Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2011 Announces Best Gin, Vodka, Rum, Tequila and More

NEW YORK, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2011 today announces the best of the best – the Chairman's Trophy winners – in 27 spirits categories from vodka to rum to whiskey and more.  This is the second annual Ultimate Spirits Challenge and once again it proved that integrity, method, and credibility can flourish and be the driving forces in alcohol beverage competitions. Judging took place at Astor Center in NYC on March 1-4, 2011 and was led by Ultimate Beverage Challenge founder and Judging Chairman, F. Paul Pacult and Assistant Judging Chairman Sean Ludford.

Nearly 600 entries from scores of companies and nations were evaluated under the most exacting conditions: products were served in the most appropriate glassware, at ideal serving temperatures, in a state-of-the-art judging facility and evaluated under the best possible circumstances.  Spirits were scored on the user-friendly and widely-adopted 100-point scale in multiple rounds which produces the fairest, most unbiased results possible. The Chairman's Trophy is awarded to the highest scoring spirit in its category.

Ultimate Spirits Challenge judges included the world's foremost spirits authorities: Eric Alperin, Jacques Bezuidenhout, Tad Carducci, James Conley, Dale DeGroff, Doug Frost, Jim Meehan, Robert Plotkin, Julie Reiner, Jack Robertiello, Steve Olson,  Andy Seymour, Aisha Sharpe, Willy Shine,  Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan and David Wondrich.

For complete results, including all Finalists, scores and downloadable images, go to: www.ultimate-beverage.com.

2011 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Chairman's Trophy Winners

Vodka - World

Unflavored:  Finlandia Classic Vodka (Finland)

Flavored:  Ketel One Citroen Flavored Vodka (Netherlands)

Gin - World

Beefeater London Dry Gin (United Kingdom)

Tequila - Mexico

Blanco:  Olmeca Plata Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila

Reposado:  Cabo Wabo Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila

Anejo:  Calle 23 Anejo, 100% Agave Tequila

Extra Anejo:  Grand Mayan Extra Anejo, 100% Agave Tequila

Mezcal – Mexico

El Tinieblo Joven Mezcal

Rum - World

Dos Maderas PX 5+5 Rum (Spain)

Whiskey – USA

Bourbon:  George T. Stagg 17 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Rye:  Sazerac Straight 18 Years Old Rye Whiskey

Whiskey - Ireland

Blended:  Michael Collins Blended Irish Whiskey

Single Malt:  Tyrconnell Madeira Finish 10 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Whisky - Scotland

Single Malt-Cask Strength: Aberlour a'bunadh Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Single Malt-Speyside: The Balvenie Peated Cask 17 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Single Malt-Islands:  Highland Park 18 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Single Malt-Islay:  Lagavulin Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Blended:  Dewar's 18 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky

Whisky - Canada

Canadian Mist Black Diamond Canadian Blended Whisky

Brandy - World

Aged:  Cardenal Mendoza Brandy de Jerez 17 Years Old Spanish Brandy (Spain)

Unaged:  Remy Martin V Grape Spirit (France)

Cognac - France

Martell XO Cognac

Armagnac - France

Delord 25 Years Old Bas-Armagnac

Calvados - France

Boulard Grand Solage VSOP Pays d'Auge Calvados

Liqueurs – World

Fruit: Merlet Creme de Cassis, Blackcurrant Liqueur (France)

Herbal:  Stroh Jagertee Liqueur (Austria)

Aperitifs – World

Lillet Rose Aperitif (France)

Ultimate Cocktail Challenge now accepting entries; deadline March 22, 2011. Ultimate Wine Challenge now accepting entries; deadline April 22, 2011. Entry forms at www.ultimate-beverage.com.  

ABOUT ULTIMATE BEVERAGE CHALLENGE (www.ultimate-beverage.com)

Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) provides expert evaluation of wines and spirits for producers, importers and marketers through its three innovative annual competitions – Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Ultimate Cocktail Challenge and Ultimate Wine Challenge. UBC hosts ULTIMATE BLAST on Oct. 14, 2011 in NYC, a gala consumer, media and trade tasting event to showcase noteworthy wines and spirits.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UltimateBeverageChallenge

Ultimate Beverage Challenge Is The Future Of Beverage Competitions Today.

SOURCE Ultimate Beverage Challenge