Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1004126
contents July 2018 Vol. 76 No. 6 8 / the tasting panel / july 2018 90 PHOTO: VAN GALLICK s p e c i a l f e a t u r e 123 STAND-OUT SPIRITS Exceptional Vodkas That Shine in a Crowded Category c o v e r s t o r y 90 MODERN MOONSHINERS Introducing Ole Smoky's Newest Brand Ambassadors u p f r o n t 5 A DIAMOND DOWN UNDER Nobilo Marks 75 Years of Crafting Wines from New Zealand's Finest Vineyards july 2018 / the tasting panel / 135 As more and more vodka brands launch seemingly every day, it's become increasingly difficult for newcomers to stand out in the crowd. A few years ago, vodka sought to set itself apart as a category by offering a virtual cornucopia of flavors, but times have changed: The spirit has turned a corner, and distilleries have shifted their focus to quality over mere gimmicks. To make their mark, vodka brands are creating marketing cam- paigns and packaging geared toward grabbing consumers' attention, but above all else, the most successful distilleries rely on craftsmanship and the enduring excellence of the spirit. Here are a few of vodka brands that stand head and shoulders above the rest. CATEGORY REPORT EXCEPTIONAL VODKAS THAT SHINE IN A CROWDED CATEGORY b y E m i ly C o l e m a n Spirits S T A N D - O U T c h e c k i n g i n w i t h t h e w i n e & s p i r i t s w h o l e s a l e r s o f a m e r i c a 74 BRAND BATTLE WSWA's Brand Battle Sets the Stage for Competing Spirits Products 108 WSWA 2018 WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION RESULTS 120 LEADING THE WAY The Call for Cocktails and Iron Mixologist Competitions Astound and Inspire at the WSWA 75th Annual Convention & Exposition