Jump to content

Spirits ratings: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
removing various unsourced, self-referenced, promotional insertions
 
(36 intermediate revisions by 23 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Multiple issues|
{{Multiple issues|
{{primary sources|date=March 2013}}
{{primary sources|date=March 2013}}
{{refimprove|date=November 2011}}
{{more citations needed|date=November 2011}}
}}
}}


With a growing number of [[Microdistillery|microdistilleries]] and an expanding number of offerings from large corporate entities,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/28/entrepreneurial_spirits/ | work=The Boston Globe | first=Jenn | last=Abelson | title=Entrepreneurial spirits | date=28 March 2009}}</ref> a number of institutions have arisen to provide professional '''evaluations of individual spirits'''. These entities, while recognizing that individual palates are unique and a great deal of subjectivity enters into any assessment, generally use expert panels and blind tastings within a given category to create meaningful and objective ratings.
With a growing number of offerings, such as those produced by an increasing number of [[Microdistillery|microdistilleries]],<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/28/entrepreneurial_spirits/ | work=The Boston Globe | first=Jenn | last=Abelson | title=Entrepreneurial spirits | date=28 March 2009}}</ref> various mechanisms have arisen to provide reviews and opinions of '''individual varieties of spirits'''. These events generally use expert panels and blind tastings within specific categories to provide opinions and ratings.


All of these competitions are non-competitive and all are pay to enter, so only products that have paid an entrance fee will be judged. Although gold, silver and bronze awards are offered, there are no limits as to how many of each may be awarded.
These competitions charge an entry fee. Although gold, silver and bronze awards are granted there are no limits as to how many of each may be bestowed.


Most tastings striving for objective results follow a similar format:<ref>See, for example, http://www.agave.net/information/event_judges.html</ref>
Most of these events follow a similar format:<ref>See, for example, http://www.agave.net/information/event_judges.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207231125/http://www.agave.net/information/event_judges.html |date=2011-12-07 }}</ref>


<blockquote>Experts typically begin by assessing a given spirit based upon its "appearance" and "nose", its aroma. It will often be held up to light in clear glass to examine its color and "legs" while sniffing for other flavor "notes".
<blockquote>Experts typically begin by assessing a given spirit based upon its "appearance" and "nose", its aroma. It will often be held up to light in clear glass to examine its color and "legs" while sniffing for other flavor "notes".
Line 18: Line 18:
==Major rating organizations==
==Major rating organizations==
There are numerous liquor, spirits, beer and wine competitions.
There are numerous liquor, spirits, beer and wine competitions.

⚫
===SIP Awards===
The SIP Awards, based in Irvine, California, was founded by Pouya Hashemi in 2009 and is the largest blind spirits tasting competition that has an all consumer judging panel. All entries are evaluated on aroma, taste and finish to determine its merits of receiving an award. Not all entries receive an award.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-14 |title=Judging Like a Consumer - SIP Awards with Pouya Hashemi |url=https://cocktailsdistilled.com/2021/07/14/judging-like-a-consumer-sip-awards-with-pouya-hashemi/ |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=Cocktails Distilled}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-24 |title=Rogue Donates Portion of Bayfront Vodka Profits to Help Keep Beaches Clean |url=https://www.bevnet.com/spirits/2022/rogue-donates-portion-of-bayfront-vodka-profits-to-help-keep-beaches-clean |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=BevNET.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Products are honored with the following awards based on their level of quality:

* Platinum "Best of Class" - Highest Honor
⚫
* Platinum - Superlative
⚫
* Double Gold - Exceptional
* Gold - Highly Recommended
* Silver - Recommended
* Bronze - Noteworthy

Platinum "Best of Class" is a designation that is awarded in each main category. Additionally, the Consumers' Choice Award is an exclusive medal reserved for spirit brands that manage to secure a SIP Award for two or more consecutive years. The Innovation Award is a recognition for products that are interesting and unique in their tasting profile.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-19 |title=How'd your favourite SA distilleries do at the 2020 SIP Awards? |url=https://citymag.indaily.com.au/habits/plate-and-cup/howd-your-favourite-sa-distilleries-do-at-the-2020-sip-awards/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=CityMag |language=en}}</ref> In addition to the blind tasting, there is an optional packaging and design competition that is conducted separately from tasting and recognizes appeal to the consumers’ aesthetic sense. Criteria for the design awards include creativity, originality, theme consistency and overall design.

