Grand Traverse Distillery Ranked Among Top 50 Spirits by Wine Enthusiast Magazine for Second Consecutive Year

For the second consecutive year, includes True North Vodka made by Grand Traverse Distillery – Northern Michigan's original vodka micro-distillery, based in Traverse City has been named to the “Top 50 Spirits” list published by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

This distinguished list, which appears in the December 2010 edition, reflects an excitement and diversity of elite brand in each of 13 categories. It is compiled by the editors of Wine Enthusiast Magazine along with new spirits taster, Kara Newman. Only three other unflavored vodkas were identified; True North being the only one from the Great Lakes Region.

In the listing for True North Vodka, which ranked 90-95 as Superb/Highest Recommended, editors wrote: “Very nice bouquet consisting of pleasant aromas of bread dough, black pepper, new leather and toasted grain. The grainy toastiness and spiciness continue at palate entry; mid-palate shows a touch of spirit heat in line with the inherent peppery quality. Finishes with tastes of fudge, egg cream, toasted wheat and toasted rye bread.”

“Last year we were elated to be listed as one of the top unflavored vodkas in the country, says Kent Rabish, who began distributing the True North Vodka in June 2007. “Making that list for a second consecutive year reinforces our dedication to crafting world-class vodka here in Michigan, which is recognized and ranked on a national scale.”

The original True North Vodka has been ranked a “Gold Medal” spirit by the Beverage Tasting Institute (BTI) twice (92 - 2009 / 92 - 2007) as part of its annual International Review of Spirits Competition. It also received a “Gold Medal” rating in 2008 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where Pacult was Director of Judging.

True North is super-premium vodka that celebrates the natural gifts abundant to Michigan's 45th parallel. Ingredients originate from the beautiful Grand Traverse region, where the rich soils produce the quality rye and the crystal clear glacial waters blend to create this premium vodka. With these quality ingredients and the triple distillation process, each True North Vodka is truly one of a kind.

As a Michigan distiller, using Michigan grown grains is a top priority for the distillery. As such, Grand Traverse Distillery is proud to support Michigan agriculture and has purchased over 300,000 pounds of rye, wheat and corn from local farmers since it began distilling its hand-crafted spirits.

Hand-crafted in small batches, more than 4000 cases of True North Vodka, Grand Cherry Vodka and Wheat Vodka have collectively sold in just the past 30 months. It can be found in over 800 retail outlets and 250 restaurants/bars in Michigan and is distributed in Michigan by Great Lakes Wine & Spirits.

For more information, log on to www.grandtraversedistillery.com

Find Grand Traverse Distillery on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grand-Traverse-Distillery/208013680224