Highest Honors for Small Batch Bourbons in National Blind Taste Test

Valentine Distilling Co. Repeats Highest Honors for Small Batch Bourbons in National Blind Taste Test 

Ferndale, MI – If Valentine Distilling Co. is known for one thing, its world-class, high-quality spirits. The Ferndale-based company’s Mayor Pingree ‘Black Label’ Limited Edition Straight Bourbon received among the highest rankings in the North American Whiskey Review this month.

Tastings, host of the North American Whiskey Review, awarded the Mayor Pingree Bourbon Whiskey as an exceptional, Gold Medal winning spirit. With a score of 94 Points out of 100, Valentine’s bourbon was the only Michigan distillery to rank, also beating out other well-recognized brand names such as Jim Beam and Knob Creek while coming in just behind a special release from Wild Turkey.

The blind taste test takes place in a tasting lab in Chicago to ensure consistency and accuracy. According to Tastings, “The room is specially designed to minimize external factors and maximize our panelists concentration.”

“My goal when marrying these releases is to emphasize the characteristics shared by all fine bourbons beyond just great flavor, aroma and color... qualities of mouthfeel, layering, and linger,” said Justin Aden, distiller and blender for Valentine Distilling Co.

“Products breaking the critical 90-point barrier are tasted twice without exception, virtually guaranteeing that they deserve the accolades,” according to Tastings. The Mayor Pingree bourbon whiskey came just one point shy of the overall top spot, but was noted as “A gorgeous and mature bourbon with a bazaar of exotic spices.”

“We are excited to receive this award from The North American Whiskey Review on the heels of our ‘Double Gold’ award from The San Francisco World Spirits Competition that further cements our recognition for the highest quality spirits across our entire product line,” said Rifino Valentine, owner and president of Valentine Distilling Company.