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BALTIMORE, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Just six months after its official launch, Silverthorn Reserve won two Double Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most respected blind-tasting competitions in the industry.

Silverthorn Reserve's Bourbon Blend scored 98 points and earned a Double Gold Medal, meaning every judge on the tasting panel rated it as gold medal quality. The Bourbon Blend has also advanced as a Best-in-Class Finalist in the Small Batch Bourbon aged 6 to 10 years category — with the ultimate winner to be announced on November 8th, 2026.

The Rye Blend earned a 96-point rating and was awarded a Double Gold Medal, further validating Silverthorn Reserve's approach to creating ultra-premium small-batch whiskey.

"As a blender, my goal is to create whiskey that is greater than the sum of its parts. While every barrel contributes its own character, bringing those elements together distinctively and harmoniously is the craft. For a newly launched brand to earn this kind of recognition from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — and feel the warmth of the whiskey community behind us — is beyond rewarding," said Drew Thorn, Founder and Master Blender.

Award Highlights

  • Blender's Art: The Bourbon Blend — Double Gold Medal, 98 PointsAged 10 years, it is an eight-barrel blend of three straight bourbons, a four-grain from Georgia, a low-rye from Kentucky, and a high-malt from Indiana. 
  • Blender's Art: The Rye Blend — Double Gold Medal, 96 PointsAged 10 years, it is an eight-barrel blend of high-ryes and low-ryes with one high-rye barrel having been double oaked in a Kelvin cask for eight years.

For more information, visit www.silverthornreserve.com.

 
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SEOUL, South Korea, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TOMORA Craft Spirits, a handcrafted premium Jeju mandarin spirit inspired by the ancient name of Jeju's volcanic island, is gaining attention in the global spirits market after winning consecutive awards at major domestic and international competitions since its debut in 2026.

ALMQUIST, the producer of TOMORA Fruit Spirits, announced that its three-product TOMORA series achieved remarkable results in its debut year, earning awards at Hong Kong CWSA, the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, the World Drinks Awards in the United Kingdom, and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the United States.

At Hong Kong CWSA, known as an influential competition in the Greater China spirits market, all three TOMORA spirits received awards, including a Double Gold. TOMORA also won a Gold Medal at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, further proving its competitiveness in Asia's key spirits markets.

In Korea, TOMORA spirits received the Grand Prize, the highest honor, at the 2026 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards. With a Gold Medal at the World Drinks Awards in the U.K. and Gold and Silver Medals in the brandy category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, TOMORA spirits has continued its winning streak across Korea, Asia, Europe, and North America.

"The distinction of TOMORA Fruit Spirits lies in its fully integrated production system, where ALMQUIST manages every step from the cultivation of Jeju-grown mandarins to final processing and distillation. Unlike conventional grain-based distilled spirits, this premium Craft Spirit is completed with 100% mandarin juice grown in Jeju's volcanic soil. Each bottle contains the essence of approximately 80 kilograms of fresh Jeju mandarins, capturing the fruit's rich aroma, refreshing flavor, and exceptionally smooth finish through ALMQUIST's advanced distillation technology."

The brand slogan, "Finally, The Perfection," reflects TOMORA's ambition to present a refined premium spirit completed through Jeju's natural ingredients, masterful production expertise, and meticulous craftsmanship rooted in the island's environment.

"We are honored that TOMORA has been recognized not only in Hong Kong and Tokyo, but also in the U.K. and the U.S.," said Kim Dong-min, CEO of ALMQUIST. "These achievements demonstrate the potential of Jeju mandarins as a premium spirit ingredient and the global competitiveness of ALMQUIST's distilling technology."

ALMQUIST plans to continue creating opportunities for consumers worldwide to experience the natural value of Jeju and the new appeal of mandarin-based Craft Spirits through TOMORA. The company also aims to strengthen TOMORA Craft Spirits' presence in the premium spirits market by sharing Jeju's distinctive terroir with global consumers.

 

 

 
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DUBLIN, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Donn Single Malt from Craft Irish Whiskey has been awarded Gold Outstanding at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), scoring 98 points and ranking joint second among more than 1,300 whiskies judged worldwide, with only one whisky achieving a higher score.

The Donn was also the joint highest-ranking Irish whiskey and the only one in its category to receive Gold Outstanding.

The IWSC result extends a consecutive three-year run of international success across North America, Asia and Europe:

  • 2024: Single Malt Whiskey of the Year - USA Spirits Ratings
  • 2025: Whisky of the Year - Asia Spirits Ratings
  • 2026: Single Malt Whiskey of the Year - London Spirits Competition98 points, Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition98 points, Gold Outstanding – International Wine & Spirit Competition

"What makes these results meaningful is their consistency," said Jay Bradley, Founder and Master Blender of Craft Irish Whiskey. "The Donn has now been recognised by judging panels in North America, Asia and Europe. When independent judging panels on three continents repeatedly reach similar conclusions under blind-tasting conditions, it reinforces the whiskey's quality and consistency. We're proud of what The Donn has achieved and believe this style of maturation is only beginning to show what's possible."

