Windows Distillery's Remarkable Entrance into the Craft Spirits Scene
Windows Distillery, a relatively new player in the craft spirits arena, has taken the industry by storm with its stellar performance at the renowned London Spirits Competition. This prestigious event is known for not only evaluating the quality of spirits but also their market appeal and value proposition. The distillery's debut has earned it impressive scores—98 for its flagship product, Four Barrel, and other notable scores of 89 for Batch One and 86 for Continental Vodka.
A Historic Event for Windows Distillery
Located in Sycamore, Illinois, Windows Distillery's entry into the London Spirits Competition marks a significant milestone in its history. The competition utilizes a rigorous blind-tasting methodology conducted by expert judges, including Master Distillers and senior spirits buyers who assess each spirit for quality, price, and packaging. The aim is to highlight spirits that are not just good but desired by consumers worldwide.
Chris Mayer, the founder of Windows Distillery, expressed his astonishment at their achievements, stating, "A 98 in our first outing?! We're still catching our breath." This remarkable score signifies the distillery's commitment to creating high-quality products through hands-on craftsmanship and innovative methods. Mayer further elaborated that this achievement is not just a victory but a catalyst, providing momentum as they prepare to expand distribution beyond Illinois.
Craftsmanship and Innovation: The Spirit Benders™ Philosophy
What sets Windows Distillery apart is its unique philosophy and methods. With the branding of
Spirit Benders™, the distillery uses an array of distillation techniques, mash bills, and innovative finishing processes to craft their spirits. Mike Weckerly, an Original Spirit Bender™, commented on their approach saying, "We have utilized a dozen different stills, multiple mash bills, and a myriad of finishing techniques both ancient and bleeding edge." This creativity in crafting has allowed them to produce spirits that not only taste exceptional but also stand out in a competitive market.
Setting the Bar High with Four Barrel
Among the entries, it is the Four Barrel whiskey that truly stole the spotlight. Scoring an impressive 98, it ranks among only four spirits globally to achieve such a score. This high rating places Windows Distillery in elite company, competitive with established giants in the whiskey industry. The judges' unanimous praise reflects the thorough development process and the meticulous attention paid to each detail of the whiskey-making.
Future Plans and Vision
After receiving such formidable recognition, Mayer and his team are optimistic about what lies ahead. With plans to expand their availability into Wisconsin soon, Windows Distillery is actively pursuing relationships across the United States. Every member of the team shares a vision to make the brand a household name, focusing on filling the gaps in the current market with spirits that offer unparalleled flavor profiles.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call in the Industry
The debut of Windows Distillery and its first competition results serve as a wake-up call not only to competitors but also to consumers craving quality spirits. The intersection of traditional methods and innovative practices has allowed this distillery to make significant waves in a crowded market. As they continue to grow and experiment with new ideas, industry watchers and enthusiasts alike will be keenly observing the next steps of this promising distillery, eager to see how they will continue to redefine the craft spirits landscape.
For more information on their products and vision, visit their website at
www.windowsdistillery.com.