The International Wine & Spirits Competition has honored Maison Solignac, Initiale Vodka with the 2024 Vodka Trophy. The judges of the IWSC selected it as the World’s Best Vodka, awarding it a remarkable score of 99 out of 100 points.

Maison Solignac, Initiale Vodka has received the IWSC 2024 Vodka Trophy being recognized as the World’s Best Vodka.

The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) has bestowed the 2024 Vodka Trophy upon Maison Solignac, Initiale Vodka. This esteemed panel of judges named the spirit the World’s Best Vodka, assigning it an impressive score of 99/100. Renowned as the oldest spirits competition globally, the IWSC is recognized for holding one of the largest annual spirits judging events and is considered one of the most prestigious competitions in the industry.

Maison Solignac, a revered producer of premium spirits hailing from France, is recognized for its distinct fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary distilling methods. With a strong commitment to artisanal techniques and meticulously chosen raw ingredients, the company achieves exceptional quality in its products. The flagship offering, Maison Solignac’s Initiale Vodka, is particularly noted for its remarkable smoothness and purity, winning the hearts of discerning spirits connoisseurs.

Initiale Vodka is crafted using premium French rye combined with subtle hints of lemon, milk, and cumin, along with pristine water sourced from natural springs in France. Maison Solignac utilizes a meticulous multi-distillation technique to achieve exceptional purity and a silky smoothness, all while retaining the essence of the core ingredients. The vodka is distilled in copper stills, which effectively eliminate impurities and enhance the spirit’s clean and vibrant flavors. With a dedication to artisanal quality, Maison Solignac ensures that Initiale Vodka is both sophisticated and approachable.

This vodka provides a wonderful sensory journey. Its fresh and crisp aroma, enriched with delicate notes of grain and the scent of freshly baked bread, highlights the premium wheat integral to its creation. Subtle citrus hints and a light mineral quality on the nose point to the pristine water used during distillation, setting the scene for an exceptional tasting experience.

On the palate, Initiale Vodka is remarkably smooth and well-balanced, featuring a creamy texture and a noticeable mouthfeel. The flavor profile is mild yet rich, characterized by touches of vanilla, a hint of sweetness from the wheat, and a gentle nuttiness. A refreshing lightness comes through, complemented by soft citrus notes that enhance its crispness.

The finish is long and smooth, with a touch of dryness, leaving behind lingering flavors of cooked cereal grains and a hint of pepper. Its refined nature eliminates any harshness, making it a perfect choice for sipping straight or mixing into cocktails.

The judging panel at the IWSC highlighted the vodka’s exceptional qualities:

It offers a delightful array of flavors including biscuity sweetness, the warmth of honey, and notes from fragrant meadows. These are harmoniously paired with gentle hints of fennel and caramel. Its silky, creamy texture culminates in a slow, warm finale.

Initial Vodka transcends being just a spirit; it serves as a flexible companion for diverse occasions. Whether you prefer to enjoy it neat to appreciate its refined and balanced flavor nuances or incorporate it into top-tier cocktails, its smoothness and purity are always evident. Its adaptability makes it an ideal selection for martinis or classic vodka drinks, enhancing the sophistication of any event.

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American whiskey is currently in an innovative stage.

Although the formal acknowledgment of American Single Malt as an official category has been anticipated for a long time, various distilleries are leveraging their creative liberties to craft distinctive whiskeys that often defy simple classification. Whether through more conventional techniques or groundbreaking methods, there are now more choices than ever for consumers to discover an American whiskey that aligns with their unique palate.

The whiskeys featured here share just two characteristics: they are made in the U.S. and consist of a minimum of 52% whiskey. Beyond these flexible guidelines, this selection showcases a diverse range of flavors and production styles, and we strongly recommend keeping an open perspective and exploring all of them.

With that introduction behind us, here are some of the most intriguing American whiskey blends to experience right now!

ABV: 61.3%

Average Price: $99

Bernheim Wheat Whiskey has a legacy, but its Barrel Proof variant was introduced for wider accessibility in early 2023, and the newest iteration is now available. This whiskey is crafted from a mash that includes 51% wheat, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley, aged between seven to nine years, making it the easiest cask-strength wheat whiskey to find across the United States.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The aroma is vibrant and fruity, prominently featuring notes of licorice and plums, followed by hints of cinnamon, clove, and subtle leather. A slight wintergreen essence weaves through, accompanied by a touch of caramel to create a harmonious finish.

Palate: The infusion of oak flavors blends seamlessly with a hint of cedar, delivering a burst of cinnamon bark and palo santo with the initial sip. As the initial taste fades, you’ll discover a rich nuttiness akin to walnuts, alongside black pepper and subtle floral notes, particularly highlighting lilac.