At just 6.9 years old, The Donn delivers results typically associated with a much older whiskey.

Craft Irish Whiskey attributes this to a progressive cask journey rather than time in wood alone. Beginning in ex-bourbon casks, The Donn then moves through Tawny Port, deep-stave toasted virgin Hungarian oak and multiple styles of Pedro Ximénez sherry. Varying barrel sizes and controlled underfilling further shape the spirit, accelerating flavour integration.

IWSC judges described The Donn as opening with a zesty, fruity aroma of cola and spice, leading into a rich palate of treacle, raspberry and wood, with apple, red velvet cake, ginger and chocolate emerging on a sweet, lingering finish.

 
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Canada's largest Mexican-inspired quick-service restaurant chain launches refreshed identity and new daily value program ahead of a summer of soccer.

Alistair Johnston and Lucas Lopez invite Canadians to barBURRITO this summer for $9.99 Daily Craves.
Alistair Johnston and Lucas Lopez, aka “Coach Burrito,” invite Canadians to barBURRITO this summer for $9.99 Daily Craves.

TORONTO, June 8, 2026 /CNW/ - barBURRITO™, Canada's largest Mexican-inspired quick-service restaurant chain, unveils a new national brand platform and Daily Crave™ value program promoted by Canadian Men's National Team defender Alistair Johnston and Toronto creator Lucas Lopez.

The new brand identity introduces an updated logo, refreshed visual system and a new Built for Craves™ positioning. Designed to highlight what has long differentiated the brand: fresh ingredients, in-house preparation and food built to order.

Launching as Canada prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, the campaign affirms barBURRITO's commitment to serving fresh, made-to-order food every day across its growing network of restaurants.

"This summer marks an important milestone for barBURRITO," said Marina Baric, Vice President of Marketing.

"Consumers have increasingly come to expect convenience at the expense of freshness. At barBURRITO, we've always believed great food should deliver both. BarBURRITO has partnered with two distinctly Canadian personalities to expand the brand's fan base."

  • Canadian Men's National Team defender Alistair Johnston brings a reputation for consistency, preparation and performance at the highest levels of the sport.
  • Joining him is Toronto-based creator Lucas Lopez, known for his comedic digital content and four-million online audience. Lopez introduces Coach Burrito, an original barBURRITO campaign character: part motivational coach, part burrito enthusiast.

"Proudly Canadian-owned and operated, we're excited to celebrate a summer when soccer will capture the attention of the entire country," added Baric. "Alistair and Lucas don't seem like an obvious pair, a Celtic FC defender and a comedian with four million followers, but they play well together, and that's so on-brand for us."

The campaign will run nationally across TSN, Sportsnet, CTV, Global and Crave throughout the summer. Until July 5, guests can also enjoy free delivery on the barBURRITO app and website.

"With our new brand platform, refreshed identity and Daily Crave program, the best part for Canadians is simple: fresh food, every day, at $9.99," said Baric.

Daily Crave™ is a rotating lineup of featured menu items available for $9.99 each day of the week throughout the summer.

Day Daily Crave
Monday Mild Chicken Quesadilla
Tuesday Ground Beef Burrito
Wednesday Mild Chicken Bowl
Thursday Spicy Chicken Burrito
Friday Pulled Pork Burrito (select locations: Veggie Ground Burrito)
Saturday Crunchy Chicken Bowl
Sunday Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl

*Veggie Ground Burrito available at select locations.

This summer, with the world watching, barBURRITO is making sure no one watches hungry.

About barBURRITO

barBURRITO™ is Canada's largest Mexican-inspired quick-service restaurant chain, with more than 400 locations operating from coast to coast.

Built for Craves.™ | barburrito.ca

Valid at participating locations only. Plus applicable taxes. Prices subject to change without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offer. No substitutions. TM and ® owned or used under licence by BarBURRITO Inc. Copyright 2026 BarBURRITO Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: barBURRITO

 
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Espolòn's Extra Añejo will be available for purchase nationwide in the U.S. and on espolontequila.com (for delivery in select markets), just in time for Father's Day

Espolon Tequila LogoNEW YORK, June 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Espolòn Tequila, one of the fastest-growing tequila brands in the U.S., introduces Extra Añejo, a new release that adds new depth to the brand's portfolio. Produced in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, the expression builds on Espolòn's signature agave-forward flavor profile through extended aging of three years and a distinctive double-cask process. While many Extra Añejos feel reserved for special occasions or serious collectors, Espolòn Extra Añejo reflects the brand's belief that quality tequila should remain within reach, offering depth and character without pretense.

