From aquavit to vodka and smoked whiskey, Michigan-made spirits have commanded more attention than ever this year in national and international competitions.

Long Road Distillers in Grand Rapids won gold medals for its aquavit at competitions in Baltimore, Md., Nashville, Tenn., and more. The Scandinavian-style spirit made with herbs and spices received best of show, best of specialty spirits and a gold medal at the American Craft Spirits Association's 4th annual judging of craft spirits in February in Nashville. It was one of 18 medals Michigan distilleries received among more than 550 entrants spanning 39 states.

Earlier this month, Michigan's distilleries received 28 awards at the American Distilling Institute's 11th annual spirits competition in Baltimore. The pool included more than 800 entrants from across the world. Gold medals went to Long Road Distillers' aquavit and to Grand Traverse Distillery's smoked whiskey, Islay Rye Whiskey.

“Last year, six Michigan distilleries received 16 medals, and this year we nearly doubled the hardware presented to our members. That’s exciting news for Pure Michigan’s growing craft spirits industry," Dianna Stampfler, executive director of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association, said in a news release.

New Holland Artisan Spirits of Holland, Mich., received eight medals alone in the Baltimore competition, including one silver medal for its Knickerbocker Gin and additional silvers for its Zeppelin Bend American single malt and Zeppelin Bend Reserve American single malt whiskeys.

“I’m honored to have so many of our spirits recognized — alongside some of our favorite distilleries across the country — by ADI’s national panel,” Brett VanderKamp, cofounder, and president of New Holland, said in a news release. “The New Holland distilling team continues to impress in their innovation and technique across our portfolio of remarkable spirits.”

At the 2017 World Drinks Awards hosted by TheDrinksReport.com in London, Valentine Distilling of Ferndale won world's best varietal in the vodka category for the second consecutive year. Last year, it won world's best vodka, leading to the creation of a TV commercial with a metro Detroit cast and crew.

“While we didn't win the overall best category this year like we did last year, we ended up losing to a distillery in the Ukraine that started making vodka in 1872.  As far as I can tell, it's not a product currently available in the U.S., so that's good company to keep,” Valentine Distilling founder and President Rifino Valentine said in a news release.

The tasting note described the spirit like this: "Bright, lifted aromas, clean and a touch leafy. Classical style, with a mouthwatering liveliness to the mid-palate, and good, balanced length."

The lists below highlight top awards from three recent spirits-tasting competitions held in the U.S. and London. Numerous competitions are held each year, and additional awards may not be listed.

Read More at source: Detroit free Press