
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY, June 29, 2009 – The New York Spirits Awards today announced the spirited winners of its inaugural event. Over 250 brands from all over the world entered the debut event which was held on June 14 and 15 at the Javits Center in the heart of Manhattan.
The distinguished judging panel, led by Jack Robertiello of Drinks Ink, was composed of members of the on and off-sale community. In a blind tasting, the judges scored each brand on a 100-point system. The NYSA awarded honors at three levels. The Best of Show award was given to the brand with the highest score. The FDR Award, named for the US President credited with the repeal of Prohibition, was awarded to the highest scoring brand in each category. And the Best of Class honor was given to the top scoring 20% of brands in each category.
In an unusual turn of events, the Best of Show award resulted in a tie. Two extraordinary brands will share this honor for 2009. The superb quality of Bache-Gabrielsen Hors d’Age Cognac and Tequila Corrido Extra Anejo proved unbeatable.
FDR Awards were given to:
| Brand | Category |
|---|---|
Tequila Corrido Extra Anejo Tequila Lunazul Blanco Tequila Lunazul Reposado Agave Spirits Tequila Lunazul Reposado Bache-Gabrielsen Hors d’Age Cognac Bluecoat American Dry Gin St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur Mathilde Pear Liqueur Cruzan Black Strap Rum Fair Trade Vodka Firefly Peach Tea Flavored Vodka Stolichnaya Vodka Knappogue Castle Irish Single Malt Whiskey Glenfiddich 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky |
Agave Spirits Agave Spirits, Tequlia Blanco Tequila Reposado Agave Spirits Brandy/Cognac Gin Liqueurs Liqueurs, Fruit Rum Vodka, Unflavored Vodka, Flavored Vodka, Wheat Whiskies, All Whisky Single Malt |
A total of 63 Best of Class awards were given. By category In alphabetical order they are:
The New York Spirits Awards was founded in 2009 by two industry veterans, Dori Bryant, President of the Polished Palate, and Adam Levy, spirits writer. The NYSA is dedicated to finding and honoring the very best of class in the spirits industry.
For more information on the New York Spirits Awards, contact:
Dori Bryant, dorib@nyspiritsawards.com
Adam Levy, adam@nyspiritsawards.com
Visit the website for further information www.nyspiritsawards.com
For a Word or PDF version of this press release or for photography, contact:
Roseann Sessa, Savvy Drinks, ro@savvydrinks.co