Dover Don Julio Blanco scored a 94.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label scored 93 out of a possible 100. - Contributed Photos
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Diageo, the world's leading spirits provider, received outstanding reviews for its brands at the fourth annual Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), held from March 11-15 in New York City. The USC identifies, recognises and rewards products that show superior quality. Flights of distilled spirits from some of the world's most noteworthy brands were blind-tasted and evaluated by an extraordinary panel of highly qualified experts.Led by USC founder, F. Paul Pacult, this year's judges included many of the world's most famous distilled-spirits authorities, award-winning authors, spirits buyers, journalists, educators, bar owners, and consultants. The judging panels rated the distillates on the 100-point scale, using USC's innovative multilevel evaluation system, which renders the industry's most unassailable results.
The super group of experts named 33 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Chairman's Trophy winners, including Haig Supreme, which took the top spot in the Blended Malt Scotch Whisky category. Diageo is the parent company of Red Stripe in Jamaica.
THRILLED
According to Chris Copeland, senior vice-president of marketing and innovation, Diageo Latin American, "Diageo is thrilled by the recognition our brands received at this year's Ultimate Spirits Challenge. We continually strive towards excellence, and it's an honour to be acknowledged for our commitment to producing quality spirits for our consumers to enjoy responsibly.
For Diageo Latin America and Caribbean, a total of 17 priority brands claimed accolades, 10 of which scored 90 or more points. They included; Haig Supreme 1627 Scotch Whisky, Buchanan's Special reserve Scotch Whisky, Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch Whisky, Pampero Aniversario Rum, Johnnie Walker Double Black, Buchanan's Red Seal Scotch Whisky, Buchanan's Master Scotch Whisky, Don Julio Anejo Tequila, Don Julio Real Tequila, Johnnie Walker Black Label, Buchannan's De Luxe, Ypioca Crystal Cachaca, Zacapa 23 Rum, Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Don Julio 1942 Tequila and Ypioca Ouro Cachaca.