http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ en-us https://blogs-images.forbes.com/files/2017/11/joemicallef_avatar_1510775040-400x400.jpg http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ Joseph Micallef's stories. Copyright 2024 Forbes Media LLC http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/05/16/why-you-should-discover-the-iconic-wines-of-san-benito-county/ San Benito County is the birthplace of the California wine industry and was once its center. It has some of California’s oldest vineyards, and still makes superb wines. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_663e4668e5a18e695a9385d8 Thu, 16 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400 2024-05-16T07:00:00-04:00 San Benito County is the birthplace of the California wine industry and was once its center. It has some of California’s oldest vineyards, and still makes superb wines. Photo, J Micallef All Rights Reserved Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/05/15/the-worlds-top-rums-from-the-2024-beverage-testing-institute-judging/ Six rums and one cachaça won Platinum medals and 50 other rums and cachaças took Gold medals at the Beverage Testing Institute’s 2024 rum and cachaça judging. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_663e69f1be674971b3c487c4 Wed, 15 May 2024 01:00:00 -0400 2024-05-15T01:00:00-04:00 Six rums and one cachaça won Platinum medals and 50 other rums and cachaças took Gold medals at the Beverage Testing Institute’s 2024 rum and cachaça judging. Photo, courtesy Beverage Testing Institute Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/05/12/worlds-rarest-scotch-discover-diageos-2023-prima--ultima-release/ Prima & Ultima is Diageo’s annual release of rare whiskies from its extensive inventory. The program showcases some of Diageo’s rarest whiskies. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_663e593ca92f974a519966cd Sun, 12 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400 2024-05-12T07:00:00-04:00 Prima & Ultima is Diageo’s annual release of rare whiskies from its extensive inventory. The program showcases some of Diageo’s rarest whiskies. Photo, courtesy Diageo Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/05/11/the-top-rums-from-the-2024-american-distilling-institute-judging/ Two rum brands brand took Best of Class honors, and two took Best of Category at the 2024 American Distilling Institute judging. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_6630030a52c13e5c40ed8d50 Sat, 11 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400 2024-05-11T08:00:00-04:00 Two rum brands brand took Best of Class honors, and two took Best of Category at the 2024 American Distilling Institute judging. Photo, courtesy Burdekin Rum Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/05/11/the-top-gins-from-the-2024-american-distilling-institute-judging/ Gin has been a hotbed of innovation in the craft distilling industry. Here are the top gins for the 2024 American Distilling Institute judging. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_66301722dd559a22b7917746 Sat, 11 May 2024 07:30:00 -0400 2024-05-11T07:30:00-04:00 Gin has been a hotbed of innovation in the craft distilling industry. Here are the top gins for the 2024 American Distilling Institute judging. Photo, courtesy Hernö Gin Distillery Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/05/11/the-best-vodka-from-the-2024-american-distilling-institute-judging/ One vodka brand took Best of Class honors, and two took Best of Category at the 2024 American Distilling Institute judging. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_662ffdb8407d9f74a801d11b Sat, 11 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400 2024-05-11T19:06:56-04:00 One vodka brand took Best of Class honors, and two took Best of Category at the 2024 American Distilling Institute judging. Photo, courtesy Safe House Distilling Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/05/10/cant-afford-pappy-heres-an-alternative-for-under-100/ Fear not bourbon lovers, there is an alternative to Pappy, made by the same distillery and using the same mash bill, and it sells for under $100 a bottle. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_663e2bf2e08a72249044baeb Fri, 10 May 2024 10:46:21 -0400 2024-05-10T12:07:28-04:00 Fear not bourbon lovers, there is an alternative to Pappy, made by the same distillery and using the same mash bill, and it sells for under $100 a bottle. Photo, courtesy Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery/Buffalo Trace Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/05/09/the-top-irish--world-whiskeys-2024-american-distilling-institute-judging/ The 2024 American Distilling Institute Judging highlighted the Best Irish, Canadian and World Whiskeys. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_66300d5616c76931b0268fc9 Thu, 09 May 2024 07:30:00 -0400 2024-05-09T09:45:28-04:00 The 2024 American Distilling Institute Judging highlighted the Best Irish, Canadian and World Whiskeys. Photo, courtesy Waterford Distillery Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/05/09/the-top-tequila-and-mezcal-2024-american-distilling-institute-judging/ Three agave spirits won Best of Class honors, and two won Best of Category at the 2024 American Distilling Institute spirits judging Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_66313da9ce10b62ec0911730 Thu, 09 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400 2024-05-09T11:00:02-04:00 Three agave spirits won Best of Class honors, and two won Best of Category at the 2024 American Distilling Institute spirits judging Photo, courtesy Tequila Ocho Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/05/08/top-american-whiskeys-from-the-2024-american-distilling-institute-judging/ The Top American Whiskey from the 2024 American Distilling Institute judging is Altered State Distillery, Cask Series Single Malt Whiskey. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_662ff4e7c94c290033b44b33 Wed, 08 May 2024 08:15:00 -0400 2024-05-09T10:58:40-04:00 The Top American Whiskey from the 2024 American Distilling Institute judging is Altered State Distillery, Cask Series Single Malt Whiskey. Photo, courtesy, Altered State Distillery Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/05/08/the-worlds-best-bourbon-2024-american-distilling-institute-judging/ Larceny Barrel Proof A124 was the top bourbon at the 2024 American Distilling Institute Judging winning a Double Gold medal and Best of Class Bourbon Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_6632299fd9919636d88cd08b Wed, 08 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400 2024-05-08T10:22:04-04:00 Larceny Barrel Proof A124 was the top bourbon at the 2024 American Distilling Institute Judging winning a Double Gold medal and Best of Class Bourbon Photo courtesy Heaven Hill Distillery Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/04/25/how-to-understand-the-world-of-canadian-whisky/ To explore Canada’s new whisky land, there is no better guide than Davin de Kergommeaux's book: Canadian Whisky: The Essential Portable Expert, Third Edition. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_66268d6cf0ea787d34934afb Thu, 25 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400 2024-05-02T09:27:29-04:00 To explore Canada’s new whisky land, there is no better guide than Davin de Kergommeaux's book: Canadian Whisky: The Essential Portable Expert, Third Edition. Photo courtesy Penguin Random House/ Davin de Kergommeaux Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/04/23/the-top-single-malt-whisky-from-the-2024-london-spirits-competition/ Last week, Godawan Century, a relatively unknown Indian single malt whisky, took the prize for Single Malt Whisky of the Year at the 2024 London Spirits Competition. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_662705e6f0ea787d3437f340 Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400 2024-05-02T06:15:38-04:00 Last week, Godawan Century, a relatively unknown Indian single malt whisky, took the prize for Single Malt Whisky of the Year at the 2024 London Spirits Competition. Photo courtesy of Diageo India Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/04/15/the-worlds-top-vodkas-2024-from-the-beverage-testing-institute/ Two vodkas received Platinum Medals and 17 received Gold Medals at the Beverage Institute’s 2024 vodka judging. Below is a list of the world's top ranked vodkas. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_661a8939e532740e8d5c8879 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 01:00:42 -0400 2024-04-16T03:36:42-04:00 Two vodkas received Platinum Medals and 17 received Gold Medals at the Beverage Institute’s 2024 vodka judging. Below is a list of the world's top ranked vodkas. Photo courtesy Beverage Testing Institute Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/04/15/the-best-gins-according-to-the-2024-beverage-tasting-institute-judging/ Tanqueray N° Ten is the top-scoring gin in the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) judging of top gins of 2024. It was the only gin to win a Platinum Medal. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_6615d3c278663c5c4721569b Mon, 15 Apr 2024 01:00:20 -0400 2024-04-16T03:36:38-04:00 Tanqueray N° Ten is the top-scoring gin in the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) judging of top gins of 2024. It was the only gin to win a Platinum Medal. Photo, courtesy Beverage Testing Institute Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/04/11/the-worlds-top-wines-from-the-2024-london-wine-competition/ An Australian wine was crowned the world’s best at the 7th edition of the 2024 London Wine Competition (LWC). Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_6616dd7edd5ac43ae21ed917 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400 2024-04-15T03:21:18-04:00 An Australian wine was crowned the world’s best at the 7th edition of the 2024 London Wine Competition (LWC). Photo, courtesy London Wine Competition Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/04/10/the-top-whiskies-and-spirits-from-the-2024-london-spirits-competition/ The London Spirits Competition 2024 results. A Cuban rum won Spirit of the Year and one of Scotland’s newest distilleries was the Single Malt Scotch of the Year. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_66157c200b1c700b02da1405 Wed, 10 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400 2024-04-15T03:14:31-04:00 The London Spirits Competition 2024 results. A Cuban rum won Spirit of the Year and one of Scotland’s newest distilleries was the Single Malt Scotch of the Year. Photo, courtesy Isle of Raasay Distillery Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/04/04/why-you-should-explore-the-world-of-sake/ Curious about Sake? Sake is a Japanese rice wine made through a brewing process similar to beer. With a range of aroma and flavor profile it's well worth exploring. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_660d7541e176f70b3119cd08 Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400 2024-04-05T03:45:14-04:00 Curious about Sake? Sake is a Japanese rice wine made through a brewing process similar to beer. With a range of aroma and flavor profile it's well worth exploring. getty Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/04/01/gordon--macphail-release-mr-george-a-65-yo-scotch-whiskey/ Gordon & MacPhail, Scotland’s legendary whisky producer and independent bottler, has released a 65YO Scotch whisky, The Mr. George Legacy 1958 from Glen Grant Distillery Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_660b1d5dac535408af644ec6 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 21:00:40 -0400 2024-04-03T04:29:12-04:00 Gordon & MacPhail, Scotland’s legendary whisky producer and independent bottler, has released a 65YO Scotch whisky, The Mr. George Legacy 1958 from Glen Grant Distillery Photo, courtesy Gordon & MacPhail Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/03/21/the-top-japanese-whiskies-according-to-the-2024-world-whiskies-awards/ Seven Japanese whiskies took top awards at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. The winners were a mix of historic distilleries and new craft producers. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_65f4ff4767432e71d2d34f42 Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0400 2024-03-26T07:48:35-04:00 Seven Japanese whiskies took top awards at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. The winners were a mix of historic distilleries and new craft producers. Photo, courtesy Mars Tsunuki Distillery Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/03/21/the-best-canadian-whiskies-according-to-the-2024-world-whiskies-awards/ The top Canadian whiskies were recently announced at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Ten Canadian whiskies took top honors in their respective categories. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_65f4fae6bfc55b613e87ca52 Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:15:00 -0400 2024-03-22T03:40:48-04:00 The top Canadian whiskies were recently announced at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Ten Canadian whiskies took top honors in their respective categories. Photo, courtesy Gibson's Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/03/21/the-best-irish-whiskeys-according-to-the-world-whiskies-awards/ The World Whisky Awards has just announced the top Irish whiskeys from the 2024 Judging. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_65f2c4f34b305b119dcd23b9 Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2024-03-22T03:40:48-04:00 The World Whisky Awards has just announced the top Irish whiskeys from the 2024 Judging. Photo, courtesy Redbreast Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/03/20/world-whiskies-awards-the-top-single-malts-from-around-the-world/ Today, more than 50 countries produce single malt whisky. Here are the top single malts from around the world. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_65f78b5e38b2ae0cd7052ab0 Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:30:00 -0400 2024-03-22T03:40:06-04:00 Today, more than 50 countries produce single malt whisky. Here are the top single malts from around the world. Photo, courtesy The English Distillery Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/03/20/the-best-blended-scotch-according-to-the-2024-world-whiskies-awards/ Ballantine’s 30 YO was selected as the World’s Best Blended Whisky as well as the Best Scottish Blended Whisky 21 Years & Over at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_65f42baab92b132846041fe4 Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0400 2024-03-22T03:40:05-04:00 Ballantine’s 30 YO was selected as the World’s Best Blended Whisky as well as the Best Scottish Blended Whisky 21 Years & Over at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Photo, courtesy Ballantine's/Chivas Regal Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/2024/03/20/the-best-single-cask-single-malt-scotch-from-the-world-whisky-awards/ Single barrel single malt Scotch whiskies are among the world’s rarest bottlings. Here are the top picks from the 2024 World Whiskies Awards Joseph V Micallef, Contributor Joseph V Micallef, Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/joemicallef/ content_65f16819c65638327c7a2384 Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:30:00 -0400 2024-03-22T03:40:04-04:00 Single barrel single malt Scotch whiskies are among the world’s rarest bottlings. Here are the top picks from the 2024 World Whiskies Awards Photo, courtesy Glen Scotia Spirits /spirits Lifestyle /lifestyle Spirits /spirits lifestyle joemicallefblog standard