In 2022, SIP Awards saw a new record high of over 1,270 spirit and mixer brand entries from all over the world.<ref name=":0" />


===Beverage Testing Institute===
===Beverage Testing Institute===
Line 27: Line 41:
* 96–100: Superlative
* 96–100: Superlative


The institute seeks to produce "fair and impartial wine reviews for consumers". Buying guides have appeared in [[All About Beer]], [[Epicurious.com]], [[International Wine Review]], [[Wine Enthusiast]], [[Restaurant Hospitality]], [[The New Yorker Magazine]], [[Wine & Spirits]], etc.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tastings.com/spirits/index.html |title=Distilled Spirits Facts, Ratings & Reviews|publisher=Beveridge Testing Institute {{mdash}} Tastings.com |accessdate=26 November 2011}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=November 2011}}
The institute seeks to produce "fair and impartial wine reviews for consumers". Buying guides have appeared in [[All About Beer]], [[Epicurious.com]], [[International Wine Review]], [[Wine Enthusiast]], [[Restaurant Hospitality]], [[The New Yorker Magazine]], [[Wine & Spirits]], etc.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tastings.com/spirits/index.html |title=Distilled Spirits Facts, Ratings & Reviews|publisher=Beveridge Testing Institute {{mdash}} Tastings.com |access-date=26 November 2011}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=November 2011}}

⚫
===The SIP Awards===
The [http://www.sipawards.com SIP (Spirits International Prestige) Awards], unlike other competitions, allows a panel of consumers to choose the top winners. The competition is open to any commercial spirit professionally produced that comply with the classification codes listed on their [http://www.sipawards.com website]. Only the highest rated spirits receive SIP Award medals, which include:

* Consumers' Choice Award
* Best of Class Platinum
⚫
* Platinum
⚫
* Double Gold
* Gold
* Silver
* Bronze

=== International Whisky Competition ===
The [[International Whisky Competition]] rates whiskies from around the world based on quality. These are blind tasted and rated by a professional tasting panel using 15 different criteria. These criteria produce tasting notes along with aroma and flavor profiles.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}

Since 2015, it uses a 100-point scoring system designed by [[Sebastien Gavillet]], an adaptation from the wine industry rating system.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}

===New York International Spirits Competition===
Founded by Adam Levy.<ref>{{cite web|title=About|url=http://nyispiritscompetition.com/about/|work=NYISC|publisher=New York International Spirits Competition|accessdate=25 January 2014}}</ref>


===San Francisco World Spirits Competition===
===San Francisco World Spirits Competition===
Founded in 2000 by Anthony Dias Blue.<ref>http://www.sfspiritscomp.com/</ref> Blue is the current director of both the [[San Francisco World Spirits Competition]] and the San Francisco International Wine Competition. It assesses hundreds of entrants annually (1407 in 2013 from 63 countries)<ref>http://sfspiritscomp.com/results/overview</ref> with "blind" tastings involving panels of expert judges selected each year from the spirits industry including world-renowned mixologists, spirits buyers, and media from across the United States. Producers must submit their product for the competition and pay a fee ($475 for 2013) for its evaluation. Not all entries are given awards (those not judged of sufficient quality are not given an award) but most receive a bronze, silver, or gold award from the tasting panel. The fact that most entrants receive an award likely involves some degree of self-selection, as the spirits producers choose whether to enter each of their brands in the competition and pay to receive a rating. Those entrants that are given a unanimous gold medal by the panel are given the distinction of a "double-gold" medal. Additionally, a "best in show" designation is awarded in each main category of spirits.
Founded in 2000 by Anthony Dias Blue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfspiritscomp.com/|title=San Francisco World Spirits Competition|website=www.sfspiritscomp.com|access-date=4 May 2018}}</ref> Blue is the current director of both the [[San Francisco World Spirits Competition]] and the San Francisco International Wine Competition. It assesses hundreds of entrants annually (1407 in 2013 from 63 countries)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sfspiritscomp.com/results/overview |title=San Francisco World Spirits Competition |access-date=2017-07-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725150026/https://sfspiritscomp.com/results/overview |archive-date=2017-07-25 }}</ref> with "blind" tastings involving panels of expert judges selected each year from the spirits industry including mixologists, spirits buyers, and media from across the United States. Producers must submit their product for the competition and pay a fee ($475 for 2013) for its evaluation. Not all entries are given awards (those not judged of sufficient quality are not given an award) but most receive a bronze, silver, or gold award from the tasting panel. The fact that most entrants receive an award likely involves some degree of self-selection, as the spirits producers choose whether to enter each of their brands in the competition and pay to receive a rating. Those entrants that are given a unanimous gold medal by the panel are given the distinction of a "double-gold" medal. Additionally, a "best in show" designation is awarded in each main category of spirits.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}


