Jun 27 2023
Brandies win Big at ISC Tasting Awards
During these prestigious awards, candidates enter a rigorous judging process by industry professionals to identify the very highest quality products
The 2023 International Spirits Challenge Tasting Awards recently came to a close. This prestigious competition includes a rigorous judging process which includes more than 20 days of blind tastings by panels of over 75 industry professionals with years of experience. Products are evaluated according to their variety, age, and region and are scored on their taste, finish, appearance, and aroma. The process is extremely precise, in line with the ISC’s reputation for celebrating excellence and quality.
Two Spanish beverages took home the coveted Double Gold medal: Torres 15, a Spanish brandy by Miguel Torres; and Soberano 5 Brandy Reserva, Brandy de Jerez – Solera Reserva, by González Byass.
Gold medal winners included Carlos I Imperial, Brandy de Jerez – Solera Gran Reserva, by Grupo Osborne; Fundador Doble Madera, Brandy de Jerez – Solera Reserva, by Bodegas Fundador; Lepanto Solera Gran Reserva, Brandy de Jerez – Solera Reserva, by González Byass; Soberano 12 Brandy Gran Reserva, Brandy de Jerez – Solera Reserva, by González Byass; and Torres 20, Spanish Brandy, by Miguel Torres.
Spain currently produces over 80 million bottles of brandy per year, around 75% of which is consumed domestically and the remainder is exported. It’s primarily produced in Jerez, in Andalusia, although a small portion of the total is produced in Penedès, in Catalonia. Jerez is home to producers in the “sherry triangle,” comprising 3 towns: Sanlúcar de Barrameda, El Puerto de Santa María, and Jerez de la Frontera.