Ready-To-Drink Cocktails 2021 Part 2
 

Ready-to-Drink Cocktails 2021 - Part 2

 

The Fifty Best Ready-to-Drink Cocktail Tasting 2021


The Tasting:
The Fifty Best held a "blind" tasting of 77 Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktails with fourteen members of our spirits judging panel. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. Strict tasting rules were applied. The RTD cocktails were poured into fresh glasses from sealed cans and bottles, and served at well-chilled. Additional ice cubes were made available to the judges, to add at their discretion. Only ice water, unflavored unsalted crackers and chips were available to cleanse the palate.

The judges were informed of the “type of cocktail” they were tasting, and wrote down their impressions of each product on score sheets. The scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the highest. Double-Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were awarded according to a set range of final point scores received from the judges. Medals are provided based entirely on merit and only to products judged worthy of such award. The tasting notes that follow are summaries of the judges’ opinions, with all replicated commentary eliminated. The ABVs are identified for each brand. Clicking on the brands' names will link to their websites.

SILVER MEDAL WINNERS

Cape & Islands Distillers
Sippewissett Cape Cod Gin & Tonic

10% ABV

Palate: Gin, lively lime, lime juice, quinine forward, quince, botanical, herbal, floral, resin, bitters, bitter quinine notes, pleasant tonic sweetness, balanced, light & refreshing, sparkling, classic gin & tonic, well done, well made.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Cape & Islands Distillers Sippewissett Cape Cod Gin & Tonic



Beagans 1806 Vodka Soda
15% ABV

Palate: Lemon/lime soda, Sprite, lemony, lemon oil, touch of mint, pastry, sweet grains, minerals, balanced, fresh, clean, crisp, tasty, classic, pleasant for a hot day, easy drinking, delicious.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Beagans 1806 Vodka Soda



Cape & Islands Distillers Cape Codder
(Vodka, lime & cranberry)  7% ABV

Palate: Tart cranberry, red berry, cherry, balanced lemon/lime, light citrus peel, lime garnish, original Cosmopolitan flavor, classic vodka cranberry, lime Rickey, zippy, faintly earthy, good blend, very fresh, nicely crafted, an easy sipper.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Cape & Islands Distillers Cape Codder



Tommy Bahama Hibiscus Lime
(Vodka, natural flavors)  5% ABV

Palate: Fresh squeezed lime, lime peel, juicy citrus, berry, hibiscus, floral, herbal notes, woody notes, fresh, good balance, a great blend of flavors, bright, refreshing, very intriguing, different, original, nicely crafted.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Tommy Bahama Hibiscus Lime



Dante - Gin & Tonic
(Gin, citrus zest, tonic water)  11% ABV

Palate: Juniper berries, hint of lime, quince notes, citrus, herbal notes, bitter herbs, coriander, great pine, pleasant quinine, bitter quinine, great bitter notes, perfect balance of sweetness & quinine bitterness, really well balanced, pleasant, tasty, lively, classic gin & tonic, exceptional out of the bunch, well done.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Dante Gin & Tonic



Dry Fly – Greyhound
(Gin, grapefruit juice)  4.8% ABV

Palate: Natural grapefruit, white grapefruit, grapefruit pulp, tart grapefruit, pleasant grapefruit, tasty grapefruit peel, brilliant grapefruit pith, real citrus, gin notes, pleasant sweetness, not overly sweet, well balanced, tastes natural, sparkling, refreshing, invigorating, nicely done.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Dry Fly Greyhound



Five Drinks Co - Margarita
(Tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, hibiscus, habanero agave nectar)
10% ABV

Palate: Bright lime, radiant lime, lemon juice, grapefruit, citrus, sour mash, triple sec, tequila, agave rich, some salinity, smoky note, balanced, nice flavor, tasty, savory, authentic reproduction, quality margarita, a well-made margarita.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Five Drinks Co Moscow Margarita



Pope's Cocktails - Whiskey Smash
(Whiskey, lemon juice, mint, cane sugar)  10% ABV

Palate: Lovely lemon, bright lemon, sweet lime, citrus, lemon blossom, mint, spearmint, well balanced, all flavors present, approachable, refreshing, a very nice cocktail.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Pope's Cocktails Whiskey Smash



Zing Zang – Margarita
(Premium silver tequila, Triple Sec, real fruit juices,
pure cane sugar)  9% ABV

Palate: Lime, sweet lime, rosé lime, lemon notes, citrus, candied lime, candied agave, sweet ginger, sweet honey, Triple Sec, orange, hint of grass, mild tequila, nice flavors & balance, balanced, original, the best Margarita.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Zing Zang Margarita



R6 - West Coast Mule
(Vodka, ginger, lime)  10.1% ABV

Palate: Fresh ginger, pleasant ginger, ginger candy, rich lime, lively lime, citrus, sweet cane sugar, vanilla, vodka, sharp spice, pepper, nice ginger heat, zingy, balanced.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



R6 West Coast Mule



1220 Spirits Paloma
(100% agave tequila, natural flavors)  6.5% ABV

Palate: Grapefruit, red grapefruit, melon, pomegranate, 7 Up, lightly floral, tequila, very light, clean, soft, smooth, tasty, sparkling, refreshing, great drink for the beach, easy drinking, lovely.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



