Martini Groove

Tales of the Cocktail is right around the corner in July and they've recently sent out their nominations for their 2008 Spirit Awards (No, this one is not about racial unity. It's "Spirit" like cocktails. Just FYI). I'm not going to say a lot here except that I know a lot of these and I'm surprised by some of the bar choices as I know there are definitely better ones out there, but all award ceremonies tend to suck, so why fight it? Best Drink Selection Criteria: A venue stocking an outstanding range of spirits and liqueurs. The judges will favor discernment as well as sheer numbers of bottles stocked. Cantina - San Francisco, USA Death & Company - New York City, USA Der Raum - Melbourne, Australia Doheney - Downtown Los Angeles, USA The Merchant Hotel - Belfast, Northern Ireland Sa...

G'vine Gin , the gin made from grape flowers, placed first among all gins earning a gold medal for its “Exceptional” rating of 94 points at this year’s International Review of Spirits Competition by Beverage Testing Institute. The Gin even beat my absolute favorite, Hendrick's, and Martin Miller's. Two incredible gin's, so it's in esteemed company. I have a bottle of the stuff that I received for review and I haven't even tried it yet. Most of the other bloggers out there seem to like it and now it's got some real reviewer cred with it's recent win. G'vine Gin

Bring 700 spirits to San Francisco and you're in the middle of the San Francisco Spirits Competition. In the White Spirits category winners include: Tanqueray Sterling Vodka as "Top Vodka," and Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka for "Top Flavored Vodka." "Top Gin" went to Tanqueray London Dry Gin and Pampero Aniversario Rum took "Best Rum." "Top Cachaca" went to Leblon Cachaca. Winners in the whisk(e)y category include: Redbreast 12 Year Old Pure Pot Still as "Top Irish Whiskey," and Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey as "Top North American Whisk(e)y." Johnnie Walker Anniversary Pack Scotch was "Top Blended Scotch" at an impressive $2,600/bottle. Johnnie Walker Green Label Scotch, 15 Year Old took "Top Blended Malt Scotch." In the brandy and liqueur categories, Hennessy Paradis Extra won "Top Cognac," occhino 16 Year Old took "Top Grappa," and "Top Pisco" went to Barsol Pisco ...