Finish: The finish of Bernheim Original Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey is medium-long, featuring a renewed wave of cracked black pepper and cedar, accompanied by whispers of honey and black tea.

Bottom Line:

The Wheat Whiskey category remains largely uncharted, yet Heaven Hill has been refining this craft over the years. In this Barrel-Proof edition, they present the whiskey in its most authentic and unaltered state, without any chill filtration. The outcome is definitely worth exploring.

Alcohol By Volume: 57%

Average Cost: $210

In crafting its distinguished Lady Bird bourbon, Master Distiller Donnis Todd of Garrison Brothers carefully chooses barrels exhibiting rich honey characteristics. To enhance the flavor, he infuses the bourbon with Burleson’s Texas Wildflower Honey for an additional 8-9 months. This is then followed by a maturation process in French Cognac XO finishing casks for three more years.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Upon uncorking Lady Bird, an overwhelming scent of honey emerges, complemented by notes of red raisins, plum, and hints of oak, creating a memorable first impression.

Palate: The initial notes of oak and honey play delicately on the tip of the tongue before yielding to an unexpected peanut brittle flavor that surprises and cleverly masks a hint of chocolate lurking in the background. True to its honey-infused nature, the bourbon boasts a syrupy and full-bodied mouthfeel. The presence of over-steeped mint tea adds a subtle astringency that dances around the edges of the palate.

Finish: The finish prominently showcases honey, oak, overripe bananas, and peanut brittle in that exact sequence, lingering on the palate for an extended period and evoking the sensation of a peanut butter banana sandwich drizzled with honey. Personally, I’m all in for a couple of those!

Bottom Line:

When it comes to Garrison Bros. Lady Bird expression, the facts are clear: it’s a sweet indulgence that may not suit everyone’s taste. The honey is rather prominent, and the oak stands out boldly, yet the overall effect leans towards an audacious experience. This is a commendable option that is sure to delight whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate a sweeter profile.

ABV: 46.9%

Average Price: $50 per bottle $150 for 3-pack

Hogsworth presents a captivating fusion of bourbons and Armagnacs, with aging periods ranging from four to forty-two years. This remarkable blend consists of 52% bourbon and 48% Armagnac, detailed as follows: 42% is a bourbon aged for four years and five months from Tennessee, 22% is an 11-year-old Armagnac, 21% is a 13-year-old Armagnac, 10% is a four-year-old bourbon from Minnesota, and 5% is a 42-year-old Armagnac distilled in 1982.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Although Armagnac comprises only 48% of this pioneering blend, it dominates the aromatic profile, presenting notes reminiscent of rich port wine, complemented by hints of red grapes, cinnamon bark, and spiced walnuts lingering in the background.

Palate: The texture on the tongue is sleek, resembling more of Armagnac rather than aged bourbon. However, the flavors are undeniably rich and vibrant, featuring notes of brown sugar, walnuts, mature red port wine, and black pepper that warmly embrace the taste buds. As this experience unfolds, hints of nutmeg start to emerge as it reaches the back of the tongue.

Finish: The finish is compelling with baking spices, as cracked pepper, black tea, and red currants dance along the edges of the tongue, while a subtle hint of tobacco leaf lingers mid-palate. The spices are pronounced in the brief aftertaste, which slightly disrupts the overall balance.

Bottom Line:

Hogsworth represents an adventurous exploration into uncharted territory, boldly highlighting the charm of well-aged Armagnac. Its delicate mouthfeel and quick finish add to the intrigue. Only time will reveal whether creations like this will sway more American whiskey enthusiasts into appreciating Armagnac, but this initial exuberant venture from the creator of Bhakta is undoubtedly a promising start.

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $70

All Points West was founded by Gil Spaier, who was inspired by the whiskey-making practices of late 19th-century Irish distillers. He aimed to recreate a style of whiskey so revered in Ireland that it led the British government to prohibit the use of corn in pot still whiskies. This traditional whiskey features a mash bill consisting of 65% to 70% barley, primarily sourced from County Cork in Ireland, complemented by some modified German malts, while the remainder of the recipe includes corn.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Experience a unique combination of pot still funk accompanied by red raisins, dates, bubblegum, and the savory scent of bacon fat, making this whiskey’s aroma both robust and captivating.

Palate: The initial encounter with this rich and delightful whiskey brings forth flavors of sorghum, flan, and succulent brisket. On the subsequent sip, butterscotch emerges, and as your palate adjusts, the smooth, creamy texture unveils richer nuances of nutmeg and black pepper.