===Wine Enthusiast===
===Wine Enthusiast===
[[Wine Enthusiast Magazine|Wine Enthusiast]] publishes a magazine and other media to promote the appreciation of both wines and spirits. It is headquartered in New York and founded in 1979. Currently, spirits reviews are provided by F. Paul Pacult, who does tastings in a controlled environment. Results are given a point score.
[[Wine Enthusiast Magazine|Wine Enthusiast]] publishes a magazine and other media to promote the appreciation of both wines and spirits. It is headquartered in New York and founded in 1979. Currently, spirits reviews are provided by F. Paul Pacult, who does tastings in a controlled environment. Results are given a point score.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
* 80–84: Average
* 80–84: Average
* 85–89: Very Good / Recommended
* 85–89: Very Good / Recommended
Line 59: Line 54:


===World-Spirits Award===
===World-Spirits Award===
The World-Spirits Award was founded in 2004 by Wolfram Ortner in Austria. Annually it assesses hundreds of entrants from more than 30 countries. Members of the jury are industry experts and experienced judges primary from Austria and Germany. Not all spirits are given a rating, though in 2018 over 75% of entrants received a rating of "gold" or better. Only the highest rated spirits of sufficient merit receive medals. World-Spirits Award rankings are based upon a 71 to 100 "WOB-Points" rating scale.
The World-Spirits Award was founded in 2004 by Wolfram Ortner in Austria. Annually it assesses hundreds of entrants from more than 30 countries. Members of the jury are industry experts and experienced judges primary from Austria and Germany. Not all spirits are given a rating, though in 2018 over 75% of entrants received a rating of "gold" or better. Only the highest rated spirits of sufficient merit receive medals. World-Spirits Award rankings are based upon a 71 to 100 "WOB-Points" rating scale.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}


* 95.3–100 Points = DOUBLE-GOLD: World Class, Superlative
* 95.3–100 Points = DOUBLE-GOLD: World Class, Superlative
Line 65: Line 60:
* 80–89 Points = SILVER: Very Good
* 80–89 Points = SILVER: Very Good
* 71–79 Points = BRONZE: Average
* 71–79 Points = BRONZE: Average

===Blue's Reviews===
Anthony Dias Blue, founder of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition offers his own set of personal reviews known as "Blue Reviews". He offers scores based upon an 80–100 point scale.<ref>See, for example, http://www.robertstemmlerwinery.com/trade_media/PDFs/review_sheets/03nugentRV.pdf</ref>

===Spirits Review===
Spirits Review is a personal review site authored by Chris Carlsson, a self-described "ardent spirit" who has been studying tasting and evaluation of spirits and participates in a variety of tastings. Carlsson is based in Rochester, NY and launched the website in 2005. Spirits Review rankings are based upon a 1 to 10 martini olive rating scale.

