Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd., a leading developer and marketer of beverage products, is pleased to announce that KAH^® Tequila Blanco has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for Creativity in Packaging by the Beverage Tasting Institute.

This follows KAH^® Tequila recently winning “Best of the Best” by Tequila.net, and winning multiple awards at The Spirits International Prestige Competition and The Spirits of Mexico Competition.

In announcing this award, The Beverage Tasting Institute stated that, “In the highly competitive beverage market, packaging has never been more important. Buyers are continually challenged by increasingly clever and innovative concepts. Creative packaging draws attention to brands on crowded shelves and back bars, showcases a brand’s personality, and invites consumers to indulge. So at the end of every year, we at The Beverage Testing Institute put down our tasting glasses and invite a select panel of on-and-off premise beverage buyers and managers, packaging designers, and journalists to judge not what’s in the bottle, but the bottle itself. We also judge the labels, gift boxes, carriers, and cases that are all important elements of today’s dynamic and expanding beer, wine, and spirits marketplace. Our December 2011 packaging competitions brought in hundreds of entries from which we selected another batch of standout designs.”

About Drinks Americas

Drinks Americas develops, owns, markets, and nationally distributes alcoholic premium beverages. In June 2011, the Company entered into a sales, distribution and licensing agreement with Worldwide Beverage Imports, LLC and is now selling and distributing KAH^® Tequila, Agave 99^® Tequila, Rio Bravo Beer, Crazy Pig Ale and Chili Devil Beer. The Company also marketsWillie Nelson’s Old Whiskey River Bourbon, Olifant Vodka, receives a royalty for Kid Rock’s American Badass Beer and Damiana Mexican Liqueur, and owns and distributes Rheingold Beer.

For further information, please visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KahTequila and on our new websites at www.drinksamericas.com and www.rheingoldbrewingcompany.com.

Dulce Vida Organic Tequila Earns Top Honors at the New York International Spirits Competition

Dulce Vida, the world’s only certified USDA organic, 100° Proof tequila, received the Gold Medal at the 2011 New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC), the highest award given to any tequila. The NYISC is one of the most influential and respected spirits competitions world-wide.

“We are thrilled with the recognition our brand continues to gain,” stated Richard Sorenson, Dulce Vida Spirits’s Founder and CEO. “Our focus as a Craft-Distiller is to produce the finest, small-batch tequila available in the world. Our passion for creating a unique, premium tequila has earned unrivaled accolades over the past two & one-half years of our marketplace tenure.”

“Our focus as a Craft-Distiller is to produce the finest, small-batch tequila available in the world. Our passion for creating a unique, premium tequila has earned unrivaled accolades over the past two & one-half years of our marketplace tenure.”

The Spirits of Mexico Festival, the largest, oldest and most comprehensive forum of its kind in North America, will be held September 11 through 18 this year in Old Town San Diego at the location of California’s birthplace, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Last year’s Spirits of Mexico Festival was awarded proclamations from the City & County of San Diego, commendations from the Mexican Consulate and Old Town Chamber of Commerce, lauded as an ‘A List’ event by San Diego Magazine and noted as ‘one of four festivals not to miss’ by ‘O’, the Oprah Magazine.

Tequila, Mezcal, Sotol and Bacanora, each with its own denomination of origin and all distilled from the juice of the ancient agave plant, have quickly captured the hearts of the American consumer. The festival celebrates these spirits and their heritage. Cuisine, paired and infused, cocktails, educational seminars, a tasting competition and the resultant awards ceremony, live and silent auctions are all in this year’s festival recipe. Where better than in the nation’s No. 1 marketplace for consumption of these spirits? Old Town San Diego.

The Festival makes living history every year as well. Of the more than 150 brands and 400 styles that have participated in the past eight years, 25 percent have exclusively launched at this festival—a singular accolade. This year will see the debut of Tequilas El Decreto &Montoro and Vitzo Bacanora.

For agave enthusiasts and aficionados, the Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition is like the Oscars and Olympics rolled into one

The 2011 Festival launches with a new event, the Tequila Trail on Sunday, Sept. 11, sponsored by newcomer Vitzo Bacanora Cream and 91x radio station, which makes stops at 9 of Old Town’s world-renowned eateries. Barra Barra Saloon, Café Coyote, Miguel’s Cocina, Old Town Mexican Café, El Fandango, The Cosmopolitan, Casa Guadalajara, La Pinata and Rockin’ Baja Lobster will offer up tastes of their signature dishes paired with Herradura, Chinaco, Milagro, Arta, Fortaleza and 1519 Tequilas; Scorpion, Maria, Mijes and Oro de Oaxaca Mezcals; Casa ZG Sangrita, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur and, of course, Vitzo.

The Tequila Trail is also the scene of the Festival’s Solerno Liqueur Cocktail Challenge Semi-Finals at The Cosmopolitan Restaurant, which will narrow down the field in the search for the 2011 Official Spirits of Mexico Cocktail. The challenge put forth to mixologists, bartenders and drinking establishments is to create their best cocktail with this blood orange liqueur as the showcase ingredient.

“With its blend of Sicilian citrus, red berries and Sanguinello blood oranges, this year’s winner just may turn the margarita on its heels,” said Dori Bryant of Polished Palate, producer of the Spirits of Mexico Festival. The Solerno Liqueur Cocktail Challenge finals, sponsored by San Diego CityBeat and Liquid Living magazines, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Barra Barra Saloon. The event is open to the public.

This year marks the fifth time the Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition will be held at the festival’s official hotel, the Best Western Hacienda in Old Town San Diego. This private event brings together industry experts from Mexico and the United States to judge agave-based spirits.

“The competition has grown significantly over the years, indicating the importance and popularity of this spirit to the U.S. consumer,” said Jack Robertiello of Drinks Ink, competition co-host.

Along with co-host Robert Plotkin of Bar Media, judging panelists that will vote in a number of categories for the best agave-based spirits include Master Distillers German Gonzalez of T1 Tequila Uno and Ana Maria Romero Mena of Corrido and 1519, Thomas ‘Mac’ McFarland Gregory III of Starwood Hotels, Zack Romaya with Old Town Liquor and Mario Marquez of Magia Azul Consulting. Also Rachel Nichols-Bernyk of Tequila Nuts, Larry Auman of Cantina Mayahuel, Junior Merino, The Liquid Chef, and Charlotte Voisey of William Grant & Sons will offer their palates to the judging panel.

Additional panelists are Alfredo Gama of Wine Warehouse, Drew Levinson with Wirtz Beverage Nevada, David Grapshi of Gemini Spirits and Wine and the winner of the 2011 ‘Win a Seat on the Competition Panel’ Clayton Szczech of Experience Tequila. Last year’s winner, Eric P. Lorenz, started Lorenz Agave Spirits in British Columbia and is presenting a seminar at this year’s Spirits of Mexico Festival Main Event.

“For agave enthusiasts and aficionados, the Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition is like the Oscars and Olympics rolled into one,” said Plotkin of Bar Media. “Earning one of the competition’s coveted gold medals has proven an invaluable indicator to the success of new brands of Tequila and mezcal.” The reigning winners, out of 153 entries in 2010, are Best of Show Chinaco Reposado and Best of Category winners Regional Blanco, Chinaco Reposado, Kah Anejo, Abandonado Extra Anejo and Casa 1921 Tequila Cream.

On Friday evening, Sept. 16, Executive Chef Jose Pulido of Barra Barra Saloon serves up his alchemical agave-infused cuisine at the festival’s Tasting Reception and Awards Dinner. Guests will sample a variety of world-class agave spirits while savoring infused hors d’oeuvres and entrees. Guests will then move to the Fiesta de Reyes courtyard for the Tasting Competition awards ceremony where the Best of Category and Best of Show winners of the 2011 Tasting Competition will be announced.

A live auction follows that benefits the Sky Ranch Foundation. The auction offers an opportunity for those wishing to bid on rare collectables, most accompanied by the Master Distiller’s signature. Kah Tequila’s inaugural Extra Anejo topped the bidding last year at $1,000. This year three bottles of El Decreto Tequila Extra Anejo, not available elsewhere; Tequila Los Abuelos Lot #74 series, valued at $1,500, and T1 Tequila Uno’s Barrel #1, of which only four cases remain, will be highlights of the auction.

The Spirits of Mexico Festival’s Main Event takes place on Saturday evening at the Robinson-Rose House, McCoy House Museum, Barra Barra Saloon and the plaza that connects them all in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. According to festival producer Bryant, all the stars will come out for the Main Event as more than 200 styles of agave spirits will be sampled and accompanied by culinary delights from Barra Barra’s kitchen. Seminars take place at intervals throughout the evening.

Eric P. Lorenz of Lorenz Agave Spirits, Douglas French, master distiller with Scorpion Mezcal; Jaclyn Jacquez, president of Don Cuco Sotol; Mario Marquez, president of Magia Azul Consulting, and Charlotte Voisey and Gaston Martinez, both of William Grant & Sons will headline seminars at this year’s Main Event, sponsored in part by the San Diego Reader. The public will be able to meet master distillers and learn first-hand from experts how these spirits are made. A silent auction will benefit the Sky Ranch Foundation, which is celebrating 51 years of helping troubled youth this year.

