Eugene, OR / April 23, 2021: The 2021 Denver International Spirits Competition drew 500 entries from all corners of the world and resulted in two medals for Puncher’s Chance™ 100% Kentucky Straight Bourbon: a silver medal for the bourbon itself, and a gold medal for the eye-catching bottle.
The tasting competition drew 149 whiskey entries. The judging panel of sommeliers, retail buyers, journalists, mixologists, and beverage directors evaluated all entries double-blind, and Puncher’s Chance™ won a Silver Medal.
Puncher’s Chance™ won a Gold Medal for its unique packaging with its crouching tiger imagery that conveys the “fighting spirit” at the core of the brand’s ethos.
Umberto Luchini, proprietor and founder of Wolf Spirit Distillery and creator of Puncher’s Chance™ says: “As an independent craft distillery, the awards are particularly validating as we are competing with multi-nationals such The Sazerac Company and Constellation Brands. We are delighted to be in such good company, and reassured we are on the right path.”
Puncher’s Chance™ Bourbon is a pure Kentucky Straight Bourbon inspired by two great American traditions: whiskey, and fighting for what we believe in. A marriage of 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old Kentucky Straight bourbons, it leads with caramel, spicy, slightly sweet, and creamy vanilla notes. The palate shows complex oaky sweetness alongside orange, dark chocolate, leather, and baking spices. The finish is long with sweet maple and sugar notes. A “pandemic baby,” Puncher’s Chance™ was strong right out of the gate, shipping nearly 10,000 6-bottle cases and 30 Private Barrels at cask strength (115- 122 proof) in its first four months of sales.
About Wolf Spirit Distillery: In his late 40s and with his own savings at stake, Umberto walked away from his CMO position at Campari America to launch Wolf Spirit Distillery, with the mission to live courageously with great purpose; to be honest; and hell-bent on upending the system. In addition to Blood x Sweat x Tears Vodka, the company created and owns Puncher’s Chance™ 100% Kentucky Straight Bourbon; as well as imports Tom of Finland Organic Vodka (which gives a full 5% of all profits to Tom of Finland Foundation which promotes tolerance toward all sexual orientations) and Bosscal Mezcal, a 100% organic mezcal from Durango, Mexico.