This year, the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition expanded to include different types of spirits including vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila and mezcal.
Top honors in the spirits competition went to Third Coast Importing, Zuidam Dry Gin. This award-winning gin sells for about $30, and if you visit their website(http://www.zuidam.com/recipes.html), you will find that it can be used to create an amazing number of interesting cocktails! Among my favorites were the Zuidam Chocolate Shake, the Dutch Mojito and the Zuidam Hi Tea (served at the 2006 White House Press Association Dinner Party). There are even a few videos you can watch that will demonstrate how to expertly mix your cocktails and impress your guests!

Visit lawinecomp.com for a complete listing of winners from the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition.