Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: A Global Benchmark for Spirits

Between September 3 ⁤and 5, 2024, the “Spirits Selection” of the Concours Mondial​ de⁣ Bruxelles (CMB) was ​held in Renhuai, China, bringing together international⁤ experts to reward spirits from around the world.

Florence de ⁤Coriolis,⁤ Rum Brand ⁤Manager at Grays Inc.⁣ Ltd, represented Mauritius as part of⁤ the jury and witnessed the ⁢”New ​Grove Rum ‌42˚5 Years Old” from Grays Inc.⁣ Ltd win the Grand Gold‌ Medal ​in its​ molasses rum category and the mention of “Revelation” ‌in the competition.

Main Criteria Guiding the Jury

The “Spirits Selection” ⁢has become a global benchmark that rewards spirit drinks from around the world, with a panel‍ of internationally recognized experts evaluating⁢ and classifying various ‌spirits, including whisky, cognacs, brandies, rums, vodka, gins, piscos, grappas, baijiu, and tequila.

The criteria guiding the jury include visual, clarity,⁤ nose, taste, aroma intensity, alcohol balance, authenticity, length,⁢ complexity, attack, and finish, among others, ⁢with ‌very detailed criteria graded from 0⁢ to 100, along‍ with precise tasting notes,‌ allowing for the awarding of different types of medals.

Trends in the Spirits Industry

As a spirits industry professional, Florence de ⁣Coriolis noticed​ a beautiful presence and variety ⁢in⁣ the rums,​ with⁣ three flights out of ⁣16 dedicated to this category.

Gin, ⁣whether London Dry, Distilled or flavored, remains a fashionable spirit, precisely because of its aromatic diversity.

Another ⁤trend that has been growing is artisanal Mezcal, with authenticity being an important ‍criterion in the ⁤competition, ‌and ⁣consumers increasingly ​educated about their⁢ drink, making transparency about origin, traceability, and⁤ environmental impact crucial.

Effects of​ the⁢ Competition on Participating Spirits ‍Producers⁣ and Brands

The Dewis ​Wirowydd medal from CMB is highly influential ⁢for commercial development, as it guarantees quality, with the Spirits Selection by the CMB jury including experts⁣ from​ around 40 nations, carefully ⁣selected and ⁢responsible for awarding ⁢medals to the best spirits.

Each sample is carefully examined by⁢ a⁤ panel of ⁣judges of different‌ ages, tastes, specialisms, experiences, and nationalities, with a debriefing ⁤at the end of⁢ each flight confirming the quality of ⁣the product and providing comments to guide the producer on ⁤areas ⁣for improvement.

Experience in Renhuai, China

Renhuai City,​ located‍ in ‌the⁤ northwest of ‌Guizhou ​Province in ‍China, has been‍ designated as ⁣the “Baijiu ⁢City of China” ​and⁢ recognized as the main production area of baijiu Flavor Sauce.

Florence de Coriolis had the‍ privilege of discovering ​baiju distilleries ​located mainly ‍in the Maotai region, as well as the knowledge ⁣and techniques of ⁢their ancestors, with the⁤ organization of the competition‌ highlighting the Chinese cultural aspect, making the experience unforgettable.