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Forbes
30-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Blended Scotch Whiskeys For Under $50-According To Experts
The five best blended Scotch whiskies for under $50 according to the 2025 San Fransisco World Spirit Competition. Sophia Lindenberger When it comes to Scotch whisky, blended bottles often get overshadowed by their single malt cousins. But that does a disservice to a category with deep roots and global reach. Blended Scotch has a long and proud history, dating back to the 19th century when merchants like Johnnie Walker and Chivas brothers began combining single malts and grain whiskies from different distilleries to create more consistent and approachable spirits. Today, blended Scotch remains the most widely consumed style of Scotch whisky in the world—accounting for roughly 90% of all Scotch sold globally. While it's not hard to lay your hand on a great blended scotch, there are tons of them out there, the best resemble their single malt relatives in carrying triple digit price tags. But as is often the case, a lower price tag doesn't quantify a lower quality liquid. You can score a fantastic, blended scotch cheaply if you know where to look. The San Francisco World Spirit Competition just released its list of the Best Blended Scotch Whisky Under $50 from its 2025 judging. All five of these bottles were awarded a Double Gold medal, its highest accolade, for scoring 97 points. If you're looking for elite flavor without the premium markup, these are the bottles worth tracking down. Launched a few years ago as part of a luxury lifestyle brand, D'YAVOL may seem like style over substance, but you couldn't be more wrong. This whisky proves otherwise. Made from a blend of unpeated and single grain whiskies from the Lowlands, Highlands, and Speyside, with peated Islay whiskies, VORTEX is bold, balanced, and full of personality. Expect layers of toffee, dried fruit, and spice, with a rich mouthfeel and long finish. It's a blend that punches above its price point and shows that a newcomer can compete with the established heavyweights. One of the most affordable on the list, High Commissioner is a no-frills blend from Loch Lomond Group that has quietly built a reputation for solid quality. It is a highly popular scotch whisky in the United Kingdom that is valued for delivering a consistently high-quality sip with every pour. It offers notes of sweet grain, honey, and light oak with a smooth and clean finish, making it an excellent everyday pour or cocktail base. What it lacks in pedigree, it makes up for in sheer drinkability. Formerly known as Naked Grouse (it was a line extension from The Famous Grouse), this is a thoroughly modern scotch that perfectly highlights the complexity that often is found in a great blend. By taking a blend of premium single malts, including Macallan, Highland Park, and Glenturret, and maturing it in first-fill sherry casks, they create a rich, full-flavored whisky. Naked Malt brings depth and a velvety texture, with notes of dried fruit, cocoa, and baking spice. It's the perfect dram for fans of sherry-forward whiskies who want something polished but accessible. The name may have changed, but the quality remains high. Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch This cult favorite has long been the bartender's choice for blended malt, and for good reason. Crafted from a mix of Speyside single malts, Monkey Shoulder has been pulling in major accolades since its launch in 2005. It is a smooth, approachable, and versatile whisky that consistently delivers. On the palate, it offers vanilla, citrus, malt, and a subtle creaminess. It's as good, neat as it is in a Rob Roy or Penicillin, making it one of the most flexible whiskies on the shelf. Noble Rebel Smoke Symphony Blended Malt Scotch The most adventurous of the bunch, Smoke Symphony comes from the Noble Rebel line, a new project by Loch Lomond Distillers. Designed to push boundaries, this scotch is made from a blend of single malts concocted under the watchful eye of Master Blender Michael Henry. This blend marries peat smoke with orchard fruit, toasted oak, and subtle spice. It's a contemporary take on smoky whisky, offering complexity without overwhelming your senses. For those who want a hint of Islay-style character in a refined Highland package, this is a top pick. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes The 8 Best Single Malt Scotch Whiskies Under $100 In 2025—According To Experts By Hudson Lindenberger Forbes These Are The Best Bourbons Of 2025 (So Far), According To Spirits Competitions By Hudson Lindenberger Forbes How To Read A Bourbon Label By Hudson Lindenberger
