AUSTIN, TEXAS
The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) Medal Winners Announced
On Sunday evening, February 15, the winners of the Second Annual Craft Spirits Competition were honored during the Awards Dinner as part of the ACSA Distillers Convention and Vendor Trade Show in Austin, Texas.
After a few comments from Judging Committee Co-Chairs Ted Huber and David Pickerell, Brian Christensen, publisher of Artisan Spirits Magazine, announced the medal winners. The complete list of winners is available on the ACSA website, americancraftspirits.org.
Later that evening, ACSA President Thomas Mooney and ACSA Executive Director Pennfield Jensen presented hand-imprinted “Barrelheads” to the Best-of-Class winners. The highlight of the evening was the Best-of-Show award, a hand-crafted glass trophy, that was presented by Danielle Catley, O-I Category Manager, North America Spirits and Specialty, to T.J. Miller, Mark McDavid, and Allan Hall of Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling Company for their .36 Single Barrel Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Three hundred and twenty-nine entries were submitted from over 200 craft spirits distilleries from across the country in six main categories: Whiskey, Brandy, Rum, Gin, Liqueurs, Distilled Spirits Specialty (DSS), and Vodka. Almost half (155) of all the spirits entered were whiskeys. “We’re seeing more whiskies than ever,” states Ted Huber, ACSA vice president and Judging Committee co-chair. “They are literally and figuratively ‘coming out of the woodwork,’ as these spirits have now been aging for up to four years and are ready to be appreciated. It’s a clear sign of the maturing of our craft industry.”
Best In Class Winners in each category include:
Whiskey: Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling, for .36 Single Barrel Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Gin: New Holland Brewing and Distilling, for Barrel Aged Knickerbocker
Rum: Allegheny Distilling, for Maggie’s Farm Queen’s Share Double Barrel
Brandy: King’s County Distillery and Brooklyn Winery, for Brandy
Liqueurs and Distilled Spirits Specialty: Huber’s Starlight Distillery, for Blueberry Liqueur
Vodka: Huber’s Starlight Distillery, for Starlight Vodka
ACSA is a not for profit trade association dedicated to protecting and promoting American craft spirits. On behalf of our staff, our board of directors, and the more than 300 ACSA members nationwide, we congratulate this year’s winners for their passion and commitment to quality and authenticity. .
A list of all the winners can be found on the ACSA Website.
CONTACTS:
Pennfield Jensen • 812-325-6121 • penn@americancraftspirits.org
Leah Hutchinson • 502-299-0238 • leah@americancraftspirits.org
