bars this year…or maybe I should say visited one wine bar more: Newhall Press Room. So that goal was partially met.

I made it to the Japanese Food and Restaurant Expo again, co-hosted our first Wine on the Roof and fourth Cocktails on the Roof for the WiSH Education Foundation, visited Salt Creek Grille and had wine, attended another Peatin’ Meetin’ organized by the LA Scotch Club and didn’t die…

But I still need my WSET Level 2 in spirits to be offered hands on as online classes are still the only type being offered. So I may have to give in on that goal, bite the bullet and try the online course this year.

Didn’t make it back to Utah or Denver for more spirits, but I did make it to SCOTLAND for plenty of Whisky!

Attended the tastings and classes at the Universal Whisky Experience in Las Vegas – which we plan to attend again this year in April.

So what’s up for 2019:

As the West Ranch Beacon* website shut down earlier this year, removing me from one weekly column commitment after about a decade, I thought I should look around for something new.

I can add more Eve Bushman Consulting Clients – so if you own a bar, restaurant, winery or wine bar and need some marketing ideas email me at Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com. My business partner Michael Perlis and I have been successfully consulting and marketing for our clients for many years now.

Also thinking about trying something new…starting out as a small Brand Ambassador might be a good fit, though I’d need some training as that part of the industry is very new to me. I have plenty of experience with wine and spirits via the numerous events we’ve created and hosted, as well as the many we’ve marketed, and have enough wine and spirit education under my belt to be able to easily learn about a brand that is looking for representation in Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles. If you hear of anything email me at Eve@EveWine101.com

So, those these new goals aren’t drinking goals, they all still involve the industry I’ve been involved with for over 10 years. I’m not going anywhere! Regardless of what I may add to my workload to make up for the closure of the West Ranch Beacon, know that Eve Wine 101 and Eve Bushman Consulting will continue as they have for many more years to come.

*If you hadn’t finished reading a particular article of mine on the Beacon, or are looking for my archived articles, please email me: Eve@EveWine101.com. I have all of my articles saved. Those over three years old were shared again, under the title “Vintage Eve” on Tuesdays on https://www.EveWine101.com. Newer articles, including the last three I did in the Scotland series, I can email out as word docs to whoever wants them. These will also be re-purposed on EveWine101 on Tuesdays within the next three years.

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. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Vintage Eve Circa Jan 2009: Sick of Wine and Chocolate

October 12, 2018 by evebushman

When home sick with the flu as a kid, my mom brought me home a Hershey bar by way of compensation for missing….school? As an adult it’s decidedly different. Eddie doesn’t bring me home candy (or flowers for that matter) when my taste buds are standing erect on my tongue and my throat is lined with an imaginary army of itchy…things.

So what do I get in compensation for missing…wine?

If Eddie were to bring home a bottle of say…let me check my wine log…St. Francis 1999 Cabernet, my palate wouldn’t know this was the bottle I didn’t rate so highly (it had gone cellared too long).

Wine, like chocolate, is lost on a person with a cold. They don’t work because you need a clear nose to enjoy both. Try holding your nose and trying either, it’s freakish. And forget about enjoying the finish. Might as well be forcing down a piece of bark with tepid water.

But I deserve something that did taste good Mom, err I mean, Eddie.

An “angry” single-malt Scotch, the real peaty kind, that I never did go in for still didn’t work now. But my other favorites did: Balvenie 10 or 12 year old, Aberlour 16 year old or a 15 year old Glenfiddich. The alcohol may have served to dry my throat but the numbing affect on the same itchy column did the trick.

My Domaine de Canton (DDC) Martini was the best choice by far. A vodka martini (we like Imperia) with DDC ginger liqueur replacing the vermouth. DDC tastes like candied ginger and ginger is good for a sore throat! Ta Da!

So, in closing, it’s 5:17, the husband is no where in sight, so I guess I have to drag my wretchedly sick body into the kitchen to ice the martini glasses myself. At least I don’t have to worry about him bringing me anything.

Post Script: It’s 6:22, he’s late, I tossed some brandy into my hot cider and it worked in a pinch. But there will be single malt sometime tonight!

