aēlo Wins Silver at San Diego International Spirits Competition

We have something to celebrate. aēlo Handcrafted Cocktails won two silver medals in the Other Spirits category at the 12t San Diego Spirits Festival, hosted in San Diego, California.  

Our winning cocktails competed against hundreds of entries from international brands, conducted by a panel of experienced judges. The silver winning pair includes our Aperitivo Spritz and Gin & Tonic.  

The festival ran from the 11th to 12th September 2021 showcasing some of the finest and unique beverages including spirits and cocktails.

Throughout the week leading up to the festival, expert judges took part in a controlled blind tasting panel. Each judge taste-tested every product entry in a fair and unbiased setting. No beverage or produce information made it to the judges to maintain a fair tasting selection.

After serious tasting sessions, the judges picked entries that deserved a gold, silver, or bronze medal.   

About the San Diego Spirits Festival

The San Diego Spirits Festival is an annual event now in its 12th year. Featuring the best in beverages and cocktails, the festival aims to bring fine spirits to the San Diego public. The festival is about celebrating the lifestyle and the culinary arts. Unique beverages combined with flavourful cuisine and memorable entertainment produce one of San Diego’s greatest cultural experiences.

The highlight of the two-day cultural extravaganza is the San Diego International Spirits Competition. Here, master craft distillers and cocktail makers submit their best products for judging under a controlled blind tasting and analysis. After a week of judging, the winners are announced at the festival where VIP tickets allow the festival goers to sample the winning beverages and meet the judges. 

The San Diego Spirits Festival aims to raise the standard of the alcohol industry by bringing top brands to the public. Through competitions, seminars, tastings, and celebrations, the festival hopes to build and recognize San Diego’s culinary community and bring international flavors to the people. 

Some of the brands featured at the festival come from many parts of the world. Some notable brands include Nolet Gin, Asomborso Tequilas, Chinola Passion Liqueurs, Frankly Vodkas, Cutwater Spirits, Tanduay Asian Rums, Happy Hour Tequila, Sagamore Spirits Whiskey’s, American Harvest Vodka, Rebru Spirits, and a host of others. 
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About Our Winning Cocktails

Our two silver medal cocktails impressed judges at this year's San Diego Spirits Festival. 

Our first winner is our Aperitivo Spritz. The Aperitivo Spritz takes the best of Aperitivo and blends it with fine handcrafted spirits. The blend consists of a unique bittersweet Aperitivo mixed with aromatic bitters and Prosecco. Notes of Seville oranges, rhubarb, and grapefruit complete the mix, finished off with real spices.  

Next is our Spanish-style Gin & Tonic. Our Gin and Tonic stays true to the refreshing natures of a gin and tonic by uniting handcrafted aromatic bitters with real spices. The flavor notes of a delicious blend of fresh mint, lime, blood oranges, and cucumber. To add a touch of sweetness, we added organic Stevia leaf.