Finish: The finish of All Points West’s Malt And Grain Pot Still Whiskey is relatively short, introducing hints of cherry and nougat, alongside the meaty undertones and the sweet brightness of butterscotch.

Bottom Line:

All Points West’s luxurious, full-bodied whiskey impresses across its entire lineup, yet the Malt and Grain Pot Still Whiskey truly distinguishes itself as the most unique offering. This is a classic style of whiskey reimagined in modern Newark, NJ, yielding flavors that are both surprising and remarkably delicious.

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $65

Old Line Spirits, located in Baltimore, Maryland, crafts its Double Oak Series by employing finishing casks to enhance its base whiskey, demonstrating the evolution of its flavors. This whiskey, made entirely from malted barley, utilizes a combination of 2-row malt and deep roast malt. It matures for a minimum of three years before being finished in Madeira casks for an additional ten months.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The aroma is complex, revealing multiple layers of flavor, with prominent notes of pecans, nutmeg, black cherries, and almond extract initially detected, while hints of clove and cinnamon are subtly present in the background.

Palate: Old Line’s most complex pour begins with a sweet introduction of black cherry syrup and pecans, followed by mid-palate notes of clove and walnut that pave the way for hints of black pepper and cinnamon before it leads to the conclusion.

Finish: The finish of the whiskey features a swiftly fading tobacco leaf note that gives way to the walnuts and black cherry from earlier. Though short to medium in length, the brisk ending is appreciated, allowing reflection on the prior notes in each sip without overshadowing the whiskey’s impressive start.

Bottom Line:

Based in Baltimore, MD., Old Line is crafting remarkable American Single Malt Whiskey. Their quick adoption of finishing casks is yielding impressive results, evident in a diverse portfolio. While their flagship and Navy Strength selections are standout bottles, the Madeira Cask Finish is particularly intriguing and demonstrates the brand’s dedication to thoughtfully enhancing their exceptional spirit.

ABV: 46.5%

Average Price: $56

This distinctive collaboration sees FEW Spirits team up with the Smashing Pumpkins to create a remarkable whiskey. The spirit is brought to proof with Billy Corgan’s own Midnight Rose Tea, a delicate tea sourced from the high mountains of the Anhui province in China, which is infused with rose petals from Madame Zuzu’s, the tea shop owned by Corgan in Chicago. Notably, this project is the first significant endeavor led by FEW’s new Head Distiller, Erin Lee, who is recognized for her passion for tea.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The aroma is overwhelmingly floral, reminiscent of rosewater, with the tea creating an appealing and bold presence. Additional notes include lilacs, brown sugar, tobacco leaf, and oak, with hints of vanilla frosting and black pepper that add layers of complexity.

Palate: The palate greets you with a combination of vanilla frosting and black pepper flavors, enhanced by noticeable hints of rose tea, honey, and barrel char. These elements shine immediately, while a hint of menthol in the middle provides an appealing equilibrium as the baking spices mingle beautifully with the floral and sweet notes.

Finish: The finish has a medium length and is slightly drying, allowing the black pepper and floral notes to take center stage just before the experience concludes.

Bottom Line:

This release captivates and challenges our conventional perceptions of bourbon, showcasing the audacious spirit of FEW Spirits — they consistently embrace creativity. The unique blend of Madame Zuzus Midnight Rose Tea and Few Straight Bourbon creates a remarkable pairing.

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $120

Stranahan’s Mountain Angel expression showcases their renowned whiskey, meticulously crafted from locally sourced barley. This fine spirit is aged for a decade in freshly charred American oak barrels and bottled at an elevation of one mile high, nestled within the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. The bottle featured in today’s review is from Batch 4 of 2024, emphasizing its uniqueness as a limited release.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The aroma presents enticing notes of boiled peanuts and a hint of toasted honey, complemented by the rich scent of malted barley, along with a subtle touch of mint candy and lime zest.

Palate: At first, a delightful blend of lemon and lime coupled with a sweet touch of white sugar tantalizes the tip of the tongue. This initial burst is soon followed by lush malt notes and a kick of white pepper that envelop the palate. As the experience unfolds, hints of vanilla ice cream and nutmeg emerge at midpalate, complemented by a few fresh cracks of black pepper.

Finish: The finish reveals an abundance of lemon custard, malted barley, and white pepper, lingering on the palate with impressive tenacity, ultimately resulting in an enticing lip-smacking sensation that is most enjoyable.

Bottom Line:

In a landscape where American Single Malt Whiskey makers are still striving for proper recognition, one of the pioneers continues to thrive, delivering remarkable expressions consistently. Many brands in this category do not have the privilege of offering a 10-year age-stated release. Therefore, this distinctive rarity from Stranahan’s is certainly worth purchasing as a straightforward example of what American Single Malt whiskey may look like in the future.

