The 2007 Drammies: Nominees

The Nominees are in

The emails are in and you've made your choices.

We received hundreds of nominations - I'm impressed with some of the stuff the readership is drinking. Some of the potential nominees were things that are so rare (or hard to get, like the Laphroaig Oloroso Sherry) I doubt we'd have enough people who could have possible tried them in order to vote - but points for obscurity to you nominators!

We also had the same products nominated in both Best & Worst Marketing Categories (can you say "Macallan 55 yo Lalique?); and also received some nominations in the "NEW" categories that, while they may have been new to you, have been on the streets for some time - disqualifying them from the 2007 awards.

In the end the nominees come down to what received the most nominations - and what really deserved to have a shot at the most coveted award in the whisky world - The Drammies.

Why coveted? Because instead of an off-hand comment by Jim Murray that becomes turned into "The Best in the World" and splashed in ads, press releases, and stories by "journalists" who are too lazy to really write a story - these awards are nominated and voted on by people who actually drink and enjoy the subject matter.

Without further ado:

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Your Nominees

Best Packaging/ Marketing Campaign
Marketing counts. This packaging is sure to make someone pick it up. Ad, viral video, commercial, packaging, publicity stunt. Whatever it was it was the best.

• Ardbeg Mor
  • "Bigger is better, right?"
• Highland Park 18 "Whisky Amnesty" at Glasgow, Whisky Live
  • "Good idea, well executed"
• Johnnie Walker  "Keep Walking" (Campaign)
  • "Heck.. I dont even like Johnny walker. But I must say.. their "Keep walking"-commercials are good!"
• The Knot - Viral videos
• Maker's Mark Ambassador program
• Port Charlotte (Packaging)

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Bang for the Buck
You simply can't beat this whisky at this price. You'd probably buy it if it cost more, but for now you'll just load up on it.

• Benromach Traditional
• Black Bottle 10 year old
• Bulleit Bourbon
• Forty Creek Barrel Select
• Glenfarclas 105
• Laphroaig Quarter Cask

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Distiller/Blender/Independent Bottler of the Year
Over all this distiller/blender did the best job this year. New Products, moving the industry forward, whatever criteria you choose, these guys are in the forefront.

• Benriach
• Bruichladdich
• Ichiro
• Dewar Rattray
• Duncan Taylor
• Single Malts of Scotland

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Most Innovative New Product
Was there anything NEW this year that just put everyone else to shame? Someone who moved the bar, tried something different.

• Compass Box Canto Series
• Johnnie Walker Bespoke Blend Experience
• Nikka Single Coffey Malt

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Best New Product (whisky)
The category says it all. This product was introduced (or reached your market) in 2007. And it was simply the best new thing out there.

• Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist
• Compass Box Hedonism Maximus
• Glenfarclas Family Casks
• Port Charlotte PC5
• Stranahan's Colorado Whisky

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Best New Product (Non-whisky i.e., book, resource, web site, etc)
You couldn't drink it, but you could read it, view it, use it. This product was introduced (or reached your market) in 2007. And it was simply the best new thing out there.

• The Legend of Laphroaig - Hans Offringa
• "What Does John Know" - John Hansell
• The Whisky Channel - Ian Buxton
• Dr. Whisky - Sam Simmons
  
  • Technically started in 2006, Sam had 4 pathethic posts before coming back with a passion to become one of the most informative and interesting sites in the whisky world.

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Most under-rated-whisky
This one doesn't get any respect. People don't know about it OR it's just a lot better than people give it credit for.

• Arran 10
• Glenfarclas
  • Pick a Glenfarclas, any Glenfarclas - and you won't go wrong, so we are saying the whole line of Glenfarclas is under-appreciated.
• Sheep Dip (Spencerfield Spirits)
  
  • It's only the higher-priced vatted malts that get any press. Sheep Dip is one of those whiskies you want to be able to tell your friends that you've been drinking for years. Here's your chance to get in early.
• Dalmore Cigar Malt (Whyte & Mackay)
• Amrut (An actual Indian Grain-based Whisky)

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Worst Marketing Campaign
Ad, viral video, commercial, packaging, publicity stunt. Whatever it was it was the worst.

• Canadian Club (Damn Right Your Dad Drank It)
  • "Misogynistic and insulting"
  • "Tacky and it cheapens the product."
• Glenfiddich (Every Year Counts)
  • "I don't get it." "Too Artsy"
• Glenmorangie Brand overhaul
  • "Why?"
• Johnnie Walker Blue - King George V
  • "More aimless, mindless brand extension"
• Macallan 55 year old Lalique
  • "Ugly over-priced perfume bottle"
    

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Let the VOTING begin!

Email your choices for each category...

Rules for voting

1. You are allowed to vote for only one candidate in each category.
2. When submitting votes, please feel free to add an explanation why you feel your candidate should win.
3. Voting goes through through January 31. Winners will be announced shortly thereafter.