Samplings will be available from Tequilas 1519, Antiguo, Arta, Azunia, Chinaco, Corrido, Don Diego Santa, Don Eduardo, El Decreto, el Jimador, Fortaleza (Los Abuelos in Mexico), Hacienda Vieja, Herradura, Magave, Milagro, Puerto Vallarta, QV, Regional, T1 Tequila Uno and Tres Agaves. Mezcals will be sampled from Maria, Mixes, Oro de Oaxaca and Scorpion. Also sampling spirits will be Sotol Don Cuco, Bacanoras Cielo Rojo and Vitzo, Casa ZG Sangrita and Solerno Liqueur. Harina Dulce confections will provide pastries at the Main Event.

On Sunday, Sept. 18, the annual Lobster Bus excursion to Puerto Nuevo, Baja California, takes place. The public is welcome to join industry members and fellow Tequila aficionados on the bus for a traditional Baja lobster lunch, hosted by Poco Tequila.

Bryant added that “as a result of our partnership with Fiesta de Reyes, the vibrant dining, shopping and entertainment plaza at the northeast corner of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, several festival events take place in the State Park this year.” Fiesta de Reyes’ shops and restaurants are inspired by 19th century pueblo life, the essence of living in San Diego during its infancy from 1821 to 1872.

“Old Town San Diego and the State Park are the ideal settings for this festival,” concluded Bryant. “It brings the gastronomy, history, culture, in fact the heritage of Mexico together, in one festive setting. For more information and to purchase event tickets, visit http://www.thespiritsofmexico.com.

Background on Spirits of Mexico
The Spirits of Mexico Festival started as a one-evening event in San Diego in 2004 with 12 brands and 350 guests. In 2007 several elements were added including a Tasting Reception and Dinner and the first Agave-Only Tasting Competition in the United States, creating a more comprehensive multi-day and multi-faceted festival, celebrating all aspects of this spirit. The Festival saw more than 2,500 guests and 200 styles in 2010. As consumer interest grows and the industry evolves, the festival continues to meet those demands and is enhanced each year.

About Polished Palate
Since 2005, the Polished Palate has been hosting cutting-edge tasting events, educating the consumer on all aspects of each distilled spirit category. Through seminars hosted by recognized industry professionals, guests learn about the history and culture of each spirit, their impact on society, current trends and appropriate tasting techniques, while promoting responsible consumption—all in a festive format.

For more information, contact info@polishedpalate.com and Julia Simms at j simms agency julia@jsimmsagency.com

Familia Camarena™ Tequila Takes Top Signature Tequila Cocktail Honors at the 2011 Ultimate Beverage Challenge Competition

Familia Camarena Tequila has knotted yet another prestigious distinction among the professional spirits community. Following the Ultimate Cocktail Challenge held April 5-8 in New York, Familia Camarena Tequila was awarded the 2011 Ultimate Cocktail Challenge Chairman’s Trophy distinction of best original tequila cocktail. The winning Camarena Santa Maria cocktail featuring Familia Camarena Reposado Tequila topped a field of premium tequila competitors in the Ultimate Cocktail Challenge’s first-of-its-kind freestyle cocktail competition designed to objectively distinguish category leaders in premium mixed cocktails.

Executed by a team of top New York City bartenders and judged by a panel of principal spirits journalists and mixologists, including internationally renowned beverage alcohol expert, F. Paul Pacult, original cocktails submitted by spirits brands from across the globe were evaluated on the 100-point scale. Signature cocktails that eclipsed the 90-point mark of excellence received the coveted Ultimate Cocktail Challenge Chairman’s Trophy. Familia Camarena Tequila was one of only two signature tequila recipes to receive Chairman’s Trophy recognition, and the only tequila brand to also receive the “Great Value” distinction, awarded to spirits that offer a superb value/price relationship.

Familia Camarena Tequila’s award-winning recipe:

“Familia Camarena Tequila is honored to receive distinction from the Ultimate Cocktail Challenge as a category standout, both for quality and value, in the premium mixed cocktail competitive beverage evaluation,” said Gerard Thoukis, Director of Marketing for Camarena. “This competition has set a new standard for meaningful and credible spirits evaluation and we sincerely appreciate the endorsement from the industry’s most esteemed experts, educators, journalists and mixologists. This award is invaluable to Familia Camarena Tequila as we continue to expand our premium cocktail presence in the on-premise community.”

Introduced in California and Nevada one year ago and now available in all 50 states, Familia Camarena Tequila has quickly risen to the top as a quality, award-winning 100 percent agave tequila. Earning critical acclaim from the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Familia Camarena Reposado received a Gold Medal and Familia Camarena Silver received Bronze Medal recognition. The Beverage Testing Institute has recognized both bottlings as “Best Buys” with a 91-point score awarded to Familia Camarena Reposado and a 90-point score to Familia Camarena Silver. Most recently, Familia Camarena Reposado received 94 points, in addition to “Good Value” accolades in the May 2011 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

In partnership with the domestic importer, Alto Spirits LTD, Familia Camarena Tequila is available nationally at a suggested retail price of $20 for each expression in the 750mL size.