ABV: 48%

Average Price: $99

Wolves Whiskey has made a name for itself with a range of impressive and notably distinctive premium blends in recent years. This particular offering marks the brand’s inaugural attempt at establishing a consistent product. It has been matured for five years in California wine barrels and subsequently finished in Cognac casks, making its debut as an American Single Malt earlier this month.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The aroma greets you with rich mocha, luscious honey nuances, and toasted Brazil nuts. After a gentle swirl, hints of cinnamon and doughy characteristics reveal themselves, accompanied by dried strawberries.

Palate: This whiskey immediately impresses with its smoothness and richness, surprising drinkers with its subtle proof as it envelops the palate in a delightful blend of flavors including Manuka honey, crème brûlée, clove, and ripe figs. Layers of nutmeg, cinnamon, and lightly baked pastries add complexity, complemented by a gentle doughiness and a well-rounded sweetness.

Finish: The finish is of medium length, maintaining the silkiness of the whiskey, allowing it to gracefully fade away while leaving behind a hint of black pepper, clove, and cinnamon bark.

Bottom Line:

The new American Single Malt from Wolves Whiskey is sure to grab attention as it marks the brand’s first consistent offering, demonstrating remarkable use of finishing casks. While Wolves Whiskey features a variety of captivating premium selections, this new entry-level whiskey is bound to attract a broader audience due to its compelling price and inviting flavor profile.

ABV: 60.8%

Average Price: $140

This exclusive Anniversary Blend has been crafted to celebrate the 7th anniversary of Uncle Nearest. It features a selection of 7-year-old Tennessee whiskey carefully chosen and blended by their Master Blender, Victoria Eady Butler. While the ABV of these small batch blends can vary, the one we will focus on today from Batch 007 stands out with an impressive 121.7 proof.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The aroma brings forward notes of Rainier cherries, maple candy, and white chocolate. There are hints of clove and a subtle presence of cinnamon, but the cherry fragrance is the most dominant.

Palate: The mouthfeel is incredibly smooth and soft, enveloping your palate with notes of honey, Rainier cherries, and allspice right from the start. It maintains a wonderfully balanced profile, with the transition to the finish introducing a gentle tingle on the tongue from baking spices such as clove and black pepper.

Finish: The extensive finish showcases flavors of white pepper, sage, and a rich, well-rounded honey, gracefully concluding this whiskey’s journey.

Bottom Line:

Without a doubt, this is the finest whiskey I have experienced from Uncle Nearest. The 777 Anniversary Blend offers an extraordinary depth of flavor and a remarkable balance that elegantly coats the palate, leaving you eager for a second bottle right after your first sip.

ABV: 48.5%

Average Price: $250

For the premium Milestone edition from Westward, Master Blender Miles Munroe devised a unique twenty-one-barrel Solera system. This innovative method allows for the continuous aging and blending of some of the distillery’s most treasured whiskey, matured in various casks. Additionally, this year’s release includes a new element: whiskey aged in Amburana barrels, adding to the distinctiveness of this offering.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The aroma profile is vibrant with notes of rich orange marmalade and cinnamon immediately enticing you as you approach the glass. Beneath these initial scents, malt chocolate and lush French vanilla beckon, encouraging you to take that first sip.

Palate: This whiskey presents a wonderfully rich and smooth profile, where cinnamon and nougat intertwine seamlessly with notes of orange marmalade, French vanilla, and malt chocolate that were detected in the aroma. Its texture is notably creamy, allowing these indulgent flavors to envelop your palate and develop beautifully over time.

Finish: The finish, medium in length, softly fades away with hints of orange blossom, Brazil nuts, and cinnamon, leaving a lasting impression as it departs from your palate.

Bottom Line:

Westward Whiskey’s seasonal Milestone expression has swiftly become a must-try whiskey, showcasing the skillful blending talents of Master Blender Miles Munroe. The name of this expression cleverly pays homage to Mr. Munroe, perfectly symbolizing Westward’s evolution. The whiskey embodies the essence of the neck tag’s Latin phrase Verum Factum, reflecting the knowledge of its creator.

“Yo, ho, ho and a bottle of rum.” This spirited drink, often associated with legendary pirates and sailors navigating the open waters, has also gained immense popularity in cocktails enjoyed on solid ground. From the elegant Dark and Stormy cocktail to the timeless classic Mai Tai, rum appears in countless mixed drinks, celebrated for the sweet flavors it introduces. Though the dark spirit itself isn’t overly sweet, it blends harmoniously with sugary mixers, primarily due to its origins. One intriguing fact about rum is that its primary ingredient is sugar cane.

