2009 marked the 70th anniversary of the Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition and the third year of judging spirits. 2009 was the first year that all spirits categories were included and as a result the number of spirits entries jumped to 199, 36 received gold medals. New categories such as flavored vodka and Agave spirits were included, but the greatest response was 55 entries in the category of 100% Blue Agave Tequila.
Nine industry professionals representing many aspects of the spirits business were on hand to judge the spirits for taste on June 1 and 2, 2009 while two separate judges evaluated packaging and design. Results were released on June 20, 2009 at Wine and Cars Under the Stars, a party at the National Hot Rod Association and Thunder Alley at Fairplex in Pomona, California.
While numerous bronze, silver and gold medals were awarded, there was fierce competition for best of category and division awards. Best 100% Blue Agave Tequila was Fat Ass Tequila Blanco, from Batra Spirits, not yet imported into the United States. Best Vodka was 360 Vodka from Earth Friendly Distilling which also won a packaging award for the Best Special Box Set which includes an energy saving light bulb. Best of Agave Spirits was Oro de Oaxaca Mezcal, Drambuie won best Liqueur, Hendrick’s won as Best Gin, and R2, a white rum containing caffeine and taurine won best rum. Best Whisky and Best of Show Spirit went to Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban.
This year’s packaging competition was challenging for judges Bob Blumer, The Surreal Gourmet, and photographer Jenn Farrington especially when confronted with some of the more interesting packaging. Firestarter Vodka, vodka in a canister, and Crysal Head Vodka in a crystal skull both merited Special Jury Awards for Unique Packaging. More classic design elements that were well executed won accolades such as the Corzo series of Tequila winning for Best Container and La Fee Absinthe for Best Graphics. Svedka garnered top honors for Best Series. Best Overall package to Sazerac’s Fireball Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey.
For a full list of winners go to www.lawinecomp.com.
