Vodka may have ousted gin from the top rung of the white spirits category worldwide, and tequila is making a strong move upward, but gin keeps coming up big in top-echelon competitive judging.Plymouth Gin, the iconic English distilllation imported to the U.S. by Absolut Spirits, came out as "best of show - whites" for the second consecutive year at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. (Click here for my column on Plymouth master distiller Sean Harrison, and here for my recent report on a possible gin comeback.)
More than 700 spirits from 51 countries were entered in the recent competition. Among major awards were distiller of the year to Highland Park of Orkney, Scotland, and importer of the year to multinational giant Diageo.
Here are all the gold medalists in all categories. Go here for a complete look at all medal winners in all categories.
WHITE SPIRITS
• Top Vodka, Double Gold Medal: Tanqueray Sterling, United Kingdom, $20.
• Double Gold Medal: Diamond, Oregon, $60.
• Gold Medals: Belvedere, Poland, $32; Boru, Ireland, $32; Chopin, Poland, $34; CÎROC, France, $30; Idôl, France, $28; Khortytsa Classic, Ukraine, $18; Kirkland Signature Ultra Premium, France, $30; Lithuanian Gold, Lithuania, $15; Marani, Armenia, $30; Matrioshka Lux, Russia, $25; Stockholm Krystal, Sweden, $18; T&W V6, Florida, 40%; U'Luvka, Poland, $50; V-One, Poland, $26; Zyr, Russia, $32.
• Top Flavored Vodka, Double Gold Medal: Finlandia Grapefruit, Finland, $19.
• Gold Medals: Belvedere Pomarancza, Poland, $32; Herb's Aromatic Dill Leaf Infused, Idaho, $29; Kröl Lemon-Raspberry, Poland, $30.
• Tequila Best in Show, White, Double Gold Medal: Milagro Reposado Select Barrel Reserve, Central, Mexico, $75.
• Double Gold Medals: AsomBroso Añejo, Jalisco, Mexico, $210; AsomBroso Silver Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, $40; Casa Noble Añejo, Jalisco, Mexico, $80; Corralejo Reposado, Guanajuato, Mexico, $35; Don Eduardo Silver, Jalisco, Mexico, $40; El Tesoro Paradiso, Jalisco, Mexico, $121; Fina Estampa Silver, Jalisco, Mexico, $30; Herradura Añejo, Jalisco, Mexico, $55; Loma Azul Blanco, Jalisco, Mexico, $17; Olmeca Extra-Aged, Jalisco, Mexico, $35; El Agave Blanco, Jalisco, Mexico, $25; Trago Silver, Jalisco, Mexico, $40.
• Gold Medals: 1800 Añejo, Jalisco, Mexico, $40; AsomBroso Reposado Bordeaux Barrel Rested, Jalisco, Mexico, $44; Cabo Wabo Uno Añejo Reserva, Jalisco, Mexico, $249; Don Eduardo Añejo, Jalisco, Mexico, $45; Don Julio Real, Jalisco, Mexico, $350; El Jimador Añejo, Jalisco, Mexico; El Tesoro Añejo, Jalisco, Mexico, $46; El Tesoro Reposado, Jalisco, Mexico, $40; Gran Centenario Añejo, Jalisco, Mexico, $50; Herradura Reposado, Jalisco, Mexico, $50; Jose Cuervo Black Medallion Añejo, Jalisco, Mexico, $20; Mascarillo Reposado, Jalisco, Mexico, $45; Partida Blanco, Jalisco, Mexico, $50; Penca Azul Reposado, Jalisco, Mexico, $80; El Agave Reposado, Jalisco, Mexico, $30; Tevado Reposado, Jalisco, Mexico, $20.
• Aquavit Gold Medal: North Shore Private Reserve, Illinois, $27.
• Top Gin, Double Gold Medal: Tanqueray London Dry, United Kingdom.
• Double Gold Medal: Martin Miller's, England, $30; Stretton's London Dry, South Africa, $13; Tanqueray Rangpur, United Kingdom, $22; Whitley Neill, England, $25.
• Gold Medals: New Amsterdam, USA, $20; Plymouth, England, $23; Whitley Neill 96 Proof, England, $30.
• Soju/Sochu Gold Medal: Suntory Kuromaru Sweet Potato Shochu, Japan, $24.
• Top Rum, Double Gold Medal: Pampero Aniversario, Venezuela, $30.
• Double Gold Medals: Clément XO Extra-Aged, Martinique, French West Indies, $135; Diplomatico Añejo Dark, Venezuela; Rogue Dark, Oregon, $36; Savanna Intense 55, Reunion Island, Indian Ocean, $11; Zaya Gran Reserva, Guatemala, $40.
