Florida-based SPIRITS OF THE AMERICAS is an exciting new spirits competition that seeks to celebrate the diversity and

American Harvest Organic Spirit. (PRNewsFoto/American Harvest Organic Spirit)

innovation of distilling in the Americas by recognizing the very best that’s out there and bringing it to consumers for their enjoyment. The competition is set to be the ultimate recognition of distilled products that use a variety of base materials from grain through agave to sugar cane and beyond.

All judging at the Spirits of the Americas is by region, area, variety, style, type, vintage and age. Through a series of blind tastings, each entry is evaluated on appearance, aromatics, flavor, mouth feel and finish (on its own merit) by a panel of highly qualified judges, including DAVID PICKERELL, DEAN HURST, ELAYNE DUFF, FRANCESCO LAFRANCONI, GREGG GLASER, JACK ROBERTIELLO, JUNIOR MERINO, MAC GREGORY, OLIE BERLIC, PAT MCCARTHY and ROBERT PLOTKIN.

AMERICAN HARVEST is an American-made, organic vodka to which a proprietary blend of organic ingredients has been added, creating a truly unique vodka specialty. It’s a revolutionary way to look at the vodka category and boasts a distinctive, smooth, clean and crisp taste. Bottled in the 1.75L, 1L, 750ml and 50ml sizes, the suggested retail price for 750ml is $23.99. AMERICAN HARVEST is best consumed as you would your favorite vodka, straight over ice, in a classic martini or in a cocktail.

“Spirits of the Americas congratulates American Harvest Organic Spirit. It’s among the lightest and cleanest spirits we have tasted, with a touch of sweetness, so naturally captivating. We’re proud that it hails from the USA and that it is what’s trending with today’s savvy consumer,” says DORI BRYANT, EVENT DIRECTOR OF SPIRIT OF THE AMERICAS.

Judge and BarMedia founder, ROBERT PLOTKIN adds, “You don’t need to be an international spirits judge to be able to appreciate that American Harvest is a world-class spirit.  In my opinion it possesses all of the attributes a medal performer should have.  I’m impressed with its body, texture and delicate flavors.  Even in a deep sleep you can tell it is skillfully crafted, if for no other reason than it generates not a trace of excess heat on the palate.  American Harvest well deserves the gold medal it earned at the Spirits of the Americas.“

In the brand’s short time on the market, AMERICAN HARVEST has already been awarded a gold medal from the BEVERAGE TASTING INSTITUTE, a double gold medal from the 2012 SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION and the TASTING PANEL SEAL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD for outstanding quality.

AMERICAN HARVEST is currently available in select states and will be available nationwide late March, 2013. American Harvest Organic Spirit 40% Alc. /Vol. Produced and bottled by American Harvest Distilling, Rigby, Idaho USA. PLEASE ENJOY AMERICAN HARVEST RESPONSIBLY.

Founded in 1972, SIDNEY FRANK IMPORTING COMPANY, INC. of New Rochelle, NY, currently owns or imports: JAGERMEISTER HERBAL LIQUEUR - the number one selling imported Liqueur and shot brand in the United States; GEKKEIKAN SAKE – the world’s finest sake with nearly 400 years and 14 generations of sake brewing experience, AMERICAN HARVEST – a proprietary blend of organic vodka and organic ingredients resulting in a distinctly smooth and silky spirit with a crisp, clean taste; MICHAEL COLLINS IRISH WHISKEY – the award-winning double distilled single malt and blended whiskeys named for the Irish legendary hero; BARENJAGER HONEY LIQUEUR – the German imported original honey liqueur made with generous amounts of premium natural honey; BARENJAGER HONEY & BOURBON – a delicious blend of premium honey liqueur and Kentucky bourbon whiskey; JACQUES CARDIN BRANDY – the French brandy of uncommon distinction defined by its rich color and superior flavor; HUDSON’S BAY SCOTCH – a smooth blend of 100% Scotch Whiskies distilled and blended in Scotland and ST. VIVANT ARMAGNAC – the premium French brandy steeped in tradition dating back to 1559. Visit www.sidneyfrank.com www.americanharvestspirit.com for additional information.

Welcomed with a traditional caipirinha followed by spiced batida de maracuja, I was content to stick with the cocktails where the fiery cachaça could be balanced with sugar and lime or passion fruit and habanero chiles.  The prospect of downing cachaça straight was a daunting, but that’s what the demure row of sample glass was there for and we soon moved on to the tasting.

Looking over a list of terms and point systems – clean, complex, bouquet, finish, charcoal, clarity, smoke, swish, sediment, taste, finish – was a little overwhelming.  Starting with the soft Beleza Pura and sweet Ypioca, we ended with a Leblon that was pure light. Still it was the aged Fazenda Soledade where it all made sense.  Warm and spicy, it was everything it should be then it was gone.  I wish I’d taken better notes, but all I remember thinking is that this is why they’re called spirits.

Moving from one cachaça to another, the qualities of each could be more easily appreciated, and it occurred to me that that had been the primary purpose of the festival itself.  Celebrating the diversity of Latin American gastronomy with seminars highlighting the foods, cocktails, wines and coffees, the richness and vibrancy of each country’s cuisine – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru among others – pulled the region into better focus.  Coming at the end of a long weekend of seminars and special events at the Gourmet Latino Festival, they were running a little late but a 10 minutes delay did not seem terrible for an event that was a long time coming.  If you missed it, there’s still a chance to take advantage of the special menu participating chef have created for the festival’s Authentic Dining Week which kicks off today and runs through June 12th.