About Familia Camarena Tequila

With a legacy of six generations of tequila making experience, Familia Camarena Tequila is made from 100 percent blue agave grown in the Los Altos Highlands region of Jalisco, one of Mexico’s most prestigious tequila districts. Produced in Arandas at the family-owned and operated distillery, each bottle is double distilled, as well as bottled, labeled and packaged by hand. The Familia Camarena Tequila portfolio includes a 100% Blue Agave Silver and a 100% Blue Agave Reposado, which is aged for a minimum of two months in both new and used American oak barrels. For more information on Familia Camarena Tequila, visit www.tequilacamarena.com.

Tequila, Alcohol 40% by Volume (80 proof) ©2011 Altos Spirits Company, Hayward, CA. All rights reserved.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kylie Garrett
Calhoun & Company Communications
(415) 346-2929
kylie@calhounwine.com

Source: Familia Camarena Tequila

Dulce Vida 100 Proof Tequila Wins Back-to-Back Double Gold Awards from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

For the second year in a row, Dulce Vida’s 100° Proof Tequila has won the coveted Double Gold award from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). The SFWSC is the most influential and respected spirits competition in the world.

“Our focus as a Craft-Distiller is to produce the finest, small-batch tequila available in the world. The accolades garnered by Dulce Vida, coupled with our USDA Organics and 100 Proof distillation, make this product truly unique.”

“We are thrilled with the recognition our brand is gaining having won the 2010 Double Gold for our Blanco and now winning the 2011 Double Gold for our Añejo,” stated Charlie Paulette, Dulce Vida Spirits’ CEO. “Our focus as a Craft-Distiller is to produce the finest, small-batch tequila available in the world. The accolades garnered by Dulce Vida, coupled with our USDA Organics and 100 Proof distillation, make this product truly unique.”

“We are excited to have quality products such as Dulce Vida compete within the San Francisco World Spirits Competition,” stated Anthony Dias Blue, Executive Director/Founder of the SFWSC. “Dulce Vida will further be recognized in the The Tasting Panel Magazine multi-city tour later this year with the elite winners of each spirits category.”

About Dulce Vida Spirits:

Dulce Vida (translates as “sweet life” in Spanish) distills the only 100% organic, 100° Proof tequila made in the world. The distillery uses only organic agave from the Pacific coastal highlands of Mexico. Dulce Vida’s Reposado and Añejo are single-barrel aged, meaning they go straight from the aging barrel to the bottle. Both Reposado and Añejo are aged in Kentucky Whisky Oak Barrels – the Reposado for 11 months, and Añejo for 24 months.

Dulce Vida produces 100° proof tequilas (versus the more common 80° proof) to capture the purest example of tequila – Navy Strength with minimal dilution. Distilled under the supervision of founder and master distiller Carlos Jurado.

Dulce Vida has established relationships with local growers; securing harvest rights to agave fields and acting as a community partner playing a role in the well being of the region.

Dulce Vida Spirits is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with distilling operations near Guadalajara, Jalisco.

Currently available through Glazer’s Distributing in Texas and Oklahoma, Southern Wine & Spirits in Pennsylvania, and Prime Wine & Spirits in Georgia. Suggested Retail Price for a 750 mL bottle is $35 for the Blanco, $40 for the Reposado, and $45 for the Añejo.

For more information, please go to www.dulcevidaspirits.com

Contacts

DrinkPR
Debbie Rizzo, 617-233-8024
Debbie@drinkpr.com

SX Latin Brands has unveiled a new line of premium Latin spirits infused with sensual and exotic ingredients to deliver the ultimate taste experience. SX’s unique, contoured bottles are already turning heads and the SXtequila, SXrum and SXcachaca inside are being greeted with rave reviews.

SXchachacha, 100% agave reposado tequila with a hint of honey and the exotic bite of Mexican lemons, debuted at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition last month where it was awarded a gold medal for best tequila after being selected from among 1,106 products from 61 countries.

In addition to its award-winning tequila, SX has introduced aged rum called SXcalypso spiced with mint and Caribbean lemons, and SXsamba, cachaca-style rum with a hint of sweet limes and smooth vanilla.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the rave reviews our products have received so far,” said SX CEO David Knight. “SX delivers sensual and exotic tastes to discerning consumers looking for delicious, premium spirits that can be enjoyed over ice or inside their favorite cocktails.”

It is no coincidence that SX (the “S” stands for sensual and the “X” for eXotic), launched in Miami, which has been voted America’s sexiest city. The company promises its customers: Your Drink. Sexier!

SX has so far been featured at the Miami Wine and Spirits Expo, the Nightclub & Bar Show in Las Vegas, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America convention in Orlando and Expo Colombia, which took place at the Miami Airport Convention Center earlier this month.

SX Latin Liquors are being distributed by the highly-regarded Southern Wine and Spirits in Florida, and will make their debut on store shelves later this month.

