Revealing the Stars of Flaviar Spirits Community Awards for 2015!

No matter how many amazing drinks you have, there will always be some that stand out. We peeked into our Flaviaristas’ My Bars as well as order statistics and weighed in with our own votes, to find out which drinks left the biggest mark on the Flaviar community in 2015.

Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, we give you the winners of the Flaviar Spirits Community Award for 2015!

Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin

Gin Mare was launched in 2008, yet it still stands out from the crowd. It's produced just outside of Barcelona in a family-owned distillery with decades of experience in making Gin.



True to its name, Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin features notes of rosemary, thyme, basil, and Arbequina olives responsible for its grassy notes and creamy texture.

Gin Mare is definitely a Gin you can sip on its own, while indulging in its herbal glory. But if you do decide to mix it into a Gin & Tonic, then the 1724 Tonic the Ribot family made to be its perfect foil will definitely do the trick. Garnish it with fresh herbs, like basil leaves or rosemary tips, and drift towards the Mediterranean Sea.

Lecat XO Memoire Cognac

The Lecat family has been growing and distilling grapes for generations, but it wasn’t until 2014 that Lecat Distillery released the first Cognac under their own name: “We own 25 hectares of vineyards and distill, age, and blend our own wine production. We have been distilling for generations, but this is our very first blend of Cognacs, based on our old stock of Eaux de Vies. This range has only been available for a year and in very small quantities."

"It is quite seldom that old stock comes out of a barrel cellar to create a totally new Cognac. We are very proud of our achievement.”



“Lecat XO Memoire reflects the true spirit and values of the family - precision, character, complexity & patience,” they said, when we asked them what the main characteristics of their amazing product are.

So what exactly is it about Lecat XO Memoire that makes people love it so much? "The fins bois region of production is notorious for its fruity aromas and flavours, so this is what we try to enhance in our Cognacs. Through distillation, aging and blending, we make sure that these flavours are appealing to the nose and palate. The finish is mellow, suave and lingering. This is a very round and pleasing spirit. Easy like nectar to the novice, complex and powerful to the connoisseur."



It's the kind of drink that is always in the spotlight, so the answer from the Lecat team when asked about a good food pairing to go with their Cognac didn’t come as a surprise: “This is tricky really. The XO is an old spirit, aged about 20 to 25 years. It really is a product to drink on its own, by a fire while reading a good book. It reveals its aromas over time. Cigar lovers would enjoy it for sure, chocolate lovers also!”

Zafra Master Reserve 21 YO Rum

This Rum from Panama is the creation of the legendary Master Distiller Francisco “Don Pancho” Fernandez Perez. After being in the spirits business for 50 years and creating many, many, many spirits around the world, he went on to create Zafra.

Zafra Master Reserve 21 YO is matured for at least 21 years in ex-Bourbon barrels into a rich, nuanced and sophisticated Rum that is full of character. As a bonus, this candy won’t break the bank, while giving your home bar a serious upgrade.

Prichard's Rye Whiskey

Benjamin Prichard was already distilling Whiskey in the 19th century. After he died, the still ran cold until 5 generations later, when Phil Prichard revived the family craft and started making Prichard's Whiskey again: “If you are proud of it, put your name on it.”



Prichard’s Rye Whiskey is made from a mash of 70% rye, 15% corn and 15% malted barley. It’s aged in small, charred American oak casks for up to 5 years. This true American spirit delivers both the sweet and sour side of Rye.

Kavalan Single Malt Whisky

However exotic Taiwanese Whisky may have sounded 10 years ago, when the King Car distillery was established in Northeastern Taiwan, it is now a highly praised member of the Whisky universe. Kavalan's Whiskies have won a number of spirits industry awards, including the coveted World Whisky of the Year award, as well as the Flaviar Spirits Community Award for 2015.



Ahhhh... When you're kicking it off with the creme de la creme of spirits, it can only mean one thing: this will be one hell of a year!