• Gold Medals: 10 Cane, Trinidad, $35; Bounty Over-Proof, Fiji, $20; Clarke's Court Spicy, Grenada; Clément Cuvée Homière Extra-Aged, Martinique, French West Indies, $85; Gosling's Black Seal, Bermuda, $18; Gosling's Family Reserve Old, Bermuda, $70; Kweyol Spiced, St. Lucia, $17; Matusalem Platino, Santiago, D.R., $17; Matusalem Clásico, Santiago, D.R., $20; Matusalem Gran Reserva, Santiago, D.R., $30; Montecristo Spiced, Guatemala, $20; Pampero Especial, Venezuela, $20.
• Top Cachaça, Double Gold Medal: Leblon, Brazil, $30.
• Double Gold Medal: Pirassununga P51, Brazil, $19.
• Gold Medals (all Brazil, most prices unavailable): Agua Luca, $30; Cuca Fresca Premium, $20; Fulô Ruby Wood-Aged 1827 Range; Fulô Gold 1827 Range, Ypê Wood Rested; Fulô Nêga; Moleca Gold, $40; Sagatiba Pura.
WHISKIES
• Top North American Whiskey, Double Gold Medal: Sazerac Straight Rye, Kentucky, $25.
• Double Gold Medals: Booker's Small Batch Bourbon, Kentucky, $47; Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon, Kentucky, $30; George Dickel No. 12 Tennessee Whiskey, Tennessee, $20; George T. Stagg Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon, Kentucky, ] $55; Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Kentucky, $100; appy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 Year Old Straight Bourbon, Kentucky, $200; Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Kentucky, $55; Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Whiskey, Kentucky, $50; Wild Turkey Master Selection Straight Bourbon, Kentucky; Baker's Small Batch Bourbon, Kentucky, $37; Blanton's Kentucky Straight Single Barrel Bourbon, 7 Years, Kentucky, $50; Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky, $23; Bulleit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky, $25; Elijah Craig 12 Year Old Bourbon, Kentucky, $18; George Dickel Barrel Selected Tennessee Whiskey, Tennessee, $35; Jefferson's Sam Houston Bourbon, $34; Jim Beam Black Bourbon, Kentucky, $21; Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, Kentucky, $35; Rittenhouse 21 Year Old Single Barrel Rye Whiskey, Kentucky, $150; Rittenhouse 100 Proof Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey, Kentucky, $13; Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, Kentucky, $25; Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve, Kentucky, $30; Woodford Reserve Small Batch Bourbon, Kentucky, $30.
CANADIAN WHISKIES
• Gold Medals: Canadian Club Classic 12, $20; Canadian Club Reserve Classic 12, $17; Canadian Club Sherry Cask Classic 12, $24; Crown Royal, $25; Forty Creek Barrel Select, $22.
IRISH WHISKIES
• Top Irish Whiskey, Double Gold Medal: Redbreast 12 Year Old Pure Pot Still, $65.
• Double Gold Medals: Bushmills Black Bush, $30; Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt, $65; Jameson 18 Year Old, $75; Midleton Very Rare Blended, $125; Tullamore Dew 12 Year Old, $34; Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt, $45; Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt, $115.
• Gold Medals: Connemara 12 Year Old Peated Single Malt, $100; Jameson 12 Year Old, $30; The Tyrconnell Single Malt, $30.
SCOTCH WHISKY
• Best in Show - Whisky, Double Gold Medal: Bowmore 18 Year Old Single Malt, $85.
• Top Blended Scotch, Double Gold Medal: Johnnie Walker Anniversary Pack, $2,600.
• Top Blended Malt Scotch, Double Gold Medal: Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old, $50.
• Distiller of the Year, Double Gold Medal: Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt, $40.
• Double Gold Medals: Aberlour 16 Year Old Single Malt Double Cask Matured, $50; Bowmore Darkest 15 Year Old Single Malt , $65; Bowmore 25 Year Old Single Malt, $250; Clynelish 14 Year Old Single Malt, $45; Dewar's Signature Blended, $225; Dewar's 12 Year Old Special Reserve, $33; Glen Ord 30 Year Old Single Malt, $300; Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Single Malt, $50; Glenfiddich 18 Year Old Single Malt, $70; Glenkinchie 10 Year Old Single Malt, $44; Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Single Malt Port Wood Finish, $65; Glenmorangie 15 Year Old Single Malt, $80; Highland Park 18 Year Old Single Malt, $86; Highland Park 25 Year Old Single Malt, $230; Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt, $70; Talisker 30 Year Old Single Malt. $300; Talisker 175 Anniversary Single Malt, $100; The Dalmore 21 Year Old Single Malt, $100; The Dalmore 28 Year Single Malt, $150; The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Single Malt, $150; The Glenrothes Select Reserve Single Malt, $45; The Macallan Sherry Oak 30 Year Old Single Malt, $650; The Macallan Fine Oak 15 Year Old Single Malt, $80; Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Single Malt, $179.
