Local Distilling Company Wins Big At 16th Annual World Spirits Competition

Nevada H&C Distilling Company, owned by Jonathan Hensleigh and Aaron Chepenik, who in 2007 co-founded The Griffin, a popular and trend-setting bar in the Fremont East Entertainment District in downtown Las Vegas, recently won two coveted awards at the 16th annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition ® (SFWSC).   The company’s Smoke Wagon Bourbon, in the “aged up to five years” category, took home gold; its Silver Dollar Vodka won silver. In total, nearly 1,900 other entries from around the world participated in the competition that was judged by a tasting panel of 39 highly experienced judges.

Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition® is America's most respected and influential international spirits event. Products are evaluated in a blind, consensual procedure ensuring the SFWSC maintains its reputation for the highest level of integrity. Winning participants receive the awards of double gold, gold, silver or bronze, marking their product as one of the highest quality in the world.

“We are honored and ecstatic to have two of our locally crafted spirits recognized at this global competition,” said Hensleigh.  “A win at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition has the potential to be a real difference maker for new spirits and distilleries.”

“We’re hoping this recognition helps H&C Distilling Company grow both locally and nationally,” added Chepenik.

Nevada H&C Distilling Company currently operates out of a portion of a leased building at 418 W. Mesquite Ave.  Just a few weeks ago, the company purchased more than three adjacent acres from a legal city entity called City Parkway V for the purposes of expanding the business. The company plans to construct 10,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space, as well as an additional 9,000 square feet of storage space in two buildings. This business expansion is expected to create 28 new jobs, with wages ranging from $12 to $25 per hour.  Twenty construction jobs will also be generated.

The company’s products are distributed by Break Thru Beverage Group (formerly Wirtz).

For more information on Nevada H&C Distilling Company, visit www.NevadaDistilling.com or like their Facebook page www.facebook.com/Nevada-HC-Distilling-Co-226197757740629/?fref=ts .