{{div col|3}}
* 1 olive: "not fit for fuel in my car"
* 2 olives: "coolant"
* 3 olives: "bottom shelf"
* 4 olives: "drinkable"
* 5 olives: "average"
* 6 olives: "decent"
* 7 olives: "recommended"
* 8 olives: "highly recommended"
* 9 olives: "classic"
* 10 olives: "moksha"
{{div col end}}


==Newer rating organizations==
==Newer rating organizations==
* Los Angeles International Wine, Spirits, Beer, and Olive Oil Competition:<ref>[http://www.lawinecomp.com/wine2009/home.htm Olive Oil<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> this competition was initially for wine only and founded in 1939. In 2007, it began receiving entries for spirits. It also rates beer and olive oil. Awards are provided for gold, silver, and bronze medals. In 2009, there were 199 entries with 179 awarded medals. in 2015, it received 365 entries, and gave out 407 rewards.<ref>http://www.laspiritscomp.com/wos/spirits_competition/NewsPublicity/documents/2015%20Press%20Release%20information.pdf</ref>
* Los Angeles International Wine, Spirits, Beer, and Olive Oil Competition:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lawinecomp.com/wine2009/home.htm|title=olive oil competition|website=www.lawinecomp.com|access-date=4 May 2018}}</ref> this competition was initially for wine only and founded in 1939. In 2007, it began receiving entries for spirits. It also rates beer and olive oil. Awards are provided for gold, silver, and bronze medals. In 2009, there were 199 entries with 179 awarded medals. in 2015, it received 365 entries, and gave out 407 rewards.<ref>http://www.laspiritscomp.com/wos/spirits_competition/NewsPublicity/documents/2015%20Press%20Release%20information.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{portal bar|Drink}}
{{Portal bar|Drink}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


[[Category:Alcoholic drinks]]
[[Category:Alcoholic drinks]]
[[Category:Food and drink awards]]

Latest revision as of 15:12, 8 October 2023

With a growing number of offerings, such as those produced by an increasing number of microdistilleries,[1] various mechanisms have arisen to provide reviews and opinions of individual varieties of spirits. These events generally use expert panels and blind tastings within specific categories to provide opinions and ratings.

These competitions charge an entry fee. Although gold, silver and bronze awards are granted there are no limits as to how many of each may be bestowed.

Most of these events follow a similar format:[2]

Experts typically begin by assessing a given spirit based upon its "appearance" and "nose", its aroma. It will often be held up to light in clear glass to examine its color and "legs" while sniffing for other flavor "notes".

Second, experts will taste the spirit and let it wash over the palate (tongue) searching for more "notes" or flavors and often comment about different foods or scents that it evokes.

Third, experts will swallow (or, more often, spit) and examine the taste sensations for a "second life" or aftertaste, again searching for more flavor notes.[3]

Major rating organizations

[edit]

There are numerous liquor, spirits, beer and wine competitions.

SIP Awards

[edit]

The SIP Awards, based in Irvine, California, was founded by Pouya Hashemi in 2009 and is the largest blind spirits tasting competition that has an all consumer judging panel. All entries are evaluated on aroma, taste and finish to determine its merits of receiving an award. Not all entries receive an award.[4][5] Products are honored with the following awards based on their level of quality:

  • Platinum "Best of Class" - Highest Honor
  • Platinum - Superlative
  • Double Gold - Exceptional
  • Gold - Highly Recommended
  • Silver - Recommended
  • Bronze - Noteworthy

Platinum "Best of Class" is a designation that is awarded in each main category. Additionally, the Consumers' Choice Award is an exclusive medal reserved for spirit brands that manage to secure a SIP Award for two or more consecutive years. The Innovation Award is a recognition for products that are interesting and unique in their tasting profile.[6] In addition to the blind tasting, there is an optional packaging and design competition that is conducted separately from tasting and recognizes appeal to the consumers’ aesthetic sense. Criteria for the design awards include creativity, originality, theme consistency and overall design.

In 2022, SIP Awards saw a new record high of over 1,270 spirit and mixer brand entries from all over the world.[5]

Beverage Testing Institute

[edit]

The Beverage Testing Institute is based in Chicago, US, and founded in 1981 with its initial focus on wine but later branching into spirits and beer. They use a dedicated tasting laboratory in order to create consistent results and minimize external distractions. Each periodic tasting is conducted at the same time of day under identical conditions. The panelists are selected from the professional world of restaurants and publications under the leadership of director Jerald O'Kennard. Not all spirits are given a rating. Those of sufficient merit are awarded a point score between 80 and 100.

