Archive for April, 2018

Spirits & Wine Award Winners, Top Scoring Products, Beverage Industry Trends and Best Wine and Spirits Lists

Ultimate Wine Challenge

Producer Profile: Wagner Vineyards

The Wagner family has been growing grapes on the glacial soils of Seneca Lake in New York for five generations. John Wagner, co-owner and general manager, is proud of his legacy: “This heritage has provided us with an intimate connection to the land. Since 1978, we have carried this same passion into our estate bottled wines.” As long standing producers of quality wine from this area, they have had decades to figure out which grapes work best with the land and their house style.  

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Ultimate Spirits Challenge

Spirits Score: Plymouth Gin

Gin is a category that has experienced a rebirth in the last few years and greatly expanded with new and experimental offerings. With 96 Points, Plymouth Gin, the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge winner of the Chairman’s Trophy in the category of World Gin is an industry standard that has stood the test of time. This iconic brand remains the benchmark from which to measure the growing sea of botanically infused spirits. Refreshing piquant botanicals are clean and exquisitely fresh. The soft texture is punctuated with flavors of juniper, lemon zest, and pine tips. A slight tingle is left of the palate after each sip, creating a slight menthol feeling.

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Ultimate Wine Challenge

Wine List: Best Sakes

Sake is the rice based wine from Japan, made from varying levels of polished rice and in a range of styles. While there are multiple types of sake, the three that we have represented are Junmai, made from rice polished to at least 70%; Junmai Gingo, made from rice polished to at least 60%; and Junmai Daigingo, made from rice polished to at least 50%. Different fermenting and brewing methods may also be used for the different levels to bring out certain flavors. Our top 3 scoring sakes all won Chairman's Trophies in their subcategory, to form a strong trio of the best sakes across the major categories available today.

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Ultimate Spirits Challenge

Spirits Score: Lunazul Blanco Tequila

Of all the tequila categories blanco, or unaged, is the most pure. The lack of additional flavor from wood aging leaves the pure agave flavor exposed. Lunazul Blanco, the Chairman’s Trophy winner for Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2018, scored 96 Points and stands as a benchmark example of what blanco tequila can and should accomplish. Vividly tropical notes of green mango, passion fruit, and hot sand burst forth on the nose. Subtle citrus dances with black peppercorn and ripe white peach with a soft, rounded texture that is pleasing on the palate. Stimulating and well-rounded.

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