Balcones is Texas Distillery of the Year & More at the
2014 New York International Spirits Competition
Waco, TX - For the second time in two years, Balcones Distilling was named "Texas Distillery of the Year" by a panel of respected judges at the 2014 New York International Spirits Competition. Texas' famed distillery also earned three medals for its products. Brimstone, a powerful, smoky corn whisky, was awarded Silver. The distillery's newest release, a single malt whisky aged in French oak and dubbed FR.OAK, took home a bronze medal, as did the original '1' Texas Single Malt, Balcones' most highly-awarded whisky.
News of the wins come as Balcones prepares to close out 2014 with over 30 new medals and accolades. From London to San Francisco, the distillery's products have earned top honors at several competitions, including Best in Show at the American Craft Spirits Association's inaugural awards show, and Best in Class - Innovative Whisky at the first ever Whiskies of the World competition.
Jared Himstedt, Distiller and Production Manager at Balcones, said,
"2014 has been an exciting year for all of us here in Texas. The craft distilling movement has grown significantly in our home state and we are humbled to be once again chosen as Texas Distillery of the Year among so many other great Texas spirits. It is very exciting to earn three medals for our products in what is traditionally a very challenging competition dominated by much larger brands."
Adam Levy, founder of the New York International Spirits Competition, commented on Balcones' new accolades,
"Every year we expect great things to come out of the distilleries in Texas. Several of these distilleries took home well deserved medals. Though Balcones Distillery definitely stood above the rest with their level of submissions and product and we are proud to award them "Texas Distillery of the Year." Our Trade Buyer Judges look forward to seeing their submissions each year for they are always pushing the envelope with their portfolio."
Keith Bellinger, President and COO of Balcones, said,
"I am extremely proud of the team I am so thankful to work with on a daily basis. The people that put these whiskies together take pride in their work and it is reflected in the product. Jared, who assembled the medal-winning blends, deserves this recognition for his continued commitment to the brand, the whisky and everyone involved at our distillery."
The New York International Spirits Competition was founded in 2010 and takes place annually in New York City. A panel of discerning trade-only judges, comprised of retail buyers, restaurant and bar owners, beverage directors, distributors and importers, is assembled to evaluate entries received from around the globe. Balcones was also the Texas Distillery of the Year at the 2013 competition, and received a single Double Gold medal for one of its experimental expressions. The 2014 competition only awarded one Double Gold medal for all entries received. The full results can be read online.
Balcones Brimstone and Texas Single Malt are available in limited quantities at retailers and bars across Texas and several other major markets around the US. FR.OAK, just bottled at the end of 2014, will be a special release sold directly from the distillery through a lottery on balconesdistilling.com. Details for this event will be announced through email, Facebook and Twitter.
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