SAN ANTONIO, TX, April 9, 2014 – With the recent results from the American Craft Distiller’s Association judging competition, Ranger Creek has continued their perfect streak of winning at least one medal in every competition entered with their whiskey. The San Antonio distillery was honored with three medals and was one of only three Texas distilleries to win a medal.
Ranger Creek’s two newest premium sipping whiskies each brought home a bronze medal. This competition was the first one entered for both Ranger Creek Rimfire Mesquite Smoked Single Malt and Ranger Creek .44 Texas Rye. Ranger Creek .36 received a gold medal. This was the fourth competition entered for .36 and the third consecutive gold medal received for the whiskey. Previous honors for .36 include a bronze medal at the 2012 American Distilling Institute competition, a 2013 gold medal from the Beverage Testing Institute, and a double gold medal from the 2014 Fifty Best Bourbon competition. It has also received accolades from Whiskey Advocate and the Jim Murray Whisky Bible.
“Recognition is always appreciated and especially validating when it comes in front of a room full of talented U.S. craft distillers,” says TJ Miller, head distiller and co-founder of Ranger Creek. “Our distillery works hard to craft a portfolio of whiskey that not only reflects our philosophy of authenticity but also represents Texas in the top tier of whiskey distilleries in the U.S.”
The American Craft Distiller’s Association convention is the largest meeting of licensed distillers in the U.S. The judging competition includes gin, brandy, moonshine, rum, and whiskey, but whiskey is the most entered and most competitive category. The inaugural competition was heldFebruary 5th and 6th at Huber’s Plantation Hall in Starlight, Indiana. Over 300 spirits were entered. The Judging Board, consisting of Ted Huber and David Pickerell (former Master Distiller at Maker’s Mark), established five head judges in each of the competition categories. Judges included distillers, spirits journalists, mixologists, and consultants to the trade, and the judging was conducted “blind”. None of the judges was allowed to observe the spirits prior to their being brought to them by stewards in flights. Full results of the judging are available on the ACDA website athttp://www.americancraftdistillers.org/craft-spirits-judging-results.html
We are in the process of reviewing three Ranger Creek Whiskeys. We reviewed the Rimfire on Tuesday and we will posting our review for .36 Bourbon this afternoon, and the .44 Rye next week. Be sure to check back to see our full reviews.
