(WALLOON LAKE, MICH) — Seven members of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA) brought home a collective 26 medals from the 16th Annual Craft Spirits Conference & Expo presented by the American Distilling Institute March 18-21 in Denver, Co.
Long Road Distillers was awarded “Best of Category” for its Amaro Pazzo in the Coffee Liqueur category, along with six other honors. Other distilleries in Michigan recognized include American Fifth Spirits in Lansing, Ethanology in Elk Rapids, Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville, Motor City Gas in Royal Oak, New Holland Spirits in Grand Rapids, and Round Barn Distillery in Baroda.
Overall, more than 235 distilleries from around the world were recognized during the annual competition for producing some of the finest artisan spirits in categories ranging from Aged Gin to Whiskey, all judged by highly-esteemed panes of judges in a blind tasting.
Michigan medals include:
BEST IN CATEGORY
- Long Road Distillers Amaro Pazzo
GOLD
- Long Road Distillers Raspberry Liqueur
- New Holland Spirits Knickerbocker Barrel Gin
- Round Barn Distillery 269 Gin
SILVER
- American Fifth Spirits Salted Caramel
- American Fifth Spirits Straight Bourbon
- American Fifth Spirits Signature Rye Whiskey
- Ethanology Mel Vocatus
- Iron Fish Distillery Michigan Rye Vodka
- Long Road Distillers Barrel Reserve Gin
- Long Road Distillers Amaro Pazzo
- Long Road Distillers Nocino
- Long Road Aquavit
- Long Road Old Aquavit
- New Holland Spirits Knickerbocker American Gin
- New Holland Spirits Beer Barrel Bourbon
BRONZE
- Ethanology Ferox Barrel Rested Summer Gin
- Ethanology Siligo Vodka
- Motor City Gas Midnight Oil Whiskey
- Motor City Gas Gas N’ Ginger Flavored Whiskey
- New Holland Spirits Knickerbocker Blueberry Gin
- New Holland Spirits Knickerbocker Grapefruit Gin
- New Holland Spirits Holland Mule
- New Holland Spirits Beer Barrel Rye
- Round Barn Distillery Divine Vodka
- Round Barn Distillery Baroda Straight Bourbon Whiskey
For the complete list of medals awarded: https://distilling.com/events/judging/awards/.
The American Distilling Institute (ADI) is the largest community of small-batch, independently owned distilleries in the nation. Founded in 2003, ADI has become a beacon for the craft distilling community — serving as the go-to source for all information on the craft distilling. ADI exists to promote and defend the enterprise of craft distilling. We embrace the passion and fierce independence of our community — hosting industry events and providing developmental and educational resources to help ensure that the art of craft distilling continues to grow and thrive.
The Michigan Craft Distillers Association was formed in October 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.
MCDA currently represents more than two dozen distilleries with nearly 40 unique tasting room locations around the state, as well as a handful of distillery in-planning members and nearly 30 allied members. Michigan’s craft distilling industry is growing at a rapid pace – ranking #8 in the nation in terms of overall number of distilleries according to The Craft Spirits Data Project© 2018 report.