  • 80–84: Recommended
  • 85–89: Highly Recommended
  • 90–95: Exceptional
  • 96–100: Superlative

The institute seeks to produce "fair and impartial wine reviews for consumers". Buying guides have appeared in All About Beer, Epicurious.com, International Wine Review, Wine Enthusiast, Restaurant Hospitality, The New Yorker Magazine, Wine & Spirits, etc.[7][failed verification]

San Francisco World Spirits Competition

[edit]

Founded in 2000 by Anthony Dias Blue.[8] Blue is the current director of both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the San Francisco International Wine Competition. It assesses hundreds of entrants annually (1407 in 2013 from 63 countries)[9] with "blind" tastings involving panels of expert judges selected each year from the spirits industry including mixologists, spirits buyers, and media from across the United States. Producers must submit their product for the competition and pay a fee ($475 for 2013) for its evaluation. Not all entries are given awards (those not judged of sufficient quality are not given an award) but most receive a bronze, silver, or gold award from the tasting panel. The fact that most entrants receive an award likely involves some degree of self-selection, as the spirits producers choose whether to enter each of their brands in the competition and pay to receive a rating. Those entrants that are given a unanimous gold medal by the panel are given the distinction of a "double-gold" medal. Additionally, a "best in show" designation is awarded in each main category of spirits.[citation needed]

Wine Enthusiast

[edit]

Wine Enthusiast publishes a magazine and other media to promote the appreciation of both wines and spirits. It is headquartered in New York and founded in 1979. Currently, spirits reviews are provided by F. Paul Pacult, who does tastings in a controlled environment. Results are given a point score.[citation needed]

  • 80–84: Average
  • 85–89: Very Good / Recommended
  • 90–95: Superb / Highly Recommended
  • 96–100: Classic / Highest Recommendation

World-Spirits Award

[edit]

The World-Spirits Award was founded in 2004 by Wolfram Ortner in Austria. Annually it assesses hundreds of entrants from more than 30 countries. Members of the jury are industry experts and experienced judges primary from Austria and Germany. Not all spirits are given a rating, though in 2018 over 75% of entrants received a rating of "gold" or better. Only the highest rated spirits of sufficient merit receive medals. World-Spirits Award rankings are based upon a 71 to 100 "WOB-Points" rating scale.[citation needed]

  • 95.3–100 Points = DOUBLE-GOLD: World Class, Superlative
  • 90–95 Points = GOLD: Superb
  • 80–89 Points = SILVER: Very Good
  • 71–79 Points = BRONZE: Average

Newer rating organizations

[edit]
  • Los Angeles International Wine, Spirits, Beer, and Olive Oil Competition:[10] this competition was initially for wine only and founded in 1939. In 2007, it began receiving entries for spirits. It also rates beer and olive oil. Awards are provided for gold, silver, and bronze medals. In 2009, there were 199 entries with 179 awarded medals. in 2015, it received 365 entries, and gave out 407 rewards.[11]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Abelson, Jenn (28 March 2009). "Entrepreneurial spirits". The Boston Globe.
  2. ^ See, for example, http://www.agave.net/information/event_judges.html Archived 2011-12-07 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Blue, Anthony Dias, The Complete Book of Spirits: A Guide to Their History, Production, and Enjoyment, First Edition, 2004.
  4. ^ "Judging Like a Consumer - SIP Awards with Pouya Hashemi". Cocktails Distilled. 2021-07-14. Retrieved 2022-08-04.
  5. ^ a b "Rogue Donates Portion of Bayfront Vodka Profits to Help Keep Beaches Clean". BevNET.com. 2022-06-24. Retrieved 2022-08-04.
  6. ^ "How'd your favourite SA distilleries do at the 2020 SIP Awards?". CityMag. 2020-08-19. Retrieved 2022-08-03.
  7. ^ "Distilled Spirits Facts, Ratings & Reviews". Beveridge Testing Institute — Tastings.com. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  8. ^ "San Francisco World Spirits Competition". www.sfspiritscomp.com. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  9. ^ "San Francisco World Spirits Competition". Archived from the original on 2017-07-25. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  10. ^ "olive oil competition". www.lawinecomp.com. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  11. ^ http://www.laspiritscomp.com/wos/spirits_competition/NewsPublicity/documents/2015%20Press%20Release%20information.pdf [bare URL PDF]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spirits_ratings&oldid=1179198471"