Whiskies of the World Awards 2018 Results

October 3, 2018 by evebushman

AUSTIN, Texas (PRWEB) – Whiskies of the World is delighted to announce the winners of the 2018 Whiskies of the World Awards. Whiskies of the World is known for its industry standard tasting events in Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco and San Jose. The Whisky Awards is an additional feature that provides brands marketing materials to promote their products. As only 31% of entrants receive gold medals, the results of these awards are extremely meaningful. Additionally, all judges’ notes are made available to each entrant as important data to develop the brand and determine best marketing strategy.

Whiskies are judged on a 100-point basis with a concentration on aromatics, flavor and finish. Blind judging was performed by a panel of seventeen tastemakers who are all influential figures in the beverage industry. The panel included: David “Bart” Bartlett – Whisky Guru at Beverage World; Steve Beal, World Renowned Whisky Expert and a Keeper of the Quaich; Jeff Boley – Beverage Manager Townsend; Beth Brooks – Pernod Ricard Specialist, Venture Brand Spirits; Jeramy Campbell – Assistant Manage, Seven Grand Whisky Bar; Jennifer Dunn – Brand Ambassador Luxco Brands; Mike Groener – CEO Genius Liquids; Tom Koerner – Spirit Guide, Seven Grand Whiskey Bar; Lana Lindsley – Bulleit Whiskey Ambassador; David Maguire – Co-owner The Austin Shaker; John McEntire – Spirits Consultant Twin Liquors; Greg Randle – Wine and Spirits Business Consultant/Good Taste Report Founder; Mike Raymond – Owner Reserve 101; Kevin Rhodes – Cocktail specialist, The Eleanor/Sourced Cocktail; Ken Seeber – Spirits Consultant Twin Liquors; Kevin Stein – Regional Manager Twin Liquors; Jason Stevens – Director of Beverage, La Corsha Hospitality Group.

“The judges are extremely talented with sensitive palates and work hard to evaluate each product,” explains Douglas Smith, Whiskies of the World Event Director. “The evaluation of whiskies is taken very seriously. Our judges not only taste and make notes, but also discuss and consider many angles. We are proud that our awards reflect the experience and integrity of our excellent judging panel.”

THE 2018 BEST IN SHOW WINNER (Tie):

Sons of Liberty Uprising American Single Malt – Pedro Ximénez Finish (Malt American greater than 2 Years)
Whip Saw Rye (Whiskey Rye greater than 4 Years)

THE 2018 BEST IN CLASS WINNERS:

Bourbon less than 3 years:     Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon
Bourbon 3-6 years:     Bower Hill Barrel Strength Bourbon
Bourbon greater than 6 years:     Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
Bourbon Wheated:     Balcones Texas Wheated Bourbon
Corn Whiskey:     Ironroot Hubris Corn Whiskey
Irish Blended:     Bogart’s Blended Irish Whiskey
Malt American less than 2 years:     10th Street Single Malt Whisky
Malt American Smoked less than 2 years:     Westland Peated
Malt Bourbon Cask:     Glenmorangie 18 Year Old
Malt Non-Bourbon Cask:     Penderyn Myth
Malt Peated Medium:     The English Smokey Single Malt
Malt Peated Heavy:     Port Charlotte 10
Rye less than 2 years:     Minor Case Rye
Whiskey:     FEW American Whiskey

THE 2018 GOLD OUTSTANDING RECIPIENTS:

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon (Bourbon greater than 6 Years)
Trail’s End Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Bourbon greater than 6 Years)
Bower Hill Barrel Strength (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
Ardbeg An Oa (Single Malt Scotch Peated Heavy)
Ardbeg Corryvreckan (Single Malt Scotch Peated Heavy)
Port Charlotte 10 (Single Malt Scotch Peated Heavy)hiskies of the World Awards 2018 Recipients

THE 2018 GOLD RECIPIENTS:

