Best of the Best Awarded to Garrison Brothers Distillery’s Guadalupe Whiskey December 18, 2023 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) — Winners have been announced for the 2023 Craft Distillers Spirits Competition, which took place in Santa Rosa, Calif., earlier this month. Taking the top spot this year is Guadalupe, a Texas straight bourbon whiskey finished in a port cask from Garrison Brothers Distilling in Hye, Texas. Judges described Guadalupe as “Very elegant”; “Warm finish”; “Delicious.” Garrison Brothers Master Distiller Donnis Todd says, “What sets Guadalupe apart is the unique Texas climate, with its dramatic temperature fluctuations, and our careful selection of the right wet port barrels. This combination is key to Guadalupe’s distinctiveness. Our goal was to capture and highlight the port notes, offering bourbon enthusiasts the same thrilling experience I get when discovering these exceptional barrels in our barns. “The visc

Afternoon Brief, June 21st

Registration Now Open for Growing Forward Virtual Conference: Wine Industry Network (WIN) has opened registration for Growing Forward, a Vineyard & Grower focused Virtual Conference tackling the most pressing topics and issues faced throughout the grape growing cycle. The Conference is set to broadcast on July 19, 2023, beginning at 9:00am...

Best of the Best Awarded to Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co. Barrel Aged Shine  December 21, 2022 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) — Winners have been announced for the 2022 Craft Distillers Spirits Competition, which took place in Santa Rosa, Calif., earlier this month. Taking the top spot this year is Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co. Barrel Aged Shine, a limited production release from the Blairsville, Ga., producer.  The distillery is named for famed bootlegger Jack “Mimm” McClure, whose great-grandson, Tommy Townsend, founded the company using the secret family recipe. Judges described the Barrel Aged Shine as “sexy,” “earthy,” “rich,” “velvety” and “full of holiday spices,” At the end of the competition, the Shine took a Best Whiskey, Best of Class, double gold medal as well as Best of the Best honors. The distillery’s Sorghum Rum also won Best of Class honors (see list below).  Debra