Austrian distiller awarded gold medal for Organic Vodka

An Austrian distiller has been awarded a gold medal for his ‘Organic Vodka’ at the International Wine and Spirits Competition 2012 in London.

Josef Farthofer, from the Austrian Mostviertel won the only Austrian gold medal at the event where more than 2,400 spirits were put to the test.

Judges described the vodka as ‘squeaky clean with light floral notes. Warming glow on entry to the mouth. Soft and clean with the alcohol giving impression of slight sweetness. Sharp, crisp and incredibly clean’.

In total only three gold medals were award in the spirit section.

Farthofer said:  “That shows that the air at the very top is very thin. That makes me even happier about the award.”

Ninety vodkas in total were tested from all over the world. The Austrian vodka has now been voted the ‘best in the world’

“Attention to detail, a fine nose, and extreme care when producing the product are the most important factors behind the success.

“In our family business, great attention is given to securing high quality raw materials and ensuring organic production,” Aaded Farthofer.

The Farthofer family will travel to London in November to pick up their prize at an awards ceremony at the Guildhall on 14th of November.

Josef Farthofer is the fifth generation of his family to distil spirits and liquors and offers the largest selection of organic spirits and liquors in Austria.

The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.

This standard is achieved through a rigorous two-stage judging process of professional blind tasting and detailed technical (chemical and microbiological) analysis that takes place at The Competition’s headquarters in Surrey, UK.

To ensure perfect conditions, the premises include temperature-controlled cellars, a fully equipped independent laboratory for technical analysis, and three dedicated tasting rooms.