”1220



Cutwater Spirits - White Russian
(Cutwater vodka, coffee cream liqueur)  14% ABV

Palate: Vanilla, vanilla bean, white chocolate, crème brûlée, milky, creamy, milk chocolate, cocoa, Bailey’s Irish Cream & Kahlua, coffee, cinnamon coffee, good balance, nice creaminess, good flavor, nice creamy taste, delicious.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Cutwater Spirits White Russian



Pope's Cocktails – Mojito
(Rum, lime juice, mint, cane sugar)  10% ABV

Palate: Pleasant mint, spearmint, Wrigley’s Doublemint gum, lime, sweet lime, basil leaves, nice acidity, proper saline notes, nicely balanced, pleasant.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Pope's Cocktails Mojito



503 Distilling Mt. Hood Old Fashioned
(Rye whiskey aged 2 yrs, maple syrup, filbert bitters)  17% ABV

Palate: Whiskey, cherry, orange, orange peel, honey, caramel, cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, cinnamon bark, clove, spice, herbal, bitters, strong Angostura notes, charred notes, woody, oak, surprisingly dry, very smooth, rich, nicely crafted, sensational.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



503 Distilling Mt. Hood Old Fashioned



Pope's Cocktails Blueberry Lemonade
(Vodka, lemonade, blueberries, cane sugar)  10% ABV

Palate: Fresh picked blueberries, very present blueberry, blueberry cobbler, sweet berries, lemon zest, lemonade, honey, nice tartness, a porch pounder, delicious.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Pope's Cocktails Blueberry Lemonade



Cape & Islands Distillers Shark Bite
(Cape Cod Great White rum, natural fruit flavors)  12.5% ABV

Palate: Mango, guava, pineapple, passion fruit, mixed berry fruit punch, tropical fruit, tangerine, orange, lemon, lime, blend of citrus, sweet dark rum, cinnamon, refreshing, easy to drink.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Cape & Islands Distillers Shark Bite



Cutwater Spirits - Rum Mint Mojito
(Cutwater white rum, soda water, muddled mint, lime, cane sugar)
5.9% ABV

Palate: Lime forward, nice lemon, citrus, nice fresh mint, natural mint, dried mint leaves, wintergreen, spearmint, minty spritzer, yerba buena, herbal, hint of berry, vegetal notes, rum notes, mojito, nicely balanced, not too sweet, sparkling, effervescent, crisp, zingy, refreshing, bold, surprising, pleasant, exceptional.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Cutwater Spirits Rum Mint Mojito



Beagans 1806 Old Fashioned
20% ABV

Palate: Whiskey, orange peel, citrus peel, hint of orange, cherry, maraschino cherry, caramel, nougat, brown sugar, cinnamon, whiskey notes, pine, bitters, smoky, surprisingly dry, balanced, nice, clean, fresh, classic Old Fashioned.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Beagans 1806 Old Fashioned



Cutwater Spirits - Gin & Tonic
6.2% ABV

Palate: Juniper forward, crisp citrus, very surprising citrus, lemon notes, fresh watermelon, quince, sweet ginger, cucumber, celery, raw veggies, pine, mint, botanical, floral, floral gin, gin & tonic, quinine tonic, mineral bitterness, classic tonic bitterness, appropriately bitter.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Cutwater Spirits Gin & Tonic



Beagans 1806 Mojito
12.5% ABV

Palate: Lime, lime rind, minty, muddled mint, fresh spearmint, herbal, basil leaves, clean, soft, silky, refreshing, easy drinker, yummy.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Beagans 1806 Mojito



Litchfield Distillery - Spiked Lemonade
(Vodka, lemon juice)  :7% ABV

Palate: Lemon, lemon juice, lemonade, lemon drop, citrus, citrus peel, lemon tart, lemon gummy candy, mango gummy candy, lemon iced tea, red berry, blueberry, stone fruit, hints of vanilla, agave, herbal notes, tart, interesting balance of flavor, complex, flavorful, tasty.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Litchfield Distillery Spiked Lemonade



Tommy Bahama Island Orange
5% ABV

Palate: Fresh squeezed orange juice, navel orange, orange essence, orangeade, orange rind, orange peel, candied orange peel, orange soda, lime, fresh citrus, nice flavor, nicely presented, effervescent, refreshing.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Tommy Bahama Island Orange



Russian Standard - Moscow Mule
(Vodka, natural flavors)  :5.8% ABV

Palate: Ginger & lime perfection, lovely lime, citrus, ground ginger, sweet ginger, ginger ale, dried herbs, mint, cinnamon, allspice, light spice, exceptional balance, nice sweetness, interesting, sparkling, refreshing.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Russian Standard Moscow Mule



RancH2O - Classic Marg
(Tequila, soda water, natural flavors)  :6.5% ABV

Palate: Lime, lemon, pleasantly citrus forward, vegetal tequila notes up front, agave forward, hint of triple sec, grassy, green pepper, chili, jalapeño pepper, spice, earthy, toasted, nice smokiness, a nice blend of flavors, clean, tart, sparkling, effervescent.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



