San Diego-based distillery, Cutwater Spirits, is proud to announce its latest accolades from the esteemed International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2022 including a Gold Outstanding medal for both Cutwater Mezcals (Joven and Reposado). IWSC notes that Cutwater Mezcal Reposado is an “outstanding spirit with naturally exceptional balance, complexity and power,” and is “An example that immediately sets itself apart from others in the category.”
Cutwater is most known for pioneering the canned cocktail category, and they also make over 20 bottled spirits spanning nearly every category, including tequila, rum, vodka, gin, whiskey and liqueur. Mezcal is the newest category to join Cutwater’s expansive lineup, making these wins especially impressive.
2022 IWSC Results for Cutwater Spirits include:
- Gold Outstanding (98) – Mezcal Reposado
- Gold Outstanding (98) – Mezcal Joven
- Gold (96) – Bali Hai Tiki Dark Rum
- Silver (91) – Anejo Tequila
- Silver (91) – Blanco Tequila
- Silver (91) – Barrel-Aged Rum
- Silver (91) – Bali Hai Tiki Gold Pineapple Rum
- Silver (90) – Reposado Tequila
- Silver (90) – Vodka
Over the past decade, Cutwater Spirits has earned more than 1,850 awards across its product portfolio. Cutwater Spirits’ Master Distiller and Co-Founder Yuseff Cherney oversees production with a meticulous passion for quality as a driving force behind the brand.
Cutwater Mezcals are produced in Durango as a collaboration between Cherney of Cutwater Spirits and Gaston Martinez, owner of a Durango-based mezcal distillery (CRM: D614G). With a shared commitment to quality, Cherney works with Martinez’s team to distill mezcal from wild Cenizo Agaves using old-world, traditional methods. Their debut release was Mezcal Joven in 2021, while their newest release, Mezcal Reposado, is rolling out nationwide now.
For every wild Cenizo Agave harvested for production, Cutwater is planting five Cenizo Hijuelos (baby agave) and establishing an on-premise nursery to cultivate new agave plants from seed to ensure biological diversity for future Cenizo in the wild.
“Fortunately, we have found a Mescalero in Durango, Mexico, who believes in our vision and methods, and was willing to partner with us to create world-class distilled spirits. Their guidance and expertise have allowed us to create a truly amazing and award-winning Mezcal together,” shared Cherney.
Cutwater Spirits will continue to innovate and release new, bar-quality canned cocktails and spirits. Follow Cutwater Spirits on Instagram to stay up to date.
Terry Bunch
