Birmingham Distiller in High Spirits After Competition

Two of Griffin Claw Brewing Co.s vodkas and its Polish style honey liqueur were honored in a recent national competition in Austin, TX. (Photo courtesy of Griffin Claw Brewing Co.)

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A Birmingham microbrewery won a gold and two bronze medals in a competition among 200 craft spirits distilleries across the country held earlier this month in Austin, TX.

Griffin Claw Brewing Co.’s winning spirits were among 329 entries at the American Crafts Spirits Association’s Second Annual Craft Spirits Competition Feb. 15, held in conjunction with the trade group’s convention and vendor show, according to a news release.

The Birmingham brewery and distillery won the gold medal was for its grain-distilled vodka, and bronze medals for its potato-distilled vodka and KRUPNIK, a Polish-style honey liqueur.

Competition was in six main categories: whiskey, brandy, rum, gin, liqueurs, vodka and distilled spirits specialty (DSS).

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Dan Rogers, head brewer, distiller and direction of brewery operations, said the competition was the first for its spirits line, which are made in-house from scratch.

“We mash, ferment, strip, the whole shebang ourselves and are not buying neutral grain spirits from another distiller or supplier,” he said.

Griffin Claw, located at 575 S. Eaton St., began offering its vodka and gin by the glass in its taproom in April 2014. Last December, customers were able to buy its spirits by the bottle.

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