FlaviarAwards2018

<p><em>“I’m the cream of the crop, I rise to the top…”</em> Hold up, House of Pain. Before you get any further with those sweet old school lyrics, we’ve got some news for you: It’s time to step aside. The Flaviar Awards winners for 2018 are currently on “rise to the top” status and they <em>can’t stop, won’t stop</em>.</p><p>And so, behold: the <em>Flaviar Awards 2018</em> Tasting Box. Inside, you’ll find one Scotch, one Rum, one Gin, one Bourbon and one Brandy that rises above all the rest. Being part of this box is <em>the biggest honor</em> we can bestow upon a spirit, and it’s got the seal of approval of some very special people, none other than the world’s largest spirited community: <em>YOU</em></p><p>Now, as is annual tradition, we’ll open the floor to your questions. In fact, we hear a few out there now: <em>“How were these drams chosen, exactly?”</em> <em>“How long will this Tasting Box be available?”</em> <em>“How much would can a woodchuck conceivably chuck?” </em></p><p>All fine, fine questions. Let’s get to it:</p><p><em>How were these five spirits selected? </em>Using an incredibly complicated algorithm crafted by some of the world’s finest minds, we… applaud NASA for their valiant efforts in the field of <em>space exploration</em>. Truth be told, our method of selection and commitment to excellence is no less valiant.</p><p>We use <em>several different measures</em> to select which drink from each category is the one worthy of the Flaviar Award: your ratings and reviews, sales and wishlist info, and our infinitely knowledgeable staff’s personal ratings and favorites.</p><p>How can I get my hands on this epic Box? You can snap one up <em>right now</em> by clicking through on the link above. Getting your hands on the finest spirits known to humankind has never been easier.</p><p>Am I required to be in black tie to enjoy the Flaviar Awards, a la the Golden Globes? Nah. But rumor has it you clean up quite nicely.</p><p>Ready to meet <em>this year’s formidable line up</em>? Of course you are. Time to welcome <em>the Flaviar Awards 2018 all-stars</em>:– Aviation Gin– The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve– Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey– Plantation XO Barbados 20th Anniversary Rum– Torres 30 Jaime I</p><p>Cheers,Team Flaviar</p><p><u>Trivia & Smart-Ass Corner</u>1) The Flaviar Awards Tasting Box has been an annual tradition around these parts <em>since 2012</em>. That’s also the same year that <em>“Gangnam Style”</em> came out. Yeah, we know, completely unrelated.</p><p>2) Although Gin may be England’s national spirit, it’s <em>Holland</em> who gets full credit for being the first to produce it. Ever heard of the phrase <em>“Dutch Courage?”</em> It was the name given to the shot of Jenever Dutch soldiers would take before heading into battle in the 17th century. Yep, “Dutch Courage” beats “beer muscles” any day.</p><p>3) <em>Speaking of Beer</em>, it has a lot more in common with Whisky than you may think. Scotch is basically a distilled Beer, as it’s made using malted barley (or other grains). The difference lies in the “wash”—Scotch doesn’t add the hops. And we’re perfectly fine with that.</p><p>4) Although popular lore may have you believe differently, Bourbon doesn’t have to made in Kentucky. <em>Sorry Bluegrassers</em>, you just don’t have claim to that. However, for a Whiskey to be classified as Bourbon, it does have to be made in the United States. Stars and stripes (and 51% corn) forever.</p><p>5) A Rum by any other name would taste as sweet. And there are <em>plenty of other names</em>: Nelson’s blood, kill-devil, demon water, pirate’s drink, navy neaters, Barbados water, grog, and rumbullion are all perfectly acceptable.</p><p>6) Turns out, the <em>Spanish know a thing or two</em> about Brandy. But first, you’re going to have to call it by its proper name: <em>Brandy de Jerez</em>. And much like the French version, Spanish Brandy can only be produced in a designated region, specifically from around the Andalucian city of Jerez. It’s the same place Sherry’s produced. Excuse us while we book a flight…</p><p>7) Flaviar’s compiled a database of over <em>22,000 different spirits</em> from around the world—90% of which you <em>won’t find</em> in your local liquor store. The next time you get a hankering for something a bit off the beaten path, give our database a whirl. Or get involved with some naked motocross. But please—don’t send any pictures.</p>