Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Ultimate Spirits Challenge announced the winners of its highest award, the Chairman’s Trophy, on Thursday, March 20; among the 37 winners were three spirits from San Francisco-based Anchor Distilling Company’s portfolio – Luxardo Aperitivo (winner in the Aperitif category), Nikka Coffey Grain (Whisky-Japan category), and Maurin Dry Vermouth (Vermouth category). The Chairman’s Trophy represents the best of the best – the highest rating achieved within each category.
“It is extremely gratifying to see the Anchor portfolio recognized in this most prestigious competition,” says David King, President of Anchor Distilling Company. “It is a testament to the skill and craft of our wonderful suppliers from around the world that we can shine in such esteemed company and across diverse categories. Our goal is to have the most interesting collection of premium niche products and this offers further encouragement along that journey.”
The Ultimate Spirits Challenge tasting was held in New York, March 10-14; all products entered were rated on the 100-point scale by the spirits industry’s most renowned judges, which include award-winning authors, spirits buyers, journalists, educators, bar owners and consultants. This year’s judges were: USC Founder and Judging Chairman F. Paul Pacult, Judging Co-Chairman Sean Ludford, Jacques Bezuidenhout, Tad Carducci, James Conley, Dale DeGroff, Jim Meehan, Dan Nicolaescu, Steve Olson, Andy Seymour, Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan, MW and David Wondrich.
Launched in the U.S. in mid-2013, Luxardo Aperitivo (11% ABV, SRP $19.99) received 93 points making it the highest-rated spirit in the Aperitif category. Named after the traditional Italian aperitivo cocktail custom, Luxardo Aperitivo is a well-balanced infusion of herbs, roots and citrus. Boasting a low alcohol content, distinctive red color and bitter orange flavor, it is an ideal complement to fresh-squeezed juice or prosecco cocktails. Aperitivo also received the Great Value accolade in this year’s Challenge.
The secret behind Nikka Coffey Grain (45% ABV, SRP $69.99), which received 93 points, is its unique flavor generated by Coffey stills, which are traditional continuous stills patented by Aeneas Coffey. Nikka has been operating the two sets of Coffey stills since the 1960s, both now located at the Miyagikyo Distillery in Honshu, Japan. Featuring aromas of vanilla, coconut and tropical fruits, this whisky, which was introduced in the U.S. in late 2013, offers a rich, soft sweet flavor and delicate finish with a touch of honeyed citrus.
Taking home the Chairman’s Trophy and 93 points in the Vermouth category, Maurin Dry Vermouth (17% ABV, SRP $23.99) is clear to light amber with aromas of white peach and honey and distinct botanical notes. Introduced in July 2013, Maurin Dry Vermouth is created from a traditional recipe dating back to the 1800s. On the palate, it is lush, with layers of herbs and spices, and a pleasant, slightly bitter finish. Maurin Dry also received the Great Value accolade in this year’s Challenge.
For more information about Anchor Distilling Company’s portfolio of specialty spirits, go to www.AnchorDistilling.com; for more information on the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, go to www.ultimate-beverage.com.
