Panel of industry experts’ awards medals to all three Barr Hill spirits
The American Distilling Institute (ADI) hosted its annual Judging of Craft Spirits, an awards ceremony that hands out some of the industry’s most anticipated honors. The ADI recently announced its 2020 award winners, and Barr Hill Vodka – from Vermont-based distiller Caledonia Spirits® – earned particularly high marks.
Barr Hill Vodka, a super-premium vodka distilled entirely from raw northern honey, was honored with a Best in Category distinction, as well as a Double Gold Medal. The competition is judged by 45 of the country’s foremost spirits experts – including industry leaders, retailers, bartenders, educators, and journalists – who evaluate each spirit on characteristics like aroma, body, character, appearance, texture, and finish, among others. Nearly 1,000 spirits were judged at this year’s event.
A truly unique spirit in its category, Barr Hill Vodka is made with just one ingredient: beautiful raw honey from the hardworking bees of the Northeast. Caledonia Spirits distills Barr Hill Vodka only twice – a stark contrast from most vodkas that get distilled and filtered to the point where they are completely odorless and tasteless. The distillation process allows Barr Hill Vodka to retain just enough flavor and texture from the honey to create an experience unlike any other in its category.
Caledonia Spirits also saw its other two flagship spirits honored by the ADI judges, with Barr Hill Gin taking home a Gold Medal and Tom Cat Gin taking home a Silver Medal this year. The Montpelier-based distillery has received dozens of medals at some of the world’s top spirits competitions over the years, and with the 2020 honors, the Barr Hill line of spirits has taken home over 30 Gold or higher awards in its short history.
From its Montpelier distillery, Caledonia Spirits has shifted its focus in recent weeks to producing hand sanitizer for the region’s brave first responders and healthcare professionals. The distillery has committed to making over 20,000 gallons of its Barr Hill Hand Sanitizer by the end of April. Recently, in addition to its continued donation efforts, Caledonia Spirits made its not-for-profit hand sanitizer available for the public to purchase. To learn more, please visit barrhill.com/cleanhands.
