Amazing Wins from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition Top Shelf Gala

The Tasting Alliance’s Top Shelf Gala 2024 was held on October 6th in San Francisco, California. Held annually as part of the Top Shelf weekend, it celebrates the ‘Best in Class’ and ‘Best in Show’ winners from The Tasting Alliance Competitions.

ImpEx Beverages was extremely honored to be part of the fanfare, earning top recognition for two of their expressions.

Pōkeno Exploration Series Winter Malt, proudly represented at the Gala by Founder Matt Johns, was awarded Double Gold, 97 points from the 2024 San Francisoc World Spirits Competition. At the Gala, it was named BEST OF CLASS – OTHER SINGLE MALT WHISKY.

The ImpEx Collection 2007 15 yo Long Pond Rum Cask 12 ITP, represented at the Gala by our own Sam Filmus and Chris Uhde, was awarded Double Gold, 98 points from the 2024 San Francisoc World Spirits Competition. At the Gala it was named BEST OF CLASS EXTRA AGED RUM, BEST OVERALL RUM, and BEST IN SHOW.

Our Winter Malt was inspired by the unique selection of New Zealand malts that we chose for our mashbill.

Manuka Smoked Malt: The Manuka tree is indigenous to New Zealand, and this is the world’s only manuka smoked malt. It has a smooth, sweet smokiness

Chocolate Roasted Malt: This is specially roasted for us, and has lovely coffee and chocolate aromas.

Toffee Malt: This is a unique malt, roasted at very low temperatures and then caramelized. It adds honey and toffee flavors.

Laureate Distillers Malt: This is a very sweet and floral malt.

We have then aged the Winter Malt in only the finest first fill Bourbon barrels.

48% abv.

Limited Release – 900 bottles for the US

A day in a secret garden where big Oak spice, wet ivy, raspberries, and pears tickle your nose. Fresh pear, mandarin orange, and a touch of mint tantalize the palate then finish with burnt sugared oranges.

248 Bottles at 52.8% abv.