Forbes
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The 8 Best Single Malt Scotch Whiskies Under $100 In 2025—Ranked By Experts
The eight finalists for the Best Single Malt Scotch under $100 category at the SFWSC. Sophia Lindenberger In a whisky world increasingly dominated by eye-popping price tags and flashy packaging, it's easy to forget that what really matters is the liquid in the bottle. Thankfully, the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) reminded us that you don't need to drop $300, or even $100, to score a fantastic bottle of premium whisky. Among the most exciting categories at this year's judging was the Best Single Malt Scotch Under $100. The eight finalists not only earned Double Gold medals, but also delivered exceptional quality at prices that are, frankly, a steal in today's inflated market. All these beauties offer deeply complex whiskies that highlight the distilling excellence of Scotland. From coastal peat monsters to rich sherry bombs to oak-kissed Highland elegance, each of these bottles offers something unique, and if you love a fantastic whisky that won't break your wallet, look no further. Region: Speyside | Price: $45 | Score: 98 pts Smooth, balanced, and endlessly drinkable, The Singleton 12 Year Old is the kind of whisky that reminds you why Speyside remains the heartbeat of Scotch. Distilled at the Dufftown distillery, it is matured in American and European oak, and it offers notes of baked apple, honeycomb, vanilla, and a touch of spice. There's no smoke here, no fireworks, just a clean, refined single malt that punches way above its price. This is a whisky that is perfect for both single malt novices and more experienced connoisseurs who are looking for an everyday sipper. At only $45, it's one of the best values in all of Scotch. The Glendronach Forgue 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Region: Highlands | Price: $60 | Score: 98 pts If you're a fan of sherry-matured malts, the Glendronach Forgue is a no-brainer. Rich and full-bodied, it offers a mélange of dried fruits, chocolate, orange peel, and baking spices. Since its founding in 1826, The Glendronach has focused on maturing its whiskies in sherry casks, and it has earned a legion of followers since. The Forgue 10 Year Old keeps the tradition alive with depth, character, and a silky finish that lingers far longer than its price suggests. Made exclusively for the brand's Travel Exclusive program, this whisky can only be found in duty-free stores in airports around the globe. Hence, it's excellent price. Grab one the next time you are jetting off, you won't be disappointed. Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Region: Highlands | Price: $47 | Score: 98 pts Peat lovers, take note: this isn't your typical Islay smoke bomb. Inchmoan delivers a more restrained, herbal style of smoke, reminiscent of a smoldering campfire with hints of peat, backed by roasted coffee, vanilla, and clove. It's complex, surprising, and proof that peated Highland malts deserve a lot more attention. At under $50, this might be the most overlooked gem on the list. If you enjoy smoky whisky with nuance, you won't regret tracking this down. Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Region: Orkney | Price: $59 | Score: 98 pts If you are a scotch lover, you are sure to have heard of Highland Park for good reason. For over 225 years, Highland Park has been crafting superb single-malt scotches that embrace the subtle smoky flavors of Orkney heathered peat. Their flagship 12-year-old is a masterclass in balance: gentle heather smoke, sweet malt, honey, and subtle sherry notes. It's elegant, approachable, and has enough complexity to keep seasoned drinkers engaged. For under $60, it's hard to find a more complete single malt. This is the kind of bottle that belongs in every whisky drinker's rotation. Alexander Murray & Co. Highland 14 Year Old Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Region: Highlands | Price: $70 | Score: 99 pts Founded twenty-one years ago, Alexander Murray & Co. specializes in independent bottling of select scotches. That means that they purchase casks of matured whisky directly from distillers and blend their whiskies. This approach allows them the leeway to move from different styles to produce exceptional bottlings. Aged 14 years, this Highland single malt had a second maturation in first-fill ex-sherry casks, creating a whisky brimming with dark fruit, leather, oak spice, and a velvety mouthfeel that screams luxury. At $70, it's pushing the top of the category, but the liquid more than justifies