• Gold Medals: Aberfeldy 12 Year Old Single Malt, $45; Aberlour 12 Year Old Single Malt Double Cask Matured, $35; Ballantine's 12 Year Old, $14; .Caol Ila 18 Year Old Single Malt, $60; Compass Box, $75; Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Single Malt, $65; Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt, $35; Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Single Malt, $120; Glengoyne 10 Year Old Single Malt, $35; Glengoyne 17 Year Old Single Malt, $65; Glenmorangie 10 Year Old Single Malt, $44; Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Single Malt, Sherry Wood Finish, $65; Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Single Malt Madeira Wood Finish; Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Single Malt, $120; Highland Park 15 Year Old Single Malt, $60; Highland Park 30 Year Old Single Malt, $360; Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old, $25; Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 Year Old, $80; Johnnie Walker Blue Label, $200; Johnnie Walker Swing, $50; Laphroaig 10 Year Old Single Malt, $50; Laphroaig 10 Year Old Single Malt Cask Strength, $60; Laphroaig 30 Year Old Single Malt, $240; McIvor, $12; Pebble Beach 12 Year Old Single Malt, $70; Talisker 18 Year Old Single Malt, $60; Talisker Distiller's Edition Single Malt 1992, $65; Talisker 25 Year Old Single Malt, $200; The Dalmore 12 Year Old Single Malt , $30; The Macallan Fine Oak 17 Year Old Single Malt, $125; The Macallan Fine Oak 30 Year Old Single Malt, $650.
BRANDIES
• Top Cognac, Double Gold Medal: Hennessy Paradis Extra, France, $300.
• Double Gold Medals (all France): Courvoisier Initiale Extra, $291; Courvoisier Napoleon, $81; Hennessy Richard Hennessy, $1,800; Louis Royer XO, $160.
• Gold Medals (all France): Chateau Paulet Cognac Lalique Decanter, Grande Champagne, $1,400; Delamain Vesper, $170; Hennessy XO, $150; Louis Royer Grande Champagne Aged 32 Years, $500; Rémy Martin XO Excellence, $120.
• Best in Show - Brandies/Armagnacs, Double Gold Medal: Chateau de Laubade Intemporel, France, $150.
• Double Gold Medals (all France): Chateau de Laubade 1974 Vintage, $170; Chateau du Busca, $100; Marquis de Montesquiou 1981 Vintage, $45.
• Gold Medals (all France): Chateau du Busca 1976, $170; Chateau du Busca 1985, $130; Larresingle XO, $90; Tariquet 15 Year Old Color Collection AOC, $66; Tariquet 12 Year Old Color Collection AOC, $82.
• Calvados Gold Medal: Père Magloire XO, France.
OTHER BRANDIES
• Top Pisco, Double Gold Medal: Barsol Quebranta, Peru, $20.
• Top Grappa, Double Gold Medal: Bocchino 16 Year Old, Italy, $250.
• Double Gold Medals: Bocchino Gemme-Muscato D'Asti Grappa, Italy, $55; Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy VSOP, Kentucky, $13.
• Gold Medals: Barsol Pisco Acholado, Peru, $20; Bocchino 10 Year Old Grappa Cantina Privata, Italy, $115; Bocchino 30 Year Old Grappa Cantina Privata, Italy, $370; Conqueror Pisco Quebranta, Peru, $26; E. & J. Brandy XO, USA, $20; KWV 10 Year Old Brandy, South Africa, $25.
LIQUEURS & OTHER SPIRITS
• Best in Show - Liqueur, Double Gold Medal: St. Germain Elderflower Blossoms Liqueur, France, $33.
• Top Fruit Liqueur, Double Gold Medal: Cointreau Orange Liqueur, France, $39.
• Top Cream Liqueur, Double Gold Medal: Dooley's Original Toffee Cream Liqueur, Germany, $19.
• Double Gold Medals: Chartreuse Yellow Liqueur VEP, France, $123; E.&J. Cask & Cream Liqueur, USA, $13; Feeney's Irish Cream Liqueur, Ireland, $10; Grand Marnier Cuvée Speciale du Cent Cinquantenaire, France, $215; The Macallan Amber Liqueur, Scotland, $35; Verveine du Velay Liqueur Extra, France, $45.
• Gold Medals: Baileys Original Cream Liqueur, Ireland, $19; .Chartreuse Green Liqueur VEP, France, $123; Dr. McGillicuddy's Cherry Schnapps, Canada, $15; Dr. McGillicuddy's Fireball Cinnamon Flavored Whisky, Canada, $15; Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, Belgium, $25; Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire, France, $125; Navan Liqueur, France $35; Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli Amaretto Liqueur, Italy, $17; Runners/Clear Light Sorghum Molasses Spirit, California, $50; The Knot Liqueur, Ireland, $24; Ullr Peppermint Cinnamon Schnapps, USA, $25.
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