(TRAVERSE CITY, Mich)—Seven (7) Michigan distilleries were honored with 28 individual awards in a variety of categories on April 4, 2017 at the American Distilling Institute’s 11th Annual Spirits Competition, held as part of its annual conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Over 800 spirits from around the world were entered into the ADI Judging, all from independently owned distilleries. The double-blind competition is based on a 100-point scale and spirits are judged within price categories. Judges cast their votes for the best spirit entries and award medals for first (Gold), second (Silver), and third (Bronze) place for each qualifying category.
“We’re excited to see more of our member distilleries participating in and being recognized with medals at these national competitions,” says Dianna Stampfler, executive director of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association. “Last year, six Michigan distilleries received 16 medals and this year we nearly doubled the hardware presented to our members. That’s exciting news for Pure Michigan’s growing craft spirits industry.”
Long Road Distillers out of Grand Rapids received “Best of Class – Certified Craft Distilled Spirits” for its Aquavit. This spirit won Double Gold in this competition in 2016.
Grand Traverse Distillery out of Traverse City received “Best of Category – Certified Craft Distilled Spirits” in the Grain-to-Glass Vodka – Residual Base Character category for its True North Rye Vodka. That spirit also received a Double Gold Medal in the “Certified Craft Distilled Spirits & Certified Craft Blended Spirits” competition for the same category.
In the “Excellent in Packaging” category, Long Road Distillers received a Gold Medal for its Michigin and Ann Arbor Distilling Co. received a Bronze Medal for its Arbor Fall Gin.
Other awards included:
GOLD MEDALS
| Category | Distillery | Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Aquavit | Long Road Distillers | Aquavit |
| Smoked Whiskey | Grand Traverse Distillery | Islay Rye Whiskey |
SILVER MEDALS
| Category | Distillery | Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Aged Rum | New Holland Artisan Spirits | Freshwater Michigan Rum |
| Bourbon | Grand Traverse Distillery | 100% Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Contemporary Rectified Gin | Ann Arbor Distilling Co. | Arbor Winter Gin |
| Contemporary Rectified Gin | New Holland Artisan Spirits | Knickerbocker Gin |
| Herbal/Botanical/Spice Liqueur | Bier Distillery | Brillari Amaro |
| Malt Whiskey | New Holland Artisan Spirits | Zepplin Bend American Single Malt Whiskey |
| Malt Whiskey | New Holland Artisan Spirits | Zepplin Bend Reserve American Single Malt Whiskey |
| Rye Whiskey | Grand Traverse Distillery | Ole George 100% Straight Rye Whiskey |
BRONZE MEDALS
| Category | Distillery | Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Contemporary Grain-to-Glass Gin | Grand Traverse Distillery | Peninsula Gin |
| Contemporary Grain-to-Glass Gin | Long Road Distillers | Gin |
| Contemporary Grain-to-Glass Gin | New Holland Artisan Spirits | Barrel Knickerbocker Gin |
| Flavored Vodka | Grand Traverse Distillery | True North Chipotle Vodka |
| Flavored Vodka | Motor City Gas | Shag’Nasty Hickory Flavored Whiskey |
| Grain-to-Glass Vodka: | ||
| Residual Base Character | Iron Fish Distillery | Michigan Wheat Whiskey |
| Malt Whiskey | Long Road Distillers | Malt Whiskey |
| Navy-Strength Gin | New Holland Artisan Spirits | Navy Strength Knickerbocker |
| Rye Whiskey | Grand Traverse Distillery | Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Signature Botanical/Flavored Gin | New Holland Artisan Spirits | Blue Haven Blueberry Flavored Gin |
| Signature Botanical/Flavored Gin | New Holland Artisan Spirits | Knickerbocker Ginger Flavored Gin |
| Specialty Spirits | Iron Fish Distillery | Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels |
| Unaged Rum | Iron Fish Distillery | Michigan White Rum |
The complete list of award winners can be found here.
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.