the price. This is premium scotch at a workingman's rate. Glengoyne White Oak Highland Single Malt Scotch Region: Highlands | Price: $60 | Score: 98 pts Since its founding in 1833, Glengoyne has prided itself on taking its time when distilling its scotches and never cutting corners. Their whiskies undergo the longest distillation of any Scottish whisky, creating a liquid famous for its sweet and fruity flavors. As a brand new expression for the venerable distillery, Glengoyne White Oak is matured exclusively in lightly charred First Fill Bourbon and Virgin White Oak casks. A non-age-stated release, it is a nonpeated whisky that is bright and clean. If you like your whisky elegant, balanced, and refreshingly straightforward, this one's for you. It's proof that great wood can do as much for a whisky as age or smoke. Glenglassaugh Portsoy Single Malt Scotch Region: Highlands | Price: $60 | Score: 99 pts Glenglassaugh may not be a household name, but Portsoy could change that. A coastal, heavily sherried malt with a smoky backbone, it combines all the classic flavors of an old school single malt with a modern sensibility. That's because the distillery was relaunched in 2023 after being dormant for over a decade. As one of the core offerings, Portsoy is aged in sherry, bourbon, and port casks to create a rich, full-bodied whisky. Tastes of dark chocolate, treacle, soy, and a salty tang that keeps your palate guessing with each sip. This is a whisky that feels wild and untamed—in the best way possible. For $60, it's one of the most characterful and exciting single malts you'll find anywhere. Loch Lomond Remarkable Alchemy Region: Highlands | Price: $55 | Score: 99 pts Obviously, the team at Loch Lomond is a friend of the working man since two of their whiskies made the finalist list at the SFWSC. This aptly named expression lives up to its billing. Crafted with Loch Lomond's experimental stills and matured in Colombian oak, it delivers waves of orchard fruit, spice, smoke, and toasted sugar. It's different. It's bold. And it's flat-out delicious. Made for its Global Travel program, this bottle is only available in select duty-free locations worldwide. At $55, this is boundary-pushing whisky for the curious drinker who wants something beyond the usual suspects. If you see a bottle on your next layover, snatch it up. The Bottom Line In a marketplace full of overpriced limited editions and collector's bait, these eight single malts remind us what whisky is about: craftsmanship, balance, and flavor. Each of these finalists earned its place on this list through merit, not marketing, and each delivers a drinking experience that far exceeds its price tag. So next time you're scanning the whisky aisle or scrolling online, skip the hype. Reach for one of these bottles. Your wallet and your taste buds will thank you. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Goose Island's 2025 Bourbon County Stout Lineup Focuses On The Tasting Experience By Hudson Lindenberger Forbes Tequila Vs Mezcal: A Guide To When And How To Drink Each By Hudson Lindenberger Forbes These Are The Best Bourbons Of 2025 (So Far), According To Spirits Competitions By Hudson Lindenberger
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
These Are The Best Bourbons Of 2025 (So Far)
Here are a few of the bourbons taking hope the top prizes this year at the world's biggest spirit competitions. Sophia Lindenberger Let's get one thing straight right off the bat—there are a ton of great bourbons out there right now. From everyday shelf staples to unicorn bottles that drive aficionados into a frenzy, 2025 has been yet another incredible year for bourbon lovers. It seems that everywhere you turn, America's homegrown spirit is making its presence felt in force. Drink menus feature bourbon cocktails, and back bars are brimming with bottles, while liquor store shelves are overflowing. However, with so many choices, finding a truly exceptional pour can feel overwhelming. Luckily, we've got a cheat sheet: the annual spirits competitions. Each year, thousands of bourbons are blind tasted by expert judges from around the globe. If a bottle rises to the top at one of these events, you know it's worth your time—and your glass. Here's a roundup of the bourbons that have wowed the most rigid panels in the business this year, so far. If this is just the first half of the year, I'm eager to see what the next six months have in store. Enjoy. Award: Spirit of the Year, Whiskey of the Year, and Best Spirit by Quality – 2025 London Spirits Competition (LSC) When a single bourbon cleans house across multiple categories like this, you pay attention. Weller Antique 107 isn't new to bourbon fans; it's a wheated powerhouse from the Buffalo Trace team that has earned a cult following due to its sweet flavors, which pair perfectly with its 107-proof bottling. Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 25th Anniversary Edition Bourbon Award: World's Best Bourbon – 2025 World Whiskies Awards (WWA) Old Fitz is no stranger to accolades, but this year's 25th Anniversary release took things to another level. A limited-release bottling that commemorates the year independent bourbon powerhouse Heaven Hill purchased the brand, it's a wheated bourbon that's elegant, complex, and rooted in tradition. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Traditional Barrel Series Wheated Bourbon Award: Double Gold – 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) As part of Heaven Hill's push to highlight its grain sourcing and transparency, this wheated bourbon made an impression in San Francisco. It's a thoughtful whiskey that still packs a punch despite its heavy wheat mash bill, and it helped Heaven Hill rack up a jaw-dropping ten Double Golds overall. It's also a finalist for the competition's coveted World's Best Whiskey Award. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon Award: Straight Bourbon of the Year – 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards This one's another Heaven Hill brand and a personal favorite of mine. The twice-barreled expression is an exceptional Small Batch Bourbon that offers a toasted barrel finish, adding an extra layer of richness and spice that complements Elijah Craig's base profile beautifully. Green River Full Proof Bourbon Award: Small Batch Bourbon of the Year – 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards Relaunched in 2016, Green River Whiskey holds one of Kentucky's oldest distilling licenses and is on the rise. Its first expressions were released in 2022, and this full-proof bottling proves why it should be sought out. It's bold, it's well-balanced, and it's an absolute steal for the quality it delivers. You can expect to hear more about this distillery. 1792 Aged 12 Years Straight Bourbon Award: Double Gold – 2025 SFWSC Launched in 2002, the 1792 brand has steadily built a reputation for quality and craftsmanship, racking up awards along the way. This 12-year expression is a perfect example of what they do best: craft deep, mature bourbons loaded with flavor. It's Double Gold confirms that it's a game changer, and it would be a perfect addition to any collection. 15 STARS First West Extra Aged Straight Bourbon Award: Double Gold – 2025 SFWSC For the last few years, 15 STARS has been pulling in numerous accolades for their exceptional bourbons, and this bottle shows they aren't resting on their laurels. Made from a blend of bourbons aged 15, 9, and 7 years, it's a beauty that took home a Double Gold at the SFWSC and is in the running to take home the event's top prize. Augusta Distillery Buckner's 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon Award: Double Gold – 2025 SFWSC, Double Gold-New York International Spirits Competition Buckner's has been quietly building a reputation for its amazing, limited-release bourbons. This 15-year Single Barrel is bottled at cask strength and stood out to judges at multiple events this year due to its bold, rich, and deep flavors. 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirits Co. Bourbon Award: Double Gold – 2025 SFWSC Colorado bourbon is no joke, I should know, I lived there for two decades. Distilled high in the Rocky Mountains in the legendary ski town of Vail, 10th Mountain brings altitude and attitude to the table. This award for their mainline bourbon demonstrates that they are crafting some truly exceptional liquid that drinkers should seek out. Frank August Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey Award: Gold Outstanding – 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) Based in Kentucky, Frank August operates more like an independent curator than a traditional distillery. They source top-tier whiskey and finish it with meticulous attention to detail and elegance. Their Small Batch Bourbon reminds you why the category exists. Each bottle is brimming with flavors, earning an almost perfect score of 98 points at the IWSC. W.L. Weller 12 Year Bourbon Award: Gold Outstanding – 2025 IWSC One of the most sought-after wheated bourbons out there, the liquid inside spends twelve years aging to maturity before it is deemed worthy of release. A smooth sipper, it was one of five bourbons to earn Gold Outstanding at the IWSC this year and is a finalist for its Whiskey of the Year award. King's