Valentine Vodka Wins Gold Medal at BTI Competition – Making it one of the World’s Top Vodkas

Michigan-made Valentine Vodka has been awarded a Gold medal ranking during the Beverage Tasting Institute (BTI) 20101 International Review of Spirits Competition – the largest and most prestigious annual spirits competition in the United States. The BTI gave Valentine Vodka a rating of 90 in the “Unflavored Vodka” category.

“Exceptional,” wrote BTI. “Clear. Mild aromas of banana and coconut pudding and pastry aromas with a silky off-dry medium-to-full body and a creamy, peppery spice and talc finish. Very lively and tasty.”

The International Review of Spirits is the most authoritative, influential and respected annual spirits competition in the United States. Major and boutique spirits producers and importers from around the world participate in the competitions each year.

Founded in 1981, BTI is recognized as one of America’s premier, independent, alcoholic beverage review organizations by leaders of the beverage industry. Millions of consumers look to BTI's fair and impartial reviews on Tastings.com when making decisions regarding the purchase of spirits.

“I founded this company with the goal of creating a world-class vodka right here in Michigan. We’ve always known that we were onto something special, but it’s really nice to get confirmation on this international level,” says founder Rifino Valentine. “To be judged as one of the world’s finest vodkas, is truly an honor. Not only is this a win for the state of Michigan, it’s a step in the right direction of our stated goal to help change the economic structure of Michigan by producing world-class products right here.”

As Detroit’s first micro distilled spirit since Prohibition, Valentine Vodka is well on its way to setting the standard for ultra-premium hand-crafted vodka with its clean, crisp and uniquely flavorful taste. As one of the first distilleries in the world to use a multi-grain recipe, Valentine Vodka proudly utilizes a blend of Red Michigan wheat, malted barley and corn, which all come directly from Michigan farmers and suppliers.

Rifino Valentine – the man behind Valentine Vodka – is a native of Leelanau County. A graduate of Cornell University, where he earned a BA in Economics, Rifino spent 11 years on Wall Street as an independent trader before founding his own successful trading firm. He returned to his home state in 2005 to create Valentine Vodka.

Through his hand-crafted products, Rifino hopes to draw on the inspiration and history that the City of Detroit brings when it comes to distilled spirits, as he develops and grows Valentine Vodka. After 3 years of intense research and study, Valentine Vodka reached the market in March, 2009.

For a list of retail outlets carrying Valentine Vodka, as well as a menu of signature cocktails, log onto www.ValentineVodka.com (www.facebook.com/valentinevodka).