Shaler’s Pennsylvania Pure Distilleries put some Pittsburgh in the winner’s list at this year’s Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Defending its ranking last year as top vodka was the local maker’s Boyd & Blair vodka, which rated higher than many well-known brands such as Belvedere and Finlandia. The vodka earned a Chairman's Trophy, Tried & True and Great Value awards and a spot among 2020’s Top 100 Spirits.
Its Bly rum also collected those awards as the top-rated white/silver rum.
For the full lists of winners and participants, which include Pittsburgh’s Maggie’s Farm Rum with several high scores, visit www.ultimate-beverage.com/ultimate-spirits-challenge-USC-Results/2020-spirits-results.
Penguins wine
A Kansas City company is selling Pittsburgh Penguins-themed etched and hand-painted bottles of wine.
Mano’s Wines, which partners with other professional sports teams (including the Pittsburgh Pirates) and offers custom bottles, is starting its Penguins souvenir run with a bottle of red (California cabernet/merlot blend) for $49.95 plus shipping and a bottle of Locker Room Bubbly (sparkling white) for $24.95 plus shipping. A package deal of one red and two bubblies is $89.95 plus shipping.
Through Aug. 15, the company says it and the Penguins will donate 15 percent from all Penguins wine and bubbly sales to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
The company says that later this year it will offer others, including designs to commemorate the Pens’ five championships. Order via https://manoswine.com.
New PLCB head
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has a new executive director, effective Saturday. Michael Demko has been the PLCB’s chief operating officer since December 2019, before which time he was its director of finance following various leadership roles in business. He lives in Mountaintop, Luzerne County.
Charlie Mooney is retiring as executive director after 39 years. PLCB Chairman Tim Holden credited Mr. Mooney for leadership following the passage of Act 39, 2016 legislation that provided for the most comprehensive reform to Pennsylvania’s beverage alcohol landscape since Prohibition.
“We’re grateful to Charlie for his distinguished service to the PLCB, and we thank him for his passion, advocacy and friendship over the years,” Mr. Holden said in a news release. “While Charlie leaves big shoes to fill, Michael brings tremendous experience and business acumen to his new role, and we believe his outside perspective, integrity, and leadership will be key to the next chapter of PLCB growth and transformation.”
New spirits association member
A Western Pennsylvanian has joined the board of directors of the American Craft Spirits Association with the election of Jessica J. Lemmon of Cart/Horse Distilling in Edinboro.
Bob Batz Jr.: bbatz@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1930 and on Twitter @bobbatzjr.
First Published: August 3, 2020, 5:30 p.m.
