Press Release Archives
Wild Turkey® "American Spirit" Named Best Worldwide Whiskey at IWSC
Purchase, NY (July 7, 2008) -- Created by Wild Turkey Bourbon legendary master distiller Jimmy Russell and his son, associate distiller Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey American Spirit has been recognized by the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London as “The Best Worldwide Whiskey” of 2008 and is the recipient of the prestigious Brown-Foreman Trophy and Gold medal award for “Best in class Bourbon.”
American Spirit was made available in extremely limited quantities and bottled at bond proof, in recognition of the historic tradition of storing barrels of whiskey in bonded, government-supervised warehouses, thereby insuring their unimpeachable age and purity.
“In the early days of the last century, a ‘bonded’ mark became the customer’s guarantee of quality, and the distiller’s guarantee that his whiskey was in that bottle,” says Jimmy Russell. “That really allowed the distillers’ craft to flourish.
American Spirit was made available in the U.S. in September 2007, in conjunction with a U.S. Senate resolution officially declaring the month “National Bourbon Heritage Month.”
Wild Turkey also took home Silver Medals for Wild Turkey 101® and Wild Turkey 101 12 Year Old from the prestigious IWSC competition.
“Wild Turkey has long been recognized throughout the world as one of the most authentic of American Whiskeys,” concluded Russell. “We have always known the quality of our premium whiskey products but it is truly rewarding when an independent and renowned, international panel of experts agrees.”
The Award:
- Wild Turkey American Spirit 15 Years Old
- Brown-Forman Trophy for Best Worldwide Whisky
- Gold Medal – “Best in Class”
- Silver Medal – Wild Turkey 101
- Silver Medal – Wild Turkey 101 12 Year Old
The International Wine and Spirit Competition
The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs. This standard is achieved through a rigorous two-stage judging process of professional blind tasting and detailed technical (chemical and microbiological) analysis that takes place at The Competition's headquarters in Surrey, UK. To ensure perfect conditions, the premises include temperature-controlled cellars, a fully equipped independent laboratory for technical analysis, and three dedicated tasting rooms. In 2005 The Competition received approximately 5,000 entries from over 50 countries.
The Competition is backed by a group of vice presidents made up of the most influential men and women in the trade, including Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Miguel Torres, Marchese Piero Antinori, Robert Drouhin, Robert Mondavi, May de Lencquesaing, Kenneth Graham and Sir Anthony Greener.
The Competition has the support of many of the world's top wine and spirits producers, because we strive to set the international benchmark for quality. The unique combination of detailed technical analysis and specialist judging panels means that gaining any Competition award is an outstanding achievement. Our focus is to communicate the value of our medals to retailers, restaurateurs and consumers in every major market. Our vice presidents are now working closely with us through our new Advisory Board to bring increasing international awareness.
Awards and Trophies
Medals and trophies are the most prestigious honors awarded in the trade representing the best of the best in the world of wine and spirits.
Entries are judged in award categories divided by variety, region and vintage. Provided the required minimum score is reached gold, silver and bronze awards are given in each tasting category. Products with the highest mark will be awarded “Best in Class” and are re-tasted for national and international trophies.
Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to accept responsibility when considering consuming alcoholic beverages. For more information, please visit: www.AcceptResponsibility.org.
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About Pernod Ricard USA
Pernod Ricard USA, based in Purchase, N.Y., is a leading producer, importer and marketer of prized spirits and wine brands in the United States and is one of the fastest growing subsidiaries of the world’s #2 spirits company and #4 wine company, Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard, S.A. The completion of Pernod Ricard’s acquisition of Allied Domecq in 2005 vaulted Pernod Ricard USA to the forefront of the U.S. spirits market, doubling the company’s sales value and market share. The company is now the third largest in the U.S. spirits industry by sales value and the fifth largest by sales volume in the U.S.
Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include Kahlúa® Liqueur, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Malibu® flavored Rum, Stolichnaya® Vodkas, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Wild Turkey® Bourbon, Beefeater® Gin, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs and Martell™ Cognac, as well as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate® wines, Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, GH Mumm® Champagne and Mumm Napa® wines, and Pernod® and Ricard® Liquors.