In this year’s Bartender Spirits Awards, Los Poblanos Western Dry Gin was awarded a Double Gold Award with an almost perfect score of 98 out of 100 points. Judged by an expert panel of 33 leading bartenders, bar managers, and buyers in the restaurant and bar industry, Los Poblanos Western Dry ranked as the best American-made gin and second in the world, just missing that mark by one point against a gin from France.
“We’re just so proud to be recognized by our peers. It’s a wonderful affirmation of all the hard work and passion our team put into crafting something beautiful,” said Los Poblanos owner Matt Rembe. “This was such a dynamic collaboration between our herbalists, distillers, farmers, gardeners, and the mixologists from our restaurant Campo. We used a wide variety of flowers, herbs and native plants that thrive here, including rose, piñon resin, violet, hawthorn berry, orris root, chamomile and, of course, lavender. By expressing notes and flavors of the gardens and fields of Los Poblanos, our goal was to capture the essence of the Rio Grande River Valley.”
Los Poblanos not only outscored recognized brands like Monkey 47, Empress, Ki No Bi Kyoto, and the Botanist Dry Gin, but also beat out some of the most notable premium craft gins the world. This year’s Bartender Spirits Awards was the largest ever with submissions entered from more than 48 countries. The judging panel of some of the most renowned names in the U.S. bar industry ranked each spirit based on mixability; balance and versatility; taste, mouthfeel and finish; packaging and shelf presence; and overall value.
This competition recognizes that bartenders are the true influencers – their passions and tastes provide direction for the consumer, especially via their guidance with wine, beer or spirit recommendations. The creation of new drinks is often driven by bartender tastes and perceptions of current trends.
While Los Poblanos has a farming history going back hundreds of years, it has been distilling lavender and other botanicals for 25 years. Located in Los Ranchos del Albuquerque in New Mexico, the 25 acre farm resort features a spa, boutique lodging, formal gardens, and an award-winning farm to table restaurant.
Judge’s Tasting Notes: Like walking along the forest floor or going on a hike. Bright, flavorful and a wonderful finish with a lot of versatility in flavor. Would stand out in stirred as well as shaken cocktails.