Blood Oath P4 (Bourbon greater than 6 Years)
Widow Jane 10 Year Old Bourbon (Bourbon greater than 6 Years)
Bower Hill Single Barrel (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
Law’s Whiskey Four Grain Bourbon- Bottled in Bond (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
The Burning Chair Bourbon (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
Bogart’s irish Whiskey (Irish Blended )
The Quiet Man Traditional Irish Blended Whiskey (Irish Blended )
10th Street Single Malt Whisky (Malt American less than 2 Years)
Kurayoshi 12 Year Old (Malt Non-Bourbon Cask)
Penderyn Myth (Malt Non-Bourbon Cask)
Amrut Fusion Single Malt (Malt Peated Light)
Black Adder Chimera (Malt Peated Light)
The English Smokey Single Malt (Malt Peated Medium)
Fukano 2018 (Rice Whisky)
Axe and the Oak Colorado Mountain Incline Rye (Rye less than 2 Years)
Minor Case (Rye less than 2 Years)
Bower Hill Reserve Rye (Rye greater than 4 Years)
Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2010 (Single Malt Scotch )
Glencadam 10 Year Old (Single Malt Scotch Bourbon Cask)
Glenmorangie 18 Year Old (Single Malt Scotch Bourbon Cask)
Glengoyne Sherry Cask (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
Glenmorangie Lasanta (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
Glenmorangie Tayne (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
The GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
Ardbeg 10 Years Old (Single Malt Scotch Peated Heavy)
Ardbeg Grooves – General Release (Single Malt Scotch Peated Heavy)
The Glenlivet Nadura (Single Malt Scotch Peated Heavy)
Ardmore Peated Single Malt (Single Malt Scotch Peated Medium)
Dry Fly Cask Strength Wheat Whiskey (Wheat greater than 2 Years)
Dry Fly Straight Wheat Whiskey (Wheat greater than 2 Years)
FEW American Whiskey (Whiskey)
Dry Fly Straight Triticale Whiskey (Whiskey Creative)

THE 2018 SILVER OUTSTANDING RECIPIENTS:

Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon (Bourbon less than 3 Years)
Bio Whiskey (Bourbon less than 3 Years)
Ironroot Harbinger XC Straight Bourbon (Bourbon less than 3 Years)
David Nicholson Reserve (Bourbon greater than 6 Years)
Uncle Nearest Premium 1856 Aged Whiskey (Bourbon greater than 6 Years)
Bower Hill Barrel Reserve (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
FEW Bourbon (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Bourbon (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
Garrison Brothers Small Batch (2018 Release) (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
Iron Wolf Ranch Select Bourbon (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
Old Forester 86 proof (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
Yellowstone Select (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
Balcones Texas Wheated Bourbon (Bourbon Wheated)
Lambay Whiskey Small Batch Blend (Irish Blended )
Alley 6 Single Malt Whiskey (Malt American less than 2 Years)
Sons of Liberty Wheated American Single Malt (Malt American less than 2 Years)
Whiskey Del Bac Classic (Malt American less than 2 Years)
Westland American Oak (Malt American greater than 2 Years)
Westland Sherry wood (Malt American greater than 2 Years)
Whiskey Del Bac Distiller’s Cut (Malt American greater than 2 Years)
Westland Sherry wood (Malt American Smoked less than 2 Years)
Whiskey Del Bac Dorado (Malt American Smoked less than 2 Years)
Amrut Classic Single Malt (Malt Bourbon Cask)
The English Original Single Malt (Malt Bourbon Cask)
Penderyn Madeira (Malt Non-Bourbon Cask)
The Quiet Man Single Malt Irish Whiskey (Malt Non-Bourbon Cask)
Amrut Peated Cask Strength Indian Single Malt (Malt Peated Heavy)
Alley 6 Rye Whiskey (Rye less than 2 Years)
Corsair Ryemaggedon (Rye less than 2 Years)
FEW Rye (Rye less than 2 Years)
Title No 21 Rye (Rye less than 2 Years)
Law’s Whiskey Secale Straight Rye- Bottled in Bond (Rye greater than 4 Years)
Glenmorangie 19 Year Old (Single Malt Scotch Bourbon Cask)
Glenmorangie Signet (Single Malt Scotch Bourbon Cask)
Glenmorangie Cadboll (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
Glenmorangie Duthac (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
Lambay Whiskey Single Malt (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
The Glenivet Nadura Oloroso (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
The Glenlivet Code (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
Ardbeg Uigeadail (Single Malt Scotch Peated Heavy)
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 (Single Malt Scotch Peated Heavy)
Port Askaig 110 Proof (Single Malt Scotch Peated Medium)
Charbay Doubled & Twisted Whiskey (Whiskey)

THE 2018 SILVER RECIPIENTS:

Axe & The Oak Colorado Mountain Bourbon Whiskey (Bourbon less than 3 Years)
Ironroot Harbinger (Bourbon less than 3 Years)
Ironroot Promethean (Bourbon less than 3 Years)
Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon (Bourbon 3 to 6 Years)
Dry Fly Straight Bourbon 101 (Bourbon Wheated)
Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Bourbon Wheated)
Woody Creek Distillers Colorado Straight Bourbon (Bourbon Wheated)
Balcones True Blue 100 (Corn Whiskey)
Ironroot Hubris (Corn Whiskey)
Second Glance American Whiskey (Corn Whiskey)
Virginia Distilling Chardonnay Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky (Malt American less than 2 Years)
Balcones 1′ Texas Single Malt (Malt American greater than 2 Years)
Sons of Liberty Battle Cry American Single Malt – Sauternes Finish (Malt American greater than 2 Years)
10th Street Peated Single Malt Whisky (Malt American Smoked less than 2 Years)
Corsair Triple Smoke (Malt American Smoked less than 2 Years)
Corsair Wildfire (Malt American Smoked less than 2 Years)
Fifty Stone Single Malt Whiskey (Malt American Smoked less than 2 Years)
Brenne Estate Cask (Malt Non-Bourbon Cask)
Penderyn Celt (Malt Peated Medium)
Balcones Texas Rye 100 (Rye less than 2 Years)
Devils River Rye Whiskey (Rye less than 2 Years)
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye (Rye greater than 4 Years)
Bruichladdich Classic Laddie (Single Malt Scotch Bourbon Cask)
Glencadam 13 Year Old (Single Malt Scotch Bourbon Cask)
Glengoyne Bourbon Cask (Single Malt Scotch Bourbon Cask)
Glenmorangie The Original (Single Malt Scotch Bourbon Cask)
The Glenlivet – Founder’s Reserve (Single Malt Scotch Bourbon Cask)
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old (Single Malt Scotch Bourbon Cask)
Glenmorangie Spios (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
The Glenlivet 15 Year Old (Single Malt Scotch Non-Bourbon Cask)
Devils River Barrel Strength Whiskey (Whiskey)

THE 2018 BRONZE RECIPIENTS:

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt (Malt American greater than 2 Years)
The Glenlivet Nadura (Single Malt Scotch Bourbon Cask)
Rebecca Creek Fine Texas Whiskey (Whiskey)
Rebecca Creek Texas Ranger Whiskey (Whiskey)
Seven Stills Chocasmoke (Whiskey)

Category Clarification:
Malt: Includes Single Malt (all from same distillery) and Blended Malts (100% malt but from different distilleries). To help define the product some have been listed as Single Malt Scotch, or Single Malt. However, for Best in Class purposes, these are the same category.
Bourbon Cask: Malt whisky which has been aged in bourbon cask
Non-Bourbon Cask: Malt whisky that has significant influence from casks other than bourbon. Most commonly, sherry casks.
Cask Finished: Either matured in a non-bourbon cask, or finished in a non-bourbon cask or blended with a non-bourbon cask.

Join us for the upcoming Whiskies of the World Texas Expos for a seventh time in Austin on Thursday, September 20th, for the first time in Dallas on Friday, September 21st and for the fourth time in Houston on Saturday September 22nd. We will also be returning to Atlanta for a sixth time on Friday, November 2nd.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.whiskiesoftheworld.com.
Follow Whiskies of the World on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Whiskies of the World LLC: Whiskies of the World LLC, an IWSC Group North America event, began in San Francisco, CA in 1998. Under the direction of whisky enthusiast and event director, Douglas Smith, the event has expanded into Texas and Georgia. The IWSC Group is a global leader of alcoholic beverage events, including the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Learning at the Western Foodservice and Hospitality Expo 2017, Part One

September 22, 2017 by evebushman

I think this is the third time I visited the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center and yet I always find several new items to taste, learn and see each time. If you work in the food industry, or own a bar, restaurant, catering business or winery you definitely should attend this multi-day event at least once.

I always take a slew of photos. If you don’t want to read my article take a gander at my slideshow here for the short version.

The favorites for me this year in both food and beverage include:

Kelvin Slush Company for several drinks including the Frose aka Frozen Rose made with wine and vodka, John Daly and Miami Mule; the “Resort Charger” that is a wine cooler/phone charger/beach table in one; St. Petersburg Vodka had a ever-so-slight sweet edge to it and “outscores Ketel One, Stoli, Grey Goose and Belvedere”; the Croqu Monsieur made with Ayoya Flatbread; Ginja 9 Cherry Liqueur can be purchased along with little dark chocolate cups; Lick’d natural ice cream bars; Pops Rumpopa Rum Cream Liqueur Almond flavor was yummy but they also make an original and banana; Torani syrup just came out with a lemonade flavor; Brooklyn Gin in its blue glass bottle was striking, as was its clean botanicals; Point Reyes cheeses; Don Chelada Michelada mix was perfectly spicy enough for a Michelada but would also lend itself well to a Bloody Mary or a spicy shrimp cocktail; Toguchi Japanese Whiskey from peated malt and grain aged in sherry and brandy casks; Kradjian olives and stuffed grape leaves; Breckenridge whisky; never skip watching the Honey Smoked Fish Co. “voted best smoked salmon” at least for the demo show they put on every year; Ohishi Japanese Whisky; Tailormade Foods cookies; Jozen Sake.

This year I attended two classes and share my notes from each below:

Driving Sales through Grass Roots Marketing, a Productive Team and Smart Operations.

I’ve heard Darren Denington from Service with Style speak before, may have even been the same topic. These are my takeaways this year:

Start with employee morale, if they are unhappy they are looking elsewhere, giving away freebies and talking about you negatively. Owners/Managers: spend time with your team.

Make sure your staff knows what items you make the most money from and push those.

Marketing starts with your guest’s perspective. Secret shoppers are one way to find out. You will need to impress a guest at least three times – by focusing on service. The “how can I help you” type of serve that In-N-Out and Chick-Fil-A are known for.

A whopping 85% of diners do the “one and done” with a restaurant due to staff with an “attitude of indifference.”

Staff need to allow just a 15-second statement to make to a customer that is not about the restaurant. (I highly recommend that you allow the staff to find their own script for that. It will come across more sincere if your cosmetic-loving waitress compliments a diner on her makeup.)

Once employee morale is high, then sell your promotions. Events, Happy Hour, whatever – if they are vested in the restaurants then their sales efforts will be effective and not forced.

Be aware of something the diner liked and offer a deal on a return visit. If the desserts slayed them then offer a free dessert at their next visit, etc. This gives them a reason to come back.

Partner with a non-profit on an event. Tests have shown that sales can go up afterwards.

Design a bulletin board to hold breakable items, add in what the cost is for each so that staff is tangibly aware of how things can add up.

Design different Happy Hours for each day it’s offered: Singles Nights, Legal/Biz Nights where they can invite potential clients.

Meat + 3 sides lunch campaign where less meat is offered than the full entrée, and less expensive sides are pushed.

Build your own marketing committee from your existing staff. This makes them listened to and engaged. Then plan one year in advance for all of the campaigns you want to do.

Lots to digest here so I’ll give you a week off and then you can return to read Part Two – all about what I learned from Bartender of the Year…Bar Rescue’s Rob Floyd.

LA Scotch Club Presents Peatin’ Meetin’ IV on September 9! (Join Eve!)

August 31, 2017 by evebushman

Hosted by the LA Scotch Club, Peatin’ Meetin’ is the world’s largest festival celebrating peated whiskies. Known especially through Islay’s scotch, peated whisky is for known smoky, earthy, and medicinal flavors. The event attracts hundreds of peat fans from around the state and we are happy to have a new home this year at the Traxx Courtyard in Los Angeles’ Union Station.

PEAT

Peat is boggy soil made from vegetation that has only partially decomposed over thousands of years, and the Scottish and Irish burn it in a same manner as coal. Peat’s unique smoke flavors the barley used to make the whiskies featured at Peatin’ Meetin’.

THE MAIN EVENT

Once again, this year hundreds of whisky lovers will experience the world’s widest selections of peated whiskies. In addition to whisky expressions poured by distillery representatives, the LA Scotch club sources rare bottles worldwide. To help with the summer heat, the mixologists at the other door will team up Ardbeg and Stark Spirits to create a delicious cocktail. Locally brewed peated beer also be on tap.

