These three budget gin, whisky and vodka bottles were named best in the world

REVEALED: These three budget gin, whisky and vodka bottles were named best in the world – and you can get them from Coles Liquorland

  • Three budget spirits have won gold at international awards in San Francisco
  • A whisky, dry gin and vodka priced at no more than $35 were named best 
  • The spirits were considered on par or better than top-shelf competitors
  • Australians can buy all three from Liquorland, First Choice and Vintage Cellars

A trio of budget liquors sold at Coles Liquorland, First Choice and Vintage Cellars stores across Australia have been named the best at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The John Samson Blended Scotch Whisky, Old Lions Dry Gin (both $33), and Volsk Vodka ($35) beat out stiff competition from 3,000 other competitors and were awarded gold medals.

The spirits were assessed by a panel of judges who described the products as ‘exceptional spirits that are near the pinnacle of achievement’ – ranking them as equal or better than expensive others.

A trio of budget liquors sold at Coles Liquorland, First Choice and Vintage Cellars stores across Australia have been named the best at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition

The John Samson Blended Scotch Whisky, Old Lions Dry Gin (pictured), and Volsk Vodka won against 3,000 competitors and were awarded gold medals

The John Samson Blended Scotch Whisky, Old Lions Dry Gin (pictured), and Volsk Vodka won against 3,000 competitors and were awarded gold medals

In a statement, Coles Liquor General Manager of Merchandise Brad Gorman said: ‘Coles Liquor is committed to being Australia’s most-awarded liquor retailer, and these latest accolades show that our customers can drink the best of the best without sacrificing value.’

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the world’s most respected liquor shows, with judges spending four days blind-tasting over 3,000 different entries.

Without the distraction of brand names and packaging, the judges’ evaluation is based specifically on the quality of the alcohol.

The John Samson Blended Scotch Whisky is a smooth, balanced blend of scotch whiskies and has a soft aroma with a fresh palate

The John Samson Blended Scotch Whisky is a smooth, balanced blend of scotch whiskies and has a soft aroma with a fresh palate

The Volsk Vodka is described online as ‘fresh and delicate’ and an ‘exceptionally smooth vodka’

The Volsk Vodka is described online as ‘fresh and delicate’ and an ‘exceptionally smooth vodka’

The John Samson Blended Scotch Whisky is a smooth, balanced blend of scotch whiskies and has a soft aroma with a fresh palate.

The Old Lions Dry Gin is an ideal London dry style gin without an expensive price tag and can be mixed to create numerous cocktails.

Meanwhile, the Volsk Vodka is described online as ‘fresh and delicate’ and an ‘exceptionally smooth vodka’.

All three spirits can be purchased from Coles Liquorland, First Choice and Vintage Cellars stores across Australia.

How to make a Cinnamon, Orange and Whisky Smash cocktail 

Ingredients: 

60ml John Samson Blended Scotch Whisky

1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

30ml orange juice

½ tsp orange zest

Soda water

Orange slice to garnish

Method: 

Crush cinnamon stick into pieces and add to a cocktail shaker with orange zest and juice. Add whisky and shake well

Add ice to a tumbler and double strain the cocktail into the glass. Top with soda and garnish with orange slice

Source: Coles website

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