Indeed, many components used in rum production originate from sugar cane, including raw cane juice, syrup, cane sugar, and molasses. The journey from sugar cane to a bottle of rum involves harvesting the plant, which is then quickly ground to extract cane juice, followed by a thorough fermentation and distillation process.

For more insights, explore 18 Unusual Craft Cocktail Ingredients You Should Try At Least Once.

Although it might seem logical to think that rum contains a substantial amount of sugar due to its cane origins, the truth is that distilled rum has zero grams of sugar owing to the fermentation process. Typically, making rum involves transforming cane juice into molasses which is fermented by mixing with water and yeast. During this process, the sugar cane products are heated and eventually turned into alcohol. Following this, the liquid is distilled, matured, and bottled for consumers to relish.

While pure distilled rum is devoid of sugar, many flavored rums available in stores, such as coconut Malibu and raspberry Bacardi, do harbor sugars from added artificial flavorings and sweeteners. Additionally, rum cocktails often feature high sugar content due to mixers like fruit juices and seltzers, which typically contain significant amounts of sugar. Fortunately for those who enjoy rum-based cocktails, the myth surrounding sugary drinks and severe hangovers has been proven false. However, it is important to note that the sweetness in these drinks can mask the bitter taste of alcohol, leading to overconsumption and potentially stronger hangovers.

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Explore the original piece on Food Republic for more information.

Through Saturday. A weekend of hot, sunny weather is expected for the Denver Walls mural festival, making it a perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. This event brings together muralists from Denver as well as artists from various parts of the U.S. and around the world. In addition to live painting sessions, attendees can explore an interactive map that guides them through the festival in a scavenger hunt format, offering digital rewards along the way.

The festivities also include a free block party and skateboard competition at RiNo ArtPark on the closing night, Saturday, Oct. 5, which is open to everyone. An afterparty at No Vacancy (also free and open to the public) will take place, alongside a gallery exhibition that delves into the history of graffiti at RedLine. The festival’s activities on Friday, Oct. 4, will focus on project mapping, as indicated on the official website.

Beginning on Oct. 2, the festival runs through Saturday, Oct. 5, at various venues in the River North Art District. denverwalls.com — John Wenzel 

Saturday. Enthusiasts of whiskey will gather at The Brighton this weekend, where more than 200 distinct spirits will be available for tasting. Distilleries from across the nation will join in to showcase their finest offerings.

Notable brands you won’t want to miss include Uncle Nearest Whiskey from Tennessee, Balcones Distilling from Texas, along with local favorites like Laws Whiskey House and Old Elk. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the subtle differences between a variety of bourbon pours, enjoy flavored whiskies, and sample cocktails specially crafted by the participating companies at the festival. The ticket includes unlimited samples, so be sure to plan for a safe journey home.

The event, known as Whiskey Riot, is scheduled to happen at 3403 Brighton Blvd. in Denver, from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 5. Ticket prices are $90 for general admission or $120 for VIP access at whiskeyriot.com/buy-tickets. — Tiney Ricciardi

Thursday. A fascinating new exhibit called “Where Is Denver’s Chinatown? Stories Remembered, Reclaimed, Reimagined” is set to launch on Thursday, October 10, at History Colorado Center. This exhibit delves into the history and evolution of the city’s long-vanished Chinatown, located in what is now Lower Downtown, featuring historical narratives, artifacts from the museum’s collection, and artistic interpretations of the area.

This includes a detailed recreation of a typical home from a time when the neighborhood was among the most diverse in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as insights into the racism and violence faced by its residents. The museum operates daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1200 Broadway in Denver. Admission is $15 for adults, while children 18 and under can enter for free. historycolorado.org — John Wenzel

Saturday. The new Groundworks Arts Lab is set to provide a cutting-edge creative space when it opens its doors on Saturday, Oct. 5, in Boulder. This expansive 12,500-square-foot structure, located at 3750 Canfield St. in the city’s northeast, will feature a programming area, a central gallery, and a private rooftop deck perfect for events, showcasing stunning mountain views, as detailed in a press release.

This facility serves as the main hub for a program that currently conducts classes at two other sites. Participants will have the opportunity to explore materials such as clay, metal, glass, print, and wood as Groundworks integrates its previous Studio Arts Boulder and Pottery Lab operations under one name.

An inclusive community open house is scheduled for 2-7 p.m. on Saturday, with a formal ceremony at 5 p.m. Local residents are invited to RSVP via eventbrite.com or facebook.com/groundworksartlab. — John Wenzel