Six Michigan distilleries were honored with 16 individual awards April 5, 2016 at the American Distilling Institute’s 10th Annual Spirits Competition, held as part of its annual conference in San Diego, California. Competition organizers reported 645 spirits were entered and a panel of 28 judges awarded 282 medals in a variety of categories.
According to the Michigan Craft Distillers Association, awards were presented to:
DOUBLE GOLD
Long Road Distillers, Grand Rapids Aquavit
New Holland Artisan Spirits, Holland Bierschnaps White ** Also awarded ”Best in Category”
GOLD
Coppercraft Distillery, Holland Cask Strength Bourbon
Long Road Distillers, Grand Rapids Corn Whisky
New Holland Artisan Spirits, Holland Knickerbocker Barrel Gin
Two James Spirits, Detroit Dos Jaimes Mezcal Joven
SILVER
Detroit City Distillery, Detroit Bootleg Bourbon
Grand Traverse Distillery, Traverse City Olde George 100% Straight Rye Whiskey
Long Road Distillers, Grand Rapids Wendy Peppercorn Flavored Vodka
New Holland Artisan Spirits, Holland Knickerbocker Gin ** Also awarded “Best in Category”
BRONZE
Coppercraft Distillery, Holland Coppercraft Rum
New Holland Artisan Spirits, Holland Freshwater Amber Rum
New Holland Artisan Spirits, Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon
Two James Spirits, Detroit Barrel Reserve Old Cockney Gin
** Also awarded a Silver Medal for “Excellence in Packaging”
Two James Spirits, Detroit Catcher Rye Whisky
The Michigan Craft Distillers Association was formed in 2014 as a non-profit organization charged with marketing the individual member businesses, their products and events, but also help bring a voice for the industry when it comes to legislative issues that affect the overall beverage industry.