LONDON, July 24 ― The results of an international spirits competition go to show that the best things in life aren’t always the most expensive, after a £12 (RM65)) bottle of supermarket-brand scotch scooped up more than a dozen medals in blind tastings.
At the 45th edition of the International Wine & Spirits Competition out of the UK, European supermarket chain Lidl scored major points with judges for its Queen Margot 8 Year Blended Scotch Whisky, which won 14 medals, including a Gold Outstanding medal, for what judges called its “striking nose packed with vanilla, coconut and citrus notes.”
Upscale British retailer Waitrose was also awarded a Gold Outstanding medal for its £18 Scotch Whisky Blended 8 YO.
The results of the event produced another double surprise, when British brewery Adnams Southwold, best known for its beers, became the first English brand to win the Vodka Trophy for its Longshore Vodka, beating producers in Poland, France and Russia.
And like the dessert world, in which foods are undergoing massive mash-ups ― think the hybrid donut/croissant Cronut phenomenon ― look out for hybrid spirits to trend after a vodka-tequila spirit, Red Eye Louie’s Vodquila, took home a silver medal.
“...definitely a trend to watch out for,” said IWSC general manager Ewan Lacey in a statement.
Judges also bestowed medals to 20 gins from countries around the world, including Slovenia, the US and Australia ― a sign that the “gin phenomenon shows no sign of slowing down.”
For the full results visit http://www.iwsc.net/search2014/wine. ― AFP-Relaxnews