RancH2O Classic Marg



DRNXMYTH - Bourbon Sour
(Bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice,
cane sugar, blackstrap bitters)  :17% ABV

Palate: Orange peel, spicy orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, lemon oil, citrus, lemon candy, sweetened by cane, simple syrup, caramel notes, whiskey, oaky, sweet & tart, tangy, balanced, flavorful.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



DRNXMYTH  Bourbon Sour



Kové Hard Yerba Mate Passion Berry
(Passion Fruit, blackberry)  :5% ABV

Palate: Natural passion fruit, mango, blackberry, tropical punch, red grape, sour apple, apple cider, dried fruit mix, sangria components, interesting combination, nice balance, sparkling, refreshing.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Kové Hard Yerba Mate Passion Berry



RancH2O Ranch Water
(Tequila with a hint of lime)  7% ABV

Palate: Lime, lime juice, subtle citrus, roasted lime, agave, ginseng, grassy, leafy, green peppers, peppery, spiced tequila, chili, jalapeño, green jalapeno pepper, charred jalapeño, roasted, smoke, good flavor, nicely presented, pleasantly sweet, savory, tangy, bubbly, sparkling, an easy sipper.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



RancH2O Ranch Water



Cutwater Spirits Bloody Mary
10% ABV

Palate: Tomato, tomato bisque, thick tomato puree, V8 juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, celery, celery salt, garlic powder, paprika, spice, pepper, black pepper, chili powder, hot sauce, earthy, robust.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Cutwater Spirits Bloody Mary



1220 Spirits Lemonde & Lavender
(Vodka, real lemons, French lavender)  :5.5% ABV

Palate: Lavender, white flowers, potpourri, floral, perfumy, nice lemon, citrus, Fresca, sparkling, refreshing, tasty, delicate, lovely.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



1220 Spirits Lemonde & Lavender



BRONZE MEDAL WINNERS

Beagans 1806 Mai Tai
15% ABV

Palate: Lemon, citrus, orgeat, pineapple, passion fruit, tropical fruit, orange Popsicle, orange blossom, balanced nicely.


Bronze Medal
Bronze medal



Beagans 1806 Mai Tai



Tommy Bahama Mango Citrus
5% ABV

Palate: Mango, mango juice, pineapple chunks, tropical fruit, lime, citrus, coconut, vanilla, crisp, bright, bubbly, sparkling, refreshing.

Bronze Medal
Bronze medal



”Tommy



SideYard Cocktails - Pineapple Melon Limeade
5.5% ABV

Palate: Lovely lemon, bright lemon, sweet lime, citrus, lemon blossom, mint, spearmint, well balanced, all flavors present, approachable, refreshing, a very nice cocktail.

Bronze Medal
Bronze medal



SideYard Cocktails Pineapple Melon Limeade



Beach Juice Vodka Lemonade
5% ABV

Palate: Lemon, lemon juice, light lemonade, lemon/lime candy, lemongrass, tart, very subtle, clean, lively, refreshing.

Bronze Medal
Bronze medal



Beach Juice Vodka Lemonade



Beagans 1806 Bloody Mary
15% ABV

Palate: Tomato, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, lemon, celery salt, garlic powder, herbs, spice, black pepper, standard.

Bronze Medal
Bronze medal



Beagans 1806 Bloody Mary



Litchfield Distillery - The Litchfielder
(Batcher’s straight bourbon whiskey, maple syrup, lemon juice)
7% ABV

Palate: Bourbon, maple, hints of maple syrup, caramel, chocolate, vanilla, lemon, tart lemon juice, citrus, smoky, well balanced, well made, well crafted, just add ice shake with rosemary, delicious.

Bronze Medal
Bronze medal



Litchfield Distillery The Litchfielder



BarBox - Blueberry Vodka Sour
(Vodka, blueberry, simple syrup, lemon juice)  20% ABV

Palate: Blueberry forward, blueberry fruitiness, blueberry syrup, grape, cassis, crisp lemon, lemony, citrus, Sour Patch Kids candy, sweet & tart, simple and it delivers, all flavors present, nice balance, pleasant, a good cocktail.

Bronze Medal
Bronze medal



BarBox Blueberry Vodka Sour



Joia Spirit Sparkling Margarita
(Tequila, lime juice, Triple Sec)  6% ABV

Palate: Lime, lime juice, lime zest, Meyer lemon, hint of citrus, sour mix, honey, grassy notes, agave, earthy umami, tequila, clean, crisp, tart, sparkling, effervescent, easy to drink.

Bronze Medal
Bronze medal



Joia Spirit Sparkling Margarita



Tommy Bahama Island Tonic
5% ABV

Palate: Unripe mango, mango peel, pineapple skin, subtle tropical notes, celery, cucumber, vegetal, raw veggies, earthy, effervescent, bubbly.

Bronze Medal
Bronze medal



Tommy Bahama Island Tonic

 

 



Best RTD Cocktails Part 1
Best RTD Cocktails- Part 1

 

 

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