20110318

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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