Lebanon’s first vodka shines in two categories at the 2017 International Wine and Spirit Competition
J2, Lebanon’s first vodka, has won silver medals in the 2017 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London, taking second place in the Best Vodka and Best Vodka and Tonic categories.
J2 combines the finest wheat and rye with the purity of Lebanon’s natural snowmelt spring water. “[The aromas] are subtle and clean, with the faintest hint of savory,” said IWSC judges. “On the palate, J2 showed great texture: smooth, with a light creaminess. Hints of rainwater and delicate spice [that] make this taste so very soft and pure, reminiscent of a mountain spring.”
Adam Aboulhosn, founder and CEO of Middle East Beverage Company (MEBEVCO) said, “The J2 team and I are honored and humbled by this achievement. J2 is an exceptional vodka. We have worked diligently to perfect the product and are thrilled to receive this recognition of excellence. The stringent judging process is not only a testament to the quality of J2, but also to the high standards of the competition.”
J2 is the genetic marker for descendants of the ancient Phoenicians, whose realm spread across the Mediterranean from 1550 BC to 300 BC. The center of this mighty empire was in modern day Lebanon, with the cities of Byblos, Tyre and Sidon still standing as a reminder of a remarkable and proud history that is now shared among millions across the globe. Today, descendants of the great Phoenicians – carriers of the J2 DNA strand – can be found in just