About SX

SX Latin Liquors is a line of premium spirits including award-winning tequila, rum and cachaca. Infused with sensual and exotic ingredients to deliver the ultimate taste experience, its products appeal to discerning consumers looking for delicious drinks that can be enjoyed over ice or inside their favorite cocktails.  Learn more at http://sxliquors.com/ and become a fan on the SX Facebook page.

Source: SX Latin Liquors

Tequila Avión Wins Double Gold and Gold at World’s Most Acclaimed Spirits Competition

In a humbling triumph for the acclaimed spirits brand, Tequila Avión Silver has been awarded Double Gold in the Unaged Tequila category and Avión Añejo a Gold medal in the Aged Tequila category at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The award follows consistent praise from critics, mixologists, retailers and consumers since the brand’s debut in 2010.

“When Kenny Dichter and I set out to create this brand, our core focus was on quality and taste – we wanted to create the world’s smoothest and best tasting tequila.”

As a first time participant in this most prestigious competition, Avión was measured against numerous celebrated brands in the category. The results confirm Avión’s standing at the top of its class, setting a new standard in quality, taste and smoothness. Its superior quality and taste can be attributed to Avión’s high elevation, estate-grown, 100% Blue Weber agave which are hand-selected then slow-roasted in brick ovens and filtered through a proprietary “ultra-slow” filtration system.

“We are thrilled with the results of the competition especially given the fact it was The San Francisco World Spirits Competition,” commented Ken Austin, Founder of Tequila Avión. “When Kenny Dichter and I set out to create this brand, our core focus was on quality and taste – we wanted to create the world’s smoothest and best tasting tequila.”

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the oldest, largest and most recognized spirits competition in the United States, judged by thirty-three prominent spirits experts including Anthony Dias Blue and Tony Abou-Ganim. The Double Gold award is presented when a spirit is unanimously awarded with a Gold medal by all judges.

“The support of industry experts including the mixology community, retailers and our distributor partners has been key to our success,” remarked Jenna Fagnan, President of Tequila Avión. “Positive reviews by experts in the media have raised our profile exponentially.” The Tasting Panel magazine exclaimed, “To taste the three [varietals] is to be floored by their surprising smoothness.” Renowned spirits critic Tony Sachs of The Huffington Post even stated that Avión’s “unaged blanco tequila is the best I’ve ever had.”

Avión’s smooth flavor profile has sparked consumer demand and loyalty, rapidly accelerating the brand’s launch schedule from two to twenty markets months ahead of schedule. The three Avión varietals, Silver, Reposado and Añejo, are now or soon to be available in many high-end bars, clubs, restaurants and liquor stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC, and Wisconsin.

About Tequila Avión

Tequila Avión is the ultra premium tequila that defines a new standard of quality and taste – “Taste Elevated.” Produced by fifth generation agave growers from among the finest Blue Weber agave found in the highest regions of Jalisco, Mexico, Tequila Avión’s distinct flavors are achieved through a combination of slow-roasting at lower temperatures to protect the natural flavors of the agave and an ultra-slow filtration process which creates an unusually smooth taste profile. Tequila Avión is available in Silver, Reposado and Añejo varietals. To learn more please visit www.TequilaAvion.com or Facebook; Tequila Avión or twitter @TequilaAvion.

About the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition was held on March 18-20, 2011 at Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco. Judging is based on a blind, consensual procedure ensuring competitive integrity, making this competition the most reputable and recognized competition in the spirits industry.

Contacts

Evins Communications:
Jordan Frank, Group Manager
Direct: 212-377-3597
Jordan.Frank@Evins.com

Source: BusinessWire

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition Judges 1,106 Entries – A New Record

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition held its prestigious judging on March 18th, 19th, and 20th at the Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco. In this, the 11th year, 1,106 premium spirits were submitted from 61 countries, making it a record-breaking year, up 8% from last year. The San Francisco competition is the oldest, largest, and most recognized spirits competition in the United States.  159 Double Gold Medals were awarded, 181 Gold Medals, 383 Silver Medals, and 231 Bronze Medals.

Thirty-three prominent spirits experts convened for the judging including a dozen industry professionals who were participating in the competition for the first time. Tony Abou-Ganim, the “Modern Mixologist”, and the competition’s Director of Judging, said, “Speaking of the new judges, the weekend brought together some of the finest spirits palates working in the industry today. I feel honored that I could once again be a part of this wonderful event.” This new group of industry leaders is directly responsible for purchasing over $100,000,000 worth of spirits each year while the journalist members reach more than a million trade and consumer readers each month.

Anthony Dias Blue, The San Francisco World Spirits Competition’s Founder and Executive Director, implemented a new format this year by extending the event to three days. Friday and Saturday were devoted to full days of judging 82 classification categories of spirits. Sunday was devoted entirely to the tasting of those spirits that had been awarded a Sweeps Double Gold and had been selected for inclusion in the Sweepstakes Round. Ninety-two Double Gold spirits vied for top awards in the Sweepstakes and were evaluated by all 33 judges.

