Gemini Shines at First Ultimate Spirits Challenge
March 16, 2010 (Chicago, IL) - The award-winning portfolio of Gemini Spirits & Wine wowed yet another panel of judges at the first ever Ultimate Spirits Challenge in New York on March 1-3, 2010. The impressive group of judges included well-known spirits authorities, educators, buyers, and journalists, including Sean Ludford, Dale DeGroff, Steve Olson, Doug Frost, David Wondrich, and Gary Regan. In competition with over 500 brands, the products from the Gemini portfolio took home a few of the highest awards.
A newcomer to Gemini, Orzel Vodka, was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy scoring 96 out of 100 and topping a list of over 80 well-known vodkas. This luxurious Polish vodka is a product of the STOCK group whose expertise shines through in Orzel with its smooth, clean taste. Also bearing the STOCK name, Gran Gala Triple Orange Liqueur and Limoncé Lemon Liqueur received commendations from the judges.
Just in time for St Patrick’s Day, the Cooley Irish Whiskeys received rave reviews during the challenge. Connemara 12 Yr Old finished as a Semifinalist in the Irish and Welsh Whiskey category with a rating of 95 out of 100. Kilbeggan Blended Whiskey, Tyrconnell Single Malt, Greenore 8 Year Old Single Grain, and Connemara Peated Single Malt and Cask Strength received “Very Good/Recommended” reviews as well. The Cooley family of whiskeys hails from this year’s Malt Advocate “Distillery of the Year”, and has collected over 150 international awards since opening in 1987.
The Irish were not the only Gemini whiskeys to shine at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, as Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky scored 90 out of 100 and the stamp of an “Excellent/Strong Recommendation” from the panel. Lastly, Forty Creek Premium Barrel Select Whisky received a “Very Good/Recommended” rating, helping it stand out in the Canadian category. For a complete list of all results and scores please go to: www.ultimate-beverage.com/uscresults2010/.
About Gemini Spirits & Wine
Gemini Spirits & Wine Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sazerac family of businesses, specializing in the building of premium spirit & wine brands. The Gemini portfolio extends across many categories with brands such as Tequila Corazón, Fu-Ki Sake, Forty Creek Whisky, P51 Cachaça, the Cooley Irish Whiskeys, Tequila Siete Leguas, Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol, the tequilas of Casa San Matías, Weber Wines, Praline Pecan Liqueur, Tortuga Rum, Feeney’s Irish Cream, Pau Maui Vodka, Penderyn Welsh Whiskey, and the STOCK family of brands including Gran Gala Triple Orange Liqueur, Limoncé, Stock ’84 VSOP Brandy, Orzel Vodka and Stock Vermouth. Sazerac Company, Inc. is based in New Orleans. Gemini Spirits & Wine is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
3/16/2010