Family Tennessee Standard Bourbon Award: Gold Outstanding – 2025 IWSC Tennessee is often overlooked in the bourbon world, even though it's home to one of the world's largest whiskey brands, Jack Daniel's. But it would be a mistake to write off the Volunteer State; some great bourbons are made there. This bottle from relative newcomer King's Family is crafted with a 99% corn mash bill that has been aged for six years, resulting in an elegant liquid that makes a compelling case for Tennessee bourbon. Praedictum 15-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Award: Gold Outstanding – 2025 IWSC This rare bourbon was created by Bill Foley, the owner of the NHL Las Vegas Golden Knights, to celebrate their Stanley Cup victory. But don't think of it as a gimmick bottling, Foley is a legend in the wine industry and has been crafting superb bourbon under his Charles Goodnight Whiskey brand for almost a decade. Only 600 cases of this 112-proof barrel strength award winner were made. Hudson Bright Lights, Big Bourbon Award: Gold Outstanding – 2025 IWSC For over two decades, Hudson Whiskey has been crafting great bourbons in the most unlikely of places, New York. Bright Lights, Big Bourbon is distilled from New York corn and aged for a minimum of three years in new charred American oak barrels. The resultant liquid is full of grain-forward flavors with a sweet finish. A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon Batch #4 Award: Best Bourbon & Best American Whiskey – 2025 International Whisky Competition (IWC) Virginia's oldest distillery hit a home run with this one. At over 97 points, it nearly took Whisky of the Year finishing second at one of the most prestigious events out there, the International Whisky Competition. Bottled at 139.7 proof, it is a cask-strength bomb that quickly sold out in an online lottery the distillery held in early 2025. If you can find a bottle, grab it; it's sure to become a collector's item. King's Family Distillery Wheated Bourbon Award: Double Gold (96 pts) – 2025 NYISC Another win for King's Family, showing they're not a one-hit wonder. This wheated expression is made from a mash bill of 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley, and was aged for at least four years before bottling. It's a soft, sweet bourbon that's readily available in the market. Jefferson's Bourbon Ocean Aged At Sea Voyage 31 Award: Double Gold (96 pts) – 2025 NYISC Jefferson's Bourbon founder, Trey Zoeller, has been called the mad scientist of bourbon due to his refusal to follow the rules. His most fantastic idea was to pack up his bourbon and send it across the planet, ageing inside custom containers on ships to create something unheard of before he did it. Well, it worked, and his Ocean's lineup has been turning heads since. Voyage 31 has yet to be released, but it's sure to deliver something special. Garrison Brothers Guadalupe Bourbon Award: Double Gold (96 pts) – 2025 NYISC As one of the leaders in the surging Texas bourbon market, Garrison Brothers is renowned for crafting exceptional releases that showcase the distinct character of the Lone Star State. It's Guadalupe Bourbon spent four years in American oak and then finished for two years in imported port casks. The final liquid is rich, round, and filled with fruit flavors. Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon Award: Best of Class Bourbon – 2025 ADI International Spirits Competition This highly regarded finished bourbon from Joseph Magnus is celebrated for its complex layering of flavors. That's due to its marriage of different bourbons aged in Armagnac, Sherry, and Cognac casks separately before being blended into a sumptuous bottling. Being named Best of Class Bourbon only validates that it is something special. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine and spirits industry. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes How To Read A Bourbon Label By Hudson Lindenberger Forbes Athletic Brewing's Non-Alcoholic Beer Boom: Big Growth Ahead By Hudson Lindenberger Forbes Matthew And Camila McConaughey's Pantalones Tequila Goes Global By Hudson Lindenberger
Forbes
04-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Vodka- According To The 2025 International Wine And Spirit Competition