The Director of Judging for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is well-known mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim.

Vodka submissions, with 240 entries, were up 7%, while one of the largest increases was from gin producers, up by 61%, from 36 gins to 58. Straight rye producers submitted more than twice the product over last year and the mescal category went from 14 entries in 2010 to 27 entered this year. The bourbon categories showed a large gain as well, up 36%. Small artisanal distillers were represented this year by more entries than ever before.

Taking top honors, The Tasting Panel Magazine “Distillery of the Year” went to Del Maguey of Mexico, a Mescal producer, and “Importer of the Year” went to Gemini Spirits & Wine, out of Chicago, who won a plethora of top awards. This year Mr. Blue gave the “Director’s Award” to Pernod Ricard for excellence and consistency of quality of its products.

“Best in Show – Unaged White Spirit” (and “Best Gin”) was claimed by Sloane’s Gin from the Netherlands ($40) and is imported by Ice Cap Spirits of Manhasset, New York, while “Best in Show – Aged White Spirit” (and “Best Mescal”) went to Sinai Reposado Mescal  from Oaxaca, Mexico ($39), imported by Nolasco Spirits of Santa Rosa, California. “Best in Show – Whiskey” (besides “Best Rye”) was awarded to Thomas H. Handy’s Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, ($70), from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Cognac Ferrand’s Landy Cognac XO (“Best Cognac”) captured the overall “Best in Show – Brandy” award ($109) and is imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons of White Plains, New York. The “Best in Show Liqueur / Other Spirit” was given to Mozart Distillerie GmbH for the Mozart Dry Chocolate Spirit, ($42), from Salzburg, Austria.

“This year’s vibrant and talented judging panel,” Blue explained, “were able to skillfully pinpoint emerging trends in the exciting spirits arena. Mescal, gin, rye, bourbon and brandy – especially pisco – are exploding in popularity.”

Anthony Dias Blue is the executive director and founder of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

In addition to the premium awards, the top ranking spirit in each category was awarded a “Best” title. In the White Spirits other category winners included: “Best Vodka” won by Alberta Distillers’ Pure Vodka from Canada ($18); “Best Flavored Vodka” went to Finlandia Grapefruit Fusion Vodka from Finland and imported by Brown-Forman from Louisville, Kentucky ($19); “Best White Rum” went to Toz for their White Gold Rum from St. Lucia Distillers in St. Lucia ($26); “Best Extra-Aged Rum ” to Pusser’s 15 Year Old Rum, British Virgin Isles and imported by Shaw Ross International Importers out of Miramar, Florida. “Best Shochu” was awarded to Kai Vodka LLC for their Young Coconut Shochu,Vietnam ($25); and “Best Cachaca” was given to Leblon Cachaca, Minas Gerais, Brazil ($30).

Tequila Results

Best in the Tequila section were “Best Silver Tequila” to Espolon Blanco Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, imported by Skyy Spirits, San Francisco ($25); “Best Reposado Tequila to Excellia, Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico ($65), from Euro Wine Gate Spirits & Wine and imported by Domaine Select from New York, New York; “Best Anejo Tequila was El Tesoro Anejo Tequila from  La Altena Distillery, Jalisco, Mexico ($60) and imported by Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Deerfield, Illinois; while “Best Extra-Aged Anejo Tequila” and the top honor of “Best Tequila” overall was given to Don Julio Extra-Aged Anejo Tequila Real, Jalisco, Mexico ($350), and imported by Diageo North America, New York.

The Whisky and Whiskies categories included George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey winning the “Best Bourbon” category, from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky, ($70); “Best Irish Whiskey” was Michael Collins 10 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Ireland ($39), imported by Sidney Frank of New Rochelle, New York; “Best Blended Scotch” went to Kingdom 17 Year Old Scotch ($49), Scotland, entered by The Hiscot Company, Ltd., Seoul, Korea; “Best Single Malt Whisky” was Caol Ila Single Malt Scotch, The Distillers Edition, from Islay, Scotland ($69), A Diageo North America import, New York. Suntory International Corporation was awarded “Best Other Whisky” for The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky, Aged 18 Years, Yamazaki, Japan ($120).

Under the Brandy group the “Best Armagnac” was won by Chateau de LaBaude Armagnac 1981, France ($160) imported by Baron Francois, New York, New York; “Best Calvados” went to Christian Drouin Calvados Pays d’Auge 1990, France ($160), imported by Preiss Imports, Ramona, California; and “Best Pisco” was given to ORO Pisco Italia Mosto Verde, Bodegas Vinas de Oro, Peru, ($46), imported by ClearGrape LLC, San Francisco.

