The Ultimate Spirits Challenge recently announced the winners of the 2019 edition, registering records for the ninth consecutive year.
More than 45 spirit producing nations participating.
This year’s USC was characterized by a highly international competition, featuring spirits from around the world – more than 45 nations. F. Paul Pacult, founder and director of the jury, said: “Virtually every category made substantial gains in entries, especially in baijiu, shochu, mezcal and brandies from all over the world.”
The presentation and voting of the event included the process of tasting the spirits when mixed with the drinks. In this way the USC becomes the only competition that evaluates the cocktail blending capacity of spirits.
Among the judges were renowned bartenders such as Jacques Bezuidenhout, Tim Cooper, Tad Carducci, Dale DeGroff, Meaghan Dorman, Tyler Hudgens, Justin Lavenue, Don Lee, Clay Risen, Joaquin Simó, Charlotte Voisey, and Jillian Vose.
2019 Chairman’s Trophy Winners
AMARO
Lucano Anniversario
APERITIF
Select Aperitivo
BAIJIU
TTL Yushan Chiew XO Kaoliang
BRANDY
American: Argonaut Fat Thumb
Armagnac: Marie Duffau Hors d’Age Bas Armagnac
Calvados: Christian Drouin Pays d’Auge 1999
Cognac: Courvoisier Initiale Extra
European Brandy: Asbach 15 Years Old
Pisco: Demonio de los Andes Acholado
GIN
American: Junipero
London Dry: Fords
Matured: Tommyrotter Cask Strength Bourbon-Barrel
Navy Strength: Scapegrace Gold
World: Citadelle
LIQUEUR
Berry/Fruit: Merlet Soeurs Cerises
Citrus/Triple Sec: Grand Marnier Cuvée Louis Alexandre
Cream/Dairy: Carolans Salted Caramel Irish Cream
Herbal/Mint/Spice/Botanical: Becherovka
MEZCAL
Real Minero Barril
RUM
Aged: Appleton Estate 21 Years Old
Dark/Gold: Banks 7 Golden Age
White Rum: Banks 5 Island
SHOCHU
Iichiko Reserve Zenwa 2019 Edition
TEQUILA, 100% AGAVE
Blanco: Cabeza
Reposado: Partida
Añejo: Azunia
Extra Añejo: El Tesoro
VODKA
Flavored: Van Gogh Double Expresso
Unflavored: Boyd & Blair Potato
Whisky Categories
WHISKY – CANADA
Crown Royal XR
WHISKEY – IRELAND
Single Pot Still: Red Spot
Blended: Jameson Bow Street Cask Strength 18 Years Old Batch 1
Single Malt: Knappogue Castle 14 Years Old
WHISKY – JAPAN
Kamiki Intense Wood
WHISKY – SCOTLAND
Single Malt-Highland: Glenglassaugh 30 Years Old
Blended: Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 Years Old
Best Single Malt-Island: Highland Park Viking Pride 18 Years Old
Single Malt-Islay: Bowmore 25 Years Old
Speyside Single Malt: BenRiach Authenticus 30 Years Old
WHISKEY – USA
American/Other: Stolen 11 Years Old
Bourbon: George T Stagg
Rye: Peerless 3-Year-Old
Single Malt: Peat Week 5th Annual
Tennessee: Uncle Nearest 1820 Nearest Green Single Barrel Edition US-1
WHISKY – WORLD
Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength
For the complete winners list visit www.ultimate-beverage.com/USC2019results/
Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.