Eighty seven consumer spirit enthusiasts gathered at the waterfront Balboa Bay Resort on May 31, 2015 to participate in the 7th annual consumer based spirits competition. The 2015 SIP Awards comprised of 423 brands from all over the globe competing for rank at the impartial mercy of consumer based blind-tasting.
The 2015 SIP Awards was a battle among the elite in each of the world's most popular Spirit categories. Each chilled, undiluted sample was presented to Judges in NEAT glasses, scientifically engineered to deliver an enhanced consistent tasting experience.
Tequilas, Gins, Rums, Whiskeys, Cognacs, Vodkas and Liqueurs were some of the participating spirits this year, each graded on Aroma, Taste, and Finish. The 2015 top rated brands included:
Platinum - "Best of Class" includes Brazos Gin,Rogue Single Malt Vodka,Pinnacle Coconut Vodka,Old Hickory Straight Bourbon Whisky,Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon,Tatoosh Rye Whisky,Dewar's White Label, Dewar's 15 Years Old The Monarch,Craggenmore 12 YO, Tim Smith's Climax Moonshine,Old Paducah Brand - Loaded Lemon Shine etc.
Staying true to the commitment to provide the most reliable measure of international beverage quality ratings, every year's Judges are every-day spirit consumers and extensively screened to ensure no affiliation with marketing, wholesalers or distributors tied to the spirits industry.
"People deserve the highest quality spirits at their fingertips. I want to level the playing field by stripping away the hype to provide quality brands a fair platform on which to compete," says Paul Hashemi, founder of SIP Awards.
Awards include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Best of Class for each category. The newest award introduced in 2014, is the Consumers' Choice Award, which honors a brand's unwavering commitment to their Legacy, Craft and to the ever important Consumer Palate, by placing in the SIP Awards two or more consecutive years.
The SIP Awards has experienced exponential growth within each of its 15 beverage categories. The increasing number of participating brands reflects SIP's ability to provide spirit makers a valuable, unbiased and exciting opportunity to distinguish themselves in the industry. It has also shined light on the obvious need in the marketplace for its honest arbitration.
