FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Readers,

First, we are thrilled to have Grand Rapids-based distiller Sip Shine, LLC, which produces Sip Shine Moonshine (flavored moonshine), Kyodie, and Gannett Peak whiskeys, on the cover. The innovative cocktails and beverages made with their flavored moonshines (including Moonshine Slushies) and whiskeys disrupt the spirits industry.

The 2022 PR%F Awards medals are going out this week, and we are thrilled to get the hardware you have earned into your hands finally.

Enclosed is a sneak peek of what they look like, each hand stamped with our signature wax drip look.

We are especially excited to share our new look for Century Awards—the 100 perfect score medals are now fiery red. This medal will signify your brand has achieved the highest in the PR%F Awards— the highest accolade of 100 points from at least 75% of our judges.

This year, we debuted a new commendation for those brands that are certified Kosher. You do not “win” this medal; we provide it as a special incentive for your marketing needs to showcase and boast that your brand is certified Kosher. Ensure you note this when entering the PR%F Awards 2023 since a growing number of brands are highlighting that they have been certified Kosher.

A growing number of female-owned spirits and wines are entering the competition, and each woman-owned brand receives a hot pink metallic commendation when they enter their SKUs. We enjoy highlighting elements of our industry that deserve a spotlight, and the incredible strides these women have made during the last two decades in the beverage industry deserve notoriety.

We have extended our Alcohol Free (PR%F AF) categories and created a new list of non-alcoholic mixers for our beverage competition.

As we dive into PR%F 2023, I want to highlight last year’s top winners one last time as a true testament to innovation, perseverance, and pushing the envelope!

• PR%F Awards 2022 – Most Innovative Spirit – 503 Distilling I’m Your Huckleberry Lemonade

• PR%F Awards 2022 – Best in Show – Overall – Kaiyõ Whisky – The Kuri

• PR%F Awards 2022 – Best in Show – Design – Santos Dumont Hors d’Age Heritage

• PR%F Awards 2022 – Best in Show – Value – Kinky Blue Liqueur

• PR%F Awards 2022 – Best in Show Wine – Cornelio Vegas Vella Blanco Rioja

Make sure you check out everything PR%F Awards at our website, www.proofawards.com. This is the easy way to enter your brand, enjoy PR%F the Magazine, see the different sponsorships and programs we offer, as well as get a taste of the event, our judges, and everything PR&F Awards.

Cheers & Namaste!

Michele D. Tell Executive Director, PR%F the Magazine Founder, PR%F Awards

8 12th annual nth ultimate whisky and spirits experience

Celebrating the 12th Annual Nth Ultimate Whisky and Spirits Experience

Whisky connoisseurs celebrated the 12th Annual Nth Ultimate Whisky and Spirits Experience at the luxurious Wynn Las Vegas Resort. Inventor of The Neat Glass and tasting expert George Manska, Proof Awards lead wine judge Matthew Lindsey, Editor-in-Chief of PR%F the Magazine Debbie Hall, and expert Eve Hammond Bushman attended the event. The special evening included an incredible selection of whisky, scotch, bourbon, and many other unique beverages presented by over 80 exhibitors. In addition, there were master classes hosted by experts, along with sharing the experience with legendary master distillers, blenders, and mixologists.

12th Annual Nth Ultimate Whisky And Spirits Experience