Judges & Mixologists
Love
Batch 22
Batch 22’s New American Aquavit has garnered significant acclaim, securing prestigious awards such as the Gold Medal for Best Specialty Spirit from the Beverage Testing Institute in 2022, a Platinum Medal from the L.A. Spirits Awards, and Specialty Spirit of the Year at the New Orleans Spirits Competition. Critics praise its unique American spin on traditional Old World aquavit recipes, highlighting its smoother, more mellow, citrus-and-herb forward profile. This exceptional quality has led to its recognition as a delightful sipper in its own right.
Batch 22
Awards
New Orleans spirits
2022 Specialty spirit of the year
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One of the most prestigious competitions in America, this event draws high-powered beverage professionals from all over the world. Presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.
Concours d'spirits
Gold
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Concours d’Spirits is a highly respected competition judged by some of the world’s most prominent spirits experts. Presented by the SOMM Journal, winners are featured in an issue of the publication and are celebrated in the Winner’s Circle at the San Diego Bay Food & Wine Festival.
bartender Spirits Awards
2022 Gold
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This competition recognizes that bartenders are the true influencers. The official statement from the BSA reads, “their passions and tastes provide direction for the consumer, especially via their guidance with wine, beer or spirit recommendations.” The creation of new drinks is often driven by bartender tastes and perceptions of current trends.
SIP Awards
Innovation Award 2023
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The Innovation Award applauds spirits with an interesting and unique taste profile or design. Consumer judges deem these spirits as innovative and groundbreaking by highlighting them with this exclusive recognition.
Best Aquavit L.a. Spirits
2022 Platinum medal
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L.A. Spirits Awards judges entries in more than 100 categories. Medalists must advance through multiple rounds of judging to emerge as winners.
Beverage testing institute
2022 Gold medal specialty spirit
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The Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) was founded in 1981 as the first international wine competition in the United States. In 1994, spirits and other beverage categories were added and, since that time, BTI has become an international leader, recognized as one of the world’s leading resources for beverage evaluation, rating, and review.
San diego Spirits Festival
2022 Silver
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Held on the campus of La Jolla’s beautiful Museum of Contemporary Art, this annual festival and judging competition brings together industry leaders and local producers in a celebration of all that’s innovative and exciting in the world of spirits.
World Sprits Competition
2024 Gold
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The New York World Spirits Competition, organized by The Tasting Alliance, is a prestigious event that recognizes excellence in the spirits industry, awarding top honors to standout spirits from around the world.
Batch 22
In the news
New aquavit 'Batch 22' is Alan Arkin approved
Inspired by a mysterious drink encountered on a movie set, Alan Arkin encouraged his son, Matthew, and friends to create their own aquavit. After 21 failed attempts, their 22nd batch, aptly named “Batch 22” as a nod to Alan’s role in “Catch-22,” received Alan’s enthusiastic approval.
Why you need aquavit
In the video “Why YOU NEED Aquavit” by The Educated Barfly, Batch 22 is praised as a standout new release. It’s celebrated for its smooth, sippable character, which features citrus, caraway, and dill, and makes it a versatile substitute for vodka or gin in cocktails. Its award-winning pedigree includes a Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute, which proves that Batch 22 elevates any drink with its unique and balanced flavors.
5 Celebrity spirits that are actually great
“Intriguing. Weird. Unforgettable. These are just a few of the words I’d use to describe this one-of-a-kind liquor that may not be for everyone but is perfect for an adventurous drinker looking for something different. I get notes of licorice that remind me somewhat of absinthe but my best advice is to try this with an open mind and prepare to take a walk on the wild side.”
Featured on san diego magazine's
Happy Half Hour
Listen to our raucous interview on the Happy Half Hour podcast with Troy Johnson & David Martin: “Small-Batch Aquavit Is Here (and it’s gooooood).”
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John Kessler
James Beard Award-Winning Food Critic, Chicago
“The flavor of Batch 22 is evocative but hard to put your finger on. On the one hand, it tastes Old World, like something a Romanoff in exile might drink from a tiny, cut crystal cordial glass after dinner. On the other, it’s the mystery savory ingredient in a modern cocktail. Both ways, it’s pretty smashing.”
Suzanne Tracht
Chef/Owner of the Iconic JAR Restaurant in Los Angeles
“Aquavit! I’d been looking for one that I actually liked. Then Matthew appeared at JAR with some samples of Batch 22. We’ve worked it into some cocktails and they’re a hit. It’s not just any aquavit. It has a real personality of its own.”
Amy Aquino
Acclaimed Film & Television Actor
“Since my first sip, I was hooked. And now, if I don’t get my Batch 22 cocktail every evening, I’m a very unhappy camper. I’ve tried to replicate it, but nothing comes close. Everything is better with some Batch.“
Edison Food+Drink Lab
“It was a pleasure to taste your products. They are all very dynamic, approachable, and easy to use; a great asset behind any craft bar.”
Buenos Aires Cafe
“Batch 22 is smooth and multilayered, with a perfect mix of flavors for creating all sorts of cool new cocktails.”
Stir
“We had such great fun creating cocktails with all four expressions of Batch 22. My entire staff fell in love with it!”
Tiffanie Barriere
Renowned Spirits Judge and Cocktail Educator (from her IG Story @thedrinkingcoach)
“This aquavit challenges the status quo of what an aquavit can be and that is exciting. The quality of liquid in this bottle is stunning.”
John Foster
Chef/Owner & Culinary Chair, Sullivan University
“One of the most exciting developments in the culinary flavor game. Aside from the obvious impact on mixology, it’s potential in culinary applications is uncharted. I look eagerly forward to creating with Batch 22 and having a glass after shift.”
