Grand Traverse Distillery

Traverse City, Michigan - Grand Traverse Distillery, Michigan's only vodka micro-distillery recently brought home its second Gold Medal in six months for its True North Premium Vodka. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the only competition of its kind in the United States, was held last month. There was a record 847 entries (439 different brand classifications) from 63 countries and six continents. A total of 83 entries were submitted in the vodka class, with Grand Traverse Distillery winning one of only 13 Gold Medals awarded.

True North Owner Kent Rabish said, "Receiving two Gold Medals with our first year is real validation that we're on the right track."

Grand Traverse Distillery's True North Premium Vodka also won the Gold Medal in the prestigious 2007 Beverage Testing Institute's International Review of Spirits Competition which was held in their Tasting Room in Chicago on September 12, 2007. 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. Millions of consumers look to BTI's spirits review on Tastings.com when making decisions regarding the purchase of spirits. The BTI gave True North Vodka an "exceptional" rating of 92 points. True North's alcohol by volume is 40% and it retails for $29.99.

The distillery is the vision of Michigan native Kent Rabish and boasts one of the finest vodkas produced in the United States. True North, first released this past June, is handcrafted in small batches. The first run included 2,700 bottles sent out in Michigan, and another 2,700 bottles were sent out in July. "True North is the fastest growing vodka in the premium vodka class," Rabish said. "In only four months, we have shipped out more than 900 cases - some 10,800 bottles - and that is better than expected for a new product."

"Clear. Cream, powdered sugar, dried citrus peel, and delicate spice and nut aromas. A smooth silky entry leads to a off-dry medium body of meringue, toasted hazelnut, honeyed fig, and delicate spice. Finishes with a delicate creamy vanilla and wet stone fade. A very smooth and flavorful vodka with an elegant style. Will make a great martini."