Aged for two and a half years in American Oak and finished for six months in French Chardonnay casks, the expression develops a dimension that distinguishes it from traditional Extra Añejos, because Espolòn has never done anything the expected way. While many Extra Añejos rely solely on extended aging in American Oak barrels, the Chardonnay finish introduces an unexpected layer of complexity, balancing caramel and vanilla notes with toasted oak and sweet spice for a rich, approachable finish.

"With Extra Añejo, we wanted to push the character of our flavor profile while staying true to what makes Espolòn unmistakably itself, and the double-cask approach adds new layers of flavor," said Jesús Susunaga Acosta, Maestro Tequilero of Espolòn Tequila. "I've always appreciated the complexity wine barrels can bring, so finishing the liquid in French Chardonnay casks felt like a natural choice. The result is a tequila that can stand alongside aged spirits while remaining accessible for more people to experience."

Encased in a striking matte-black bottle with neon green lettering, the Extra Añejo label features a vision of "The Serenata" inspired by the work of José Guadalupe Posada, one of Mexico's most celebrated artists whose work serves as the creative inspiration behind Espolòn's signature imagery. The artwork depicts a serenata, the Mexican tradition of serenading a loved one beneath their window - a declaration of romance meant to be heard, not whispered. At the distillery, that idea is taken literally across all our expressions, with the liquid serenaded during fermentation as music and sound waves help shape its character before it reaches the barrel. Bold and impossible to ignore, Extra Añejo reflects Espolòn's approach to tequila: uncompromising quality, meant to be enjoyed. No compromises.

Extra Añejo also marks a decisive evolution for Espolòn, leaning into greater intensity, darker character, and a confidence that refuses to back down, without the exclusivity often associated with other Extra Añejos. Arriving just in time for Father's Day, Extra Añejo offers a compelling alternative to the traditional whiskey or Scotch gift, available at retailers nationwide in the U.S. and on espolontequila.com (for delivery in select markets) with an MSRP of $69.99 for a 750mL bottle.

Espolòn Tequila encourages adults 21 and up to savor Extra Añejo (40% Alc./Vol.) either neat, on the rocks or in the signature Espolòn Old Fashioned. No fancy glasses or complex tasting rituals required. Please drink responsibly.

Espolòn Extra Añejo Old Fashioned
2 parts Espolòn Extra Añejo
0.25 parts simple syrup
2 dashes aromatic bitters
Orange twist
Instructions: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large block of fresh ice and garnish with an orange twist.

For more information about Extra Añejo and Espolòn's full portfolio, visit www.espolontequila.com/en-us/ or contact:
Multiply: espolon@multiply.us
Espolòn: betsy.kaplan@campari.com

About Espolòn® Tequila
Distilled from hand-harvested 100% Blue Weber Agave in Los Altos, the Highlands region of Jalisco, Espolòn's award-winning tequilas are the pride of the Casa San Nicolás. Espolòn was the realization of a lifelong desire for late founder and Master Distiller Cirilo Oropeza, who dreamed of creating a tequila that blends artisanal Mexican tradition with modern techniques.

Espolòn is, at its heart, a tribute to Mexican culture, with striking bottle designs by the rich, storied history of Mexico. Through its labels, Espolòn pays tribute to a true luminary – José Guadalupe Posada. Posada was a 19th century artist and printmaker, a real pioneer, and a bit of a rebel. His most famous work, the calaveras (skeletons), were a powerful commentary on the social injustices of his time. He gave his people a voice and gave the art world a style that continues to influence pop culture today. Today, Espolòn Tequila Blanco, Espolòn Tequila Reposado, Espolòn Tequila Añejo and Espolòn Tequila Cristalino each spotlight different moments in Mexican history, led by the legendary rooster, Ramón. For more information on Espolòn, visit espolontequila.com. Please drink responsibly. 

About Campari Group
Campari Group is a major player in the global spirits industry, with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands, spanning across aperitifs, including iconic brands like Aperol and Campari, agave spirits such as Espolòn tequila, whiskeys and rum with Wild Turkey and Appleton Estate, as well as cognac and champagne including Courvoisier and Grand Marnier. Founded in 1860, Campari Group is one of the fastest growing global spirits companies and the undisputed leader in the aperitif category. It has a global distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Campari Group operates via 24 production sites worldwide and its own distribution network in 27 countries. Campari Group employs approximately 4,800 people. The shares of the parent company Davide Campari-Milano N.V. (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM) have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: http://www.camparigroup.com/en. Please enjoy our brands responsibly.

©2026 Campari America, New York, NY. Please enjoy responsibly.

SOURCE Espolòn Tequila

 

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