The vodkas that won Gold Outstanding medals at the 2025 IWSC. Sophia Lindenberger Vodka may be the most under appreciated spirt in the world. Yes, it routinely tops the charts in sales across the globe, but it's the gins, whiskeys, tequilas and rums of the world that hog all the headlines. That is due to vodka's misunderstood nature; most people think it is a neutral spirit or an invisible mixer. They couldn't be further from the truth. These days, there is a wide array of premium vodkas in the market that showcase subtle mouthfeel and flavor derived from their diverse base ingredients, such as rye's spice, wheat's creaminess, potato's richness, or sugar beet's sweetness. Nowhere is this more on display than in the recently announced Gold Outstanding medal winners from the 2025 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC). For over half a century, the IWSC has been running alcoholic beverages (over 12,000 this year) through its rigorous blind judging panels to discern the world's best bottles. They just awarded 10 Gold Outstanding medals in the vodka category. To qualify, each medal winner had to score a minimum of 98 out of 100 points in judging. Each of the winners is in the running for the IWSC's Vodka Trophy that will be awarded in November. Here is a brief recap of each winner and the judge's notes. Witchmark Distillery's Single Origin English Vodka is crafted by a young whisky distiller in Norfolk, England. While none of their whiskies are ready for release yet, their vodka and gin are quickly garnering fans; one can only imagine what their aged whiskies will deliver when they are released. Distilled from local barley, it has a creamy, rounded profile, lending it exceptional smoothness and versatility. Witchmark's commitment to controlling the entire process from raw ingredient to finished spirit ensures a pure and clean expression. It's a compelling choice for those seeking an authentic, high-quality English spirit. Here is what the judges had to say: The rich and malty nose entrances, with cocoa-studded dough inviting curiosity. The palate reveals a delightful combination of mint and toffee apple. The finish is pleasantly warming, leaving a luscious, oily texture that lingers. From Iceland's Eimverk Distillery, Iceland's first whisky maker, comes Kría Single Grain Vodka, a truly unique spirit born from its pristine environment. This vodka is made from locally grown Kría barley, used to craft their whiskies, and benefits from the island's pure, naturally filtered spring water. It's a distinct offering that has not been released to the public yet, though their showing at the IWSC should soon change that. Here is what the judges had to say: A fragrant embrace of baked sesame pastry and sweet cream cheese greets the senses, leading to a sumptuous palate of toffee, baked apple, and anise, all wrapped in a silky texture. The finish reveals a rich tapestry of honey and grain, leaving a lasting impression. Adnams, a 150-year-old brewery and distillery in Southwold, England, has some serious credentials behind its Longshore Triple Malt Vodka. It has twice won the Vodka Trophy at the IWSC. Unlike typical vodkas, this is distilled from a distinctive blend of East Anglican barley, wheat, and oats, imparting a truly unique character. You'll find a notably creamy texture, with inviting notes of oat and butterscotch, alongside a natural sweetness from the malted grains. It's known for its remarkable smoothness and approachable complexity, proving that vodka can offer more than just neutrality. Here is what the judges had to say: Invitingly creamy with delicate floral notes. The palate offers a luscious berry mouthfeel intertwined with strawberry, raisins, and a touch of maple syrup. Soft, peppery finish reminiscent of apple pie and a whisper of vanilla marzipan. Delightful. Belvedere Vodka helped launch the premium vodka category in the late 20th century with its distinctive Polish offerings. Their super-premium 10 Vodka is the pinnacle product for the brand. Crafted from a single, prized harvest of Dankowskie Diamond Rye, the "10" signifies the ten stages of vodka creation and the year the distillery was founded 1910. This meticulous process yields an exceptionally smooth and crisp vodka that is far from neutral. First released in 2023, it's designed for those who appreciate ultimate purity and a complex, highly refined sipping experience, setting a new benchmark for luxury vodka. Here is what the judges had to say: Aromas of rich caramel and a whisper of spice. Silky textured palate with a robust peppery character, complemented by creamy vanilla, sourdough notes and delicate florals. Warm, zesty finish that is both silky and long-lasting. Well-balanced with a fantastic profile. Laplandia, a company owned by a family of entrepreneurs, was founded in 2009 to craft exceptional spirits in the Finnish northern wilderness region of Lapland. By using the pure artesian waters of the area combined with wheat from family-owned farms, they can produce strikingly clean