The top Liqueurs and Other Spirits awards included “Best Fruit Liqueur” won by Ventura Orangecello Blood Orange Liqueur, from Ventura, California ($17); “Best Herbal / Botanical Liqueur” was awarded to Luxardo Sambuca, Italy ($27), imported by Preiss Imports, Ramona, California and Mozart Distillerie GmbH took the “Best Cream Liqueur” award for its Gold Chocolate Cream Liqueur, Salzburg, Austria ($28).

Additional results can be found at www.sfspiritscomp.com

2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition judges included: Anthony Dias Blue – Executive Director San Francisco World Spirits Competition and San Francisco International Wine Competition, President, Blue Lifestyle, Editor-in-Chief, The Tasting Panel Magazine, Los Angeles; Director of Judging San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Tony Abou-Ganim – Master Mixologist, The Modern Mixologist, Las Vegas; Bridget Albert – Mixologist, Southern Wine & Spirits, Chicago; Stephen Beal – Master of Whisky, Consultant & Educator, San Francisco; Kent Bearden – Master Mixologist, MGM Grand, Las Vegas; Julio Bermejo – Tequila Master/Spirits Buyer, Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, San Francisco; Mark Bowery – Wine & Spirits Consultant, Mark Bowery Consulting, Mendocino; Joseph Brooke – Mixologist, Director of Spirits, The Edison, Los Angeles; Derek Brown – Co-owner / Mixologist, The Passenger and Columbia Room, Washington, D.C.; Jerry Cooper – Proprietor, Swirl on Castro, San Francisco; Aidan Demarest – Beverage Manager, Spare Room, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles; H. Joseph Ehrmann – Proprietor, Elixir, San Francisco; Ziggy Eschliman – The Wine Gal and Countess of Cocktails, Wine Country Radio, Santa Rosa; Michael Feil – GM / Wine & Spirits Buyer, Westchester Country Club, Rye; David Grapshi – Tequila National Sales Manager, Sazerac / Gemini, Walnut Creek; Thomas “Mac” Gregory – Director of Food & Beverage, Starwood Hotels – Franchise for North America Division, Scottsdale; Kim Haasarud – Founder, Liquid Architecture, Phoenix; Richard Carleton Hacker – Spirits Journalist, Robb Report; The Tasting Panel Magazine, Los Angeles; Steven Izzo – Beverage Director, Waterbar, San Francisco; Misty Kalkofen - Mixologist, Drink, Boston; Geoff Kleinman – Editor, DrinkSpirits.com, Portland; Francesco Lafranconi – Southern Wine & Spirits, Natl. Dir. of Mixology and Spirits Education, Las Vegas; Drew Levinson – Beverage Development, Wirtz Beverage Nevada, Las Vegas; Jordan Mackay -Wine & Spirits Editor, 7×7 Magazine, San Francisco; David Mahoney – Wine & Spirits Writer, Minneapolis; Meridith May – Publisher & Executive Editor, The Tasting Panel Magazine, Los Angeles; Tim McDonald – President, Wine Spoken Here, Napa; Jeffrey Morgenthaler – Bar Manager/Founder, Clyde Common/RepealDay.org, Portland; Nick Passmore – Artisanal Editor, Four Seasons Magazine; Wine Columnist, Bloomberg Businessweek; Jim Romdall – Manager and Mixologist, Vessel, Seattle; Audrey Saunders – Co-owner / Mixologist, Le Pegu Club, New York; Trudy Thomas – Director of Beverage, JW Marriott Camelback Inn, Scottsdale; Kevin M. Vogt, MS – Wine & Spirits Director, Emeril’s Restaurants, Las Vegas.

Source: San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Intersect Beverages’ products Regional Tequila and Azuñia Tequila receive top awards at the 2010 Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition.

Intersect Beverage is proud to announce their recent success at the 4th Annual Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition, presented by The Polished Palate. All of the premium tequila entered into the competition by Intersect Beverage received award-winning recognition. Their Regional Tequila was awarded the highest award, the Best of Category for Blanco, Silver and Plata, the Tequila Anejo Gold Award, and the Tequila Reposado Silver Award. Their second brand Azunia Tequila, received the Tequila Gold Awards: Blanco, Silver, Plata, the Tequila Reposado Bronze Award and the Tequila Anejo Bronze Award.