Grillfellas BBQ

New this year will be Grillfellas BBQ, who will serve peat-smoked meats that are infused with peated whiskies. The peat will be provided by Sneaky Peat, who imports peat from Ireland that as been waiting 20,000 years for this event.

The McNaughstys

A Celtic/Punk rock outfit based in Los Angeles, the McNaughstys were brought into being from the roughneck bohemian streets of inner city Baltimore, Maryland in 2008. With the 2012 release of their first EP “Scraped Knuckles & Natty Bohs”, the boys cut their teeth in the gritty, east coast/New England punk-rock scene to great acclaim.

With an arsenal of over-powered punk riffs, laced with the primal influence of Celtic bagpipes, violin, and banjo, their high-energy live shows have proven to bring crowds together in musical enlightenment. This isn’t a band that can be narrowly tucked into a single genre; each member of the band brings experience from a wide range of musical backgrounds. From American folk to heavy metal, punk bands and military drills, this is a new musical evolution.

the major consensus is, if you aren’t moving around, or thoroughly blown away…check your pulse! Grab a pint, get a shot, and let the whiskey flow because when the McNaughstys are on stage… it’s always a rowdy time.

HIGHLIGHTS:

unlimited peated whisky • Live music by the McNaughstys • Peated BBQ dinner (food-only options are available) • easy train access to Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego • An engraved Glencairn whisky glass • Peated cocktails and peated beer • Meet the Peat Monster • Furnished outdoor cigar lounge

website: http://la.scotchclub.us/event/peatin-meetin-ix/

Paul John Single Malts on a Winning Streak

June 25, 2017 by evebushman

Bangalore, Karnataka (PRWEB) – Paul John Single Malts continue their sparkling run by bagging more awards for their celebrated expressions. The most recent honours were achieved at the World Whiskies Awards 2017, an international competition set up to choose the world’s finest whiskies. The Paul John Peated Select Cask was declared the Best Indian Single Malt. While Paul John Brilliance and Paul John Classic Select Cask were awarded Gold and Silver respectively. Furthermore, Mr Paul P John, Chairman of John Distilleries and the man behind the Paul John Single Malts, was declared the World Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year, one of the most prestigious awards to be won. He was lauded for his entrepreneurial skills and passion for premium products.

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Photo from Paul John Facebook page

At the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), 2017 the Paul John Single Malt Whiskies brought home five prestigious medals. One of the most prestigious and influential spirit competitions in the world, the SFWSC awarded us with three Double Gold and two Silver medals. The double gold medal winners are considered to be among the finest whiskies in the world. Our Bold, Edited, and Peated Select Cask expressions received the Double Gold medals, and the Paul John Bold was also proclaimed the “Best Other Whisky” by the judges, from over a 100 entries. Additionally, the Brilliance and Classic Select Classic expressions received Silver medals, given to outstanding spirits that show refinement, finesse and complexity.

Of the other prestigious awards won by the brand this year the first was at the Òran Mór Annual Whisky Awards, held at Glascow, Scotland. The 10th annual Òran Mór whisky awards was held on the 23rd of February, and Paul John Brilliance was proclaimed the Best Overseas Whisky. The unpeated single malt, which has previously won many awards, was commended for its sweet fragrance, honey-like smoothness and a beautifully relaxed finish.

The Paul John Single Malts were also honoured at the American Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2017. This world class event, judged by renowned experts who define the platinum standards for the industry, was led by F. Paul Pacult, known as the “Spirits Guru” of America, and is a life member of Kentucky’s Bourbon Hall of Fame. At this year’s event, which concluded on the 29th of March, he awarded the Chairman’s Trophy in the World Whisky category to Paul John Peated Select Cask, from among finalists like Armorik Classic and Bastille 1789 from France and Kavalan from Taiwan. The Peated Select Cask, known for its crisp layered flavours and delicate smokiness, was also given an “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation” and an excellent 96 point rating.

Commenting on the single malts winning many great honours, Mr Paul John stated, ‘it is indeed an honour to be recognised on such a global level and I hope to continue creating great whiskies that win the world over.’