vodkas. Bilberry Vodka is a flavored vodka infused with bilberry, a wild blueberry native to Arctic regions, lending a unique sweet-tart berry profile that stands apart from common blueberry flavors. It's a compelling choice for those seeking an authentic and vibrant fruit-flavored vodka experience. Here is what the judges had to say: Vibrant fruity nose underscored by creamy undertones. The palate reveals a delightful interplay of wild blueberries and sour cherries, harmoniously balanced with sweet vanilla and luscious berry jam. Refreshing, juicy brightness to finish, accented by a hint of bitterness. Outstanding. For their second award-winning vodka, Laplandia used another local ingredient to craft a great sip. Its Cloudberry Vodka is infused with the rare and prized cloudberry, a golden-orange fruit found in Arctic climates, known for its unique sweet, subtly tart, and intensely aromatic taste. Like other Laplandia expressions, it benefits from a premium grain spirit base and pristine Arctic spring water. It's a distinctive choice for those seeking a unique, natural berry flavor that captures the wild essence of the Nordic North. Here is what the judges had to say: A delightful burst of orange marmalade and caramel layered with hints of peach and apricot. The palate reveals a captivating sweetness complemented by clove and honey, while a subtle touch of white pepper and dry, root notes linger beautifully. Hawkridge Distillers, a seven-year-old distiller based in England's Berkshire County, collaborated with London's acclaimed Sexy Fish restaurant to produce this distinctive vodka. Crafted likely as a house pour or signature spirit for the high-end establishment, it emphasizes exceptional smoothness and purity. While specific botanical details are often private for such collaborations, the focus is on a refined, neutral, or subtly nuanced profile that excels in sophisticated cocktail creations. It's a vodka that should highlight its three founders, all distillers, skill in crafting memorable bottles. Here is what the judges had to say: The aroma presents a delicate blend of floral and fruity notes, beautifully enhanced by a touch of peppery spice and sweet icing sugar. The profoundly deep palate resonates with creamy hints of smooth vanilla and lusciously crisp citrus. If you have never heard of Eckerts Wacholder Brennerei GmbH, don't feel bad; it's doubtful many people have. Located in the Saarland region of Germany, adjacent to Luxembourg and France, it is a 125-year-old distiller with a minimal footprint. They make a wide array of small-batch whiskeys that are sold in the region. Their vodka is an experimental product that they only serve onsite. They must be doing something right since they took home two GO medals at the IWSC. Here is what the judges had to say: Light minerality and creamy vanilla on the nose. The palate bursts with a harmonious blend of woodiness and grassiness, enriched by caramel undertones, hints of stone fruit, and vibrant orange marmalade. A luscious mouthfeel leads to a clean, refreshing finish. This is another winner from Germany's Eckerts Wacholder Brennerei GmbH. As stated before, there is not much known about this distillery; it is distinctly local. Korol Black Vodka is another experimental product available only onsite. One thing is for certain, though. If you find yourself visiting the Saarland region of Germany, you should search for this distillery. With 125 years of experience, they seem to be making some great spirits. Here is what the judges had to say: A delightful bouquet of sweet wheat leads to a palate revealing delightful notes of bittersweet cereal wrapped in creamy icing sugar. Boasts a rounded, uplifting finish, where warm spice lingers beautifully on the tongue. Absolut Hunni, a brand-new product from Sweden's iconic Absolut Vodka, is currently only available in England, but hopefully, that will change soon. A naturally flavored vodka, it is crafted using Swedish winter wheat and natural honey flavorings to deliver a sweet, smooth sip. Like all Absolut vodkas, it benefits from a continuous distillation process, ensuring consistent quality and purity without added sugars. It is a super-premium flavored vodka that could change the conversations around the flavored vodka category as distillers look to deliver more natural products to consumers. Here is what the judges had to say: Delightful aromas of fresh Acacia honey, complemented by distinctive floral notes. On the palate, sweet heather honey shines through, intermingled with a lingering peppery warmth and gorgeous hints of fresh honeycomb. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
