Craft distillers are making waves in the vodka industry, as evidenced by the recent winners at the 2023 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards. While major vodka brands still dominate sales, it is clear that craft distillers are gaining recognition and success in international competitions.

The Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards, now in its seventh year, holds significant influence in the industry. Las Vegas, with its vibrant restaurant and mixology scene, is at the forefront of innovation and national trends. Winning a medal at this prestigious competition often leads to distribution opportunities in Nevada, a crucial step for craft distillers looking to expand nationally.

One standout brand at this year’s awards was Karu Distillery, whose Morita Chipotle Vodka took home the platinum medal and the Best Flavored/Infused Vodka award. Founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife team Nick and Ally Ayres, Karu Distillery is based in a suburb of Sydney called The Devil’s Wilderness. Known for their consistent success in international competitions, Karu Distillery’s Morita Chipotle Vodka offers a unique and complex flavor profile. Infused with Australian limes, Mexican chipotles, and agave syrup, this vodka stands out among the typical flavored vodkas with its smoky undertones and botanical infusion.

Another notable winner was Hawaii Sea Spirits, whose Ocean Organic Vodka claimed the top-ranked (neutral) vodka award. Founded by Shay Smith and his family, this family-owned craft distillery cultivates over 30 different species of Polynesian sugar cane on their 80-acre organic farm in Maui. What sets Hawaii Sea Spirits apart is their use of desalinated deep ocean mineral water obtained off the Kona coast. This distinct water source gives their vodka a clean and slightly mineral taste, with hints of lemon-lime and a touch of pepperiness.

Two other gold medal winners were recognized in the competition. The Hidgate’s Broken Clock Lingering Vodka, an English-style wheat vodka, stood out for its aromatic and fruity nose, with subtle notes of apples and rose petals. OVO Vodka, an American craft vodka, also impressed the judges with its commitment to ocean conservation. For every bottle of OVO Vodka purchased, the company funds the removal of 12 plastic bottles from the ocean.

These awards highlight the growing prominence of craft distillers in the vodka industry. With their dedication to innovation, unique flavor profiles, and commitment to social and environmental causes, craft brands are gaining recognition and market share. As consumers continue to seek out new and exciting spirits, it is clear that craft distillers have something special to offer. The Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards provide a platform for these talented distillers to showcase their craft and secure distribution opportunities, ensuring that their innovative creations reach a wider audience.

**Dive into the World of Vodka: An Exploration of the 2023 LVGSA Winners**

When it comes to vodka, there is a wealth of options available in the market for aficionados and cocktail enthusiasts alike. However, among the myriad of choices, one brand has consistently stood out and impressed both consumers and experts – an exquisite vodka made from a mash bill of corn and distilled in a column still. Its excellence has been recognized time and again in international spirit competitions, making it a persistent winner and a staple on many vodka lovers’ shelves.

Just recently, the 2023 Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards (LVGSA) took place, showcasing an outstanding array of craft vodkas that appealed to a variety of taste profiles. Among these exceptional spirits, our favorite brand once again surpassed expectations, solidifying its position as a top contender in the vodka realm. Described by the esteemed LVGSA Judging Panel as “neutral, spirity, with prominent lemon-lime notes,” this vodka provides a delightful sensory experience. Its smoothness and sweetness on the palate are followed by a long finish, leaving a slight, lingering pepperiness that adds a captivating twist to the overall taste profile.

For vodka enthusiasts who appreciate the simplicity of sipping their favorite spirit straight or those who prefer to experiment with cocktails, exploring the offerings from the 2023 LVGSA winners will undoubtedly be a delight. The curated selection of award-winning vodkas caters to a wide range of preferences, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Whether you enjoy the refreshing zest of citrus or prefer a more mellow, understated flavor, the winners of the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards have got you covered.

To discover the full range of exceptional vodkas honored at the 2023 LVGSA, we encourage you to visit the company’s website. There, you will find a comprehensive listing that unveils a world of possibilities, waiting to be explored and savored. So why wait? Join us in raising a glass to the incredibly talented distillers who have poured their hearts and souls into crafting these award-winning vodkas. Cheers to innovation, excellence, and the magic that each bottle holds!