(Chelsea Update would like to thank Rick Wyble for the information and photos in this story.)
Ugly Dog Distillery crafts a portfolio of adventuresome spirits, and judges from around the world are taking notice.
At the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) Ugly Dog S’Mores Kentucky Bourbon won both a Best in Class and the double gold medal in the Flavored Whisky category.
The only Michigan distillery to win Best in Class and double gold medals for a single product, SFWSC double gold medals go to spirits that receive unanimous gold medals from every member of the judging panel. Best of Class is the finest example of each spirit type. This medal is a globally recognized indicator of exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
“Winning these medals helps confirm our reputation as one of the most innovative craft distilleries in the United States,” said Ugly Dog Distillery CEO David Salmon. “We created our S’mores Kentucky Bourbon to capture two iconic American flavors in one bottle. Just in time for summer, our bourbon blends with the flavors of a fireside S’More: rich chocolate, smooth vanilla, graham cracker and a hint of smoky campfire.”
No stranger to winning San Francisco hardware, Ugly Dog Head Distiller Rick Wyble has won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in past competitions for his previous work in developing craft bourbon and gin.
Ugly Dog S’Mores Bourbon is currently available in Michigan, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, D.C., Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Alberta, Canada.
The 2021 SFWSC saw a 20-percent increase over the 2020 competition, with 3,800 entrants this year. Roughly 40 percent of the entrants were from the United States, with the balance of 60 percent from around the world. Founded in 2000, the SFWSC is a premiere tasting competition, providing equal consideration of each entry.
All spirits are tasted over four days, through controlled blind tastings by experienced judging panels. For more information on the SFWSC, visit https://www.sfspiritscomp.com/.
ABOUT UGLY DOG:
Established in 2009, Ugly Dog Distillery is one of Michigan’s oldest distilleries. Known for award-winning flavored bourbon, their Chelsea Tasting Room features a wide array of hand-crafted spirits, including vodkas, gin, and a series of bourbons. Ugly Dog is also the home of the ultra-premium Distiller’s Cache brand of bourbon mash whiskies. Named after Ruger, our adorably “ugly” German Wirehaired Pointer, Ugly Dog Distillery shares their namesake’s love of outdoors and adventure. More at http://uglydogdistillery.com
