600 hopefuls in 'Ultimate Spirits Challenge'

A judge in action.

NEW YORK -- More than 600 entries were in the field for the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2011, held here in the Big Apple.

This was the second year for the event, a fact that in itself belies its name. If something is truly "ultimate," it cannot be repeated or topped. Oh well, the language is falling apart, so why not drink to it.

Entries were scrutinized by a diverse panel of 37 judges earlier this month, however the official results were not released until this week.

Here are the final results:

Vodka

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
Reposado: Cabo Wabo Reposado
Añejo: Calle 23 Añejo
Extra Añejo: Grand Mayan Extra Añejo

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)

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