The ADI, or American Distilling Institute, was founded in 2003, “to promote the American craft distillers that are producing the finest quality artisan spirits and to give participating distillers valuable, unbiased, third-party feedback on the quality and process of their spirits.” Because the number of craft distillers in the U.S. has more than tripled, the ADI seeks to inform the public about this industry. Craft distillers focus on quality rather than quantity, they strive to educate the consumer rather than supply them with cheap alcohol. Click here to learn more about the American Distilling Institute.
Each year, the ADI holds it’s annual conference and judging of craft American spirits. This past weekend, New Holland Artisan Spirits sent spirits to be judged at the conference. Members of the New Holland Partner Team, Walter Catton, Brad Kamphuis, and Fred Bueltmann were all at the conference. After much anticipating and two days of blind tasting from judges the results were in – the awards that New Holland Artisan Spirits received were as follows:
• In the “Malt Whiskey” category, Double Down Barley took home a Bronze medal
• In the “Straight Malt Whiskey” category, Zeppelin Bend Whiskey won Silver
• and in the “Artisan Merchant Bottled Rum” category, Freshwater Huron Rum won Silver and Best of Category!!!
Gold, silver, and bronze medals were given along with certificates for spirits judged worthy of recognition. There were multiple categories for Whiskey, Rum, and Brandy. Both Walter Catton and Brad Kamphuis were there to accept the awards on behalf of New Holland Artisan Spirits. A total of 244 entries were submitted from 100 distilleries across the nation. “New Holland is excited to see the vibrance of the Craft Distilling industry. The energy behind the conference and competition was compelling and encouraging. We’re thrilled to be recognized by our peers and are especially happy to see our whiskeys, aka “brown spirits” which are a challenge for young distillers, continue to medal” said Beervangelist, Fred Bueltmann.