This annual event held August 16th at the Best Western Hacienda Hotel in Old Town San Diego, featured over 100 different brands of tequila. The competition was co-hosted by Jack Robertiello, creator of Drinks Ink and past editor of Cheer’s Magazine, and Robert Plotkin, a respected beverage industry author and founder of Bar Media. The judging panel consisted of 12 accredited liquor and tequila experts from across the United States and Mexico. Among the judges was second year participant Mario Marquez, the first certified Tequilier Ambassadeur in the US, who’s passion for tequila has led him to study at over 17 distilleries. The panel also welcomed Junior Merino, a tequila connoisseur and mixologist whose cocktail creations have won him awards and mentions throughout major print and online media outlets such as the New York Times, Women’s Wear Daily and Gourmet Magazine. Merino has acted as a judge for Spirits of Mexico Tasting since its inception. Dori Bryant, President of Polished Palate LLC, stated “The tasting panel was made up of a jury of peers, making it especially hard for competitors. I was very impressed with Intersect Beverage, as all expressions of Azunia and Regional Tequilas swept the 2010 SOM Tasting Competition, garnering 7 Awards including 3 Golds and a Best of Category for Regional Blanco.“

Intersect Beverage’s CEO Jim Riley could not be happier with the results of this year’s event, “I know we have great products which embody the heritage and values of our tequila making process; so it was a great feeling to have an esteemed panel of judges experience our tequila and recognize the quality.”

About Intersect Beverage:

Intersect Beverage, located in Newport Beach, CA, imports premium tequilas. Executives, Jim Riley and Kirk Gaither, have more than twenty years experience in the spirits industry. Intersect Beverage is committed to delivering the highest quality brands and products to every client, employing the best management and sales team in the industry involving each individual in the success of the company and its partners. Dedicated to redefining the spirits industry, having fun while delivering only the finest quality products to the market.
Intersect Beverages’ products include: Azuñia Tequila (ultra-premium tequila) produced from the finest quality hand-selected 100% Weber blue agave plants, grown and harvested by one of the oldest and most experienced growers in the Jalisco Region of Mexico. Azuñia’s Tequila portfolio includes: Platinum Blanco (perfect choice for a refreshing Azuñia margarita), Reposado (an authentic pleasure with a touch of smokiness) and Añejo (the most sophisticated with hints of vanilla and nuts).

Regional Tequila (authentic premium tequila) produced from 100% Weber Blue Agave and double distilled. Regional’s portfolio includes: Regional Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. Each brand delivering a distinct flavor for all to enjoy! To learn more about Azuñia Ultra-Premium Tequilas and to download a list of Azuñia and Regional Tequila cocktails visit www.azuniatequila.com and www.regionaltequila.com

About Polished Palate:

Since 2005, the Polished Palate has been hosting cutting edge Tasting Events, educating the consumer on all aspects of each distilled spirit category. Through seminars hosted by recognized industry professionals, guests learn about the history & culture of each spirit, their impact on society, current trends & appropriate tasting techniques, while promoting responsible consumption.

Source: PRWeb

It’s Official. September 18, 2010 Proclaimed Spirits of Mexico Festival Day in San Diego

In honor of the Spirits of Mexico Festival’s continued success in bringing lovers of tequila, mezcal & sotol together in San Diego over the past seven years, Mayor Jerry Sanders and the entire San Diego City Council have made it official — Saturday, September 18, 2010 is Spirits of Mexico Festival Day in San Diego! This is an unprecedented occasion for a rather young festival.

“Elected officials up and down the state of California are taking note,” said Chuck Ross, operator of Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. “The tireless efforts of Dori Bryant and the entire team at Polished Palate, to put on this world-class event, are outstanding. Aficionados, owners, authors, master distillers and, from 90 brands, 200 styles (twice the number of expressions to honor the 200th Anniversary of Mexican Independence) are involved in 2010. We are all committed to making this the largest, most comprehensive and most fun Tequila Festival in the world.”

In August, the festival hosts its annual private Tasting Competition and Cocktail Competition semi-finals, where a panel of judges will select those entries headed for the Finals, which opens the Festival on September 15 at Café Coyote in Old Town. The winning cocktail entry will be served at all festival events. This date is significant as September 15 is the eve of the 200th Anniversary of Mexican Independence.

On Friday, September 17, the who’s who of the agave world will gather at Barra Barra Saloon and be the first to learn the results of this year’s tasting competition. On Saturday, September 18 from 1-4pm, the Old Town Chamber of Commerce hosts The Taste of Old Town Fiesta of Flavors and later that evening, starting at 6pm, it’s the festival’s Main Event at The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant—all located in the State Historic Park.

Old Town San Diego is the recognized birthplace of not only San Diego but the entire state of California. The Spirits of Mexico Festival Day is forever immortalized – gold seal, nine signatures and all – in a beautiful full-color proclamation that reflects the festival’s significance as the preeminent tequila and agave festival in the nation and recognition of San Diego’s role in its success.

About the Polished Palate
Since 2005, the Polished Palate has been hosting cutting edge Tasting Events, educating the consumer on all aspects of each distilled spirit category. Through seminars hosted by recognized industry professionals, guests learn about the history & culture of each spirit, their impact on society, current trends & appropriate tasting techniques, while promoting responsible consumption—all in a festive format.

For more information and to purchase admissions, visit the Polished Palate website at www.polishedpalate.com

Source: PRWeb