Craft spirit makers stand out at international competition (Grand Rapids Business Journal)
A local distillery is on par with a $199 bottle of Dewar’s 1846 Signature Scotch Whiskey.
Long Road
Long Road Distillers in Grand Rapids won Double Gold and Best in Show this month at the Denver International Spirits Competition for its Aquavit, the same honors the Dewar’s scotch took home.
“From the beginning, it was our goal to make the best spirits in the world right here in Grand Rapids,” said Kyle Van Strien, co-owner, Long Road Distillers. “For us to tie for Best in Show with Dewar’s . . . is unbelievable.
“We are happy to see so much growth so quickly and are proud to let the quality of our products speak for themselves through these awards.”
The city’s first distillery also won a silver medal in wheat vodka category, a bronze in the flavored/infused vodka category for its Wendy Peppercorn and a bronze in the dry gin category.
In the wheat vodka category, no gold medals were awarded.
“We have always put an emphasis on doing things the right way,” said Jon O’Connor, co-owner, Long Road Distillers. “We have a ‘no-shortcuts’ policy. . . . Earning these awards makes that commitment to quality worthwhile.”
The spirits were judged on a 100-point scale by 20 judges.
There were 200 applicants in the competition.
Other brands in the competition included Bacardi, Johnnie Walker and Jim Beam.
Coppercraft
Holland’s Coppercraft Distillery won a bronze medal at the competition in the straight gin category and a silver in the white rum category.
Coppercraft’s Straight Bourbon and Cask Strength Bourbon both won bronze in the small batch bourbon, 10 years or younger category.
