The International SIP Awards announced results of its 2021 competition recently, honoring Blue Shark Vodka as the winner of the Platinum award in the vodka category for the second year in a row, and presenting the Wilmington-based distillery with a Consumer's Choice Award as well.

Blue Shark was the only North Carolina vodka to receive a Platinum award in 2021 and one of two vodkas in the United States to be recognized in this class.
 
“We are beyond thrilled to learn that consumer judges have validated all our hard work in distilling an exceptional product,” said Blue Shark Vodka founder Mark Bloomquist in a news release.

The SIP Awards Competition is the only internationally recognized consumer judging spirits competition. Unlike other spirits competitions, the SIP Awards are conducted by consumers rather than industry professionals. Organizers believe this allows for a truer picture of consumer preferences without industry bias.

In total, the family-owned Wilmington distillery won six awards this year including “Best in Class” package design for Blue Shark’s entire bottle series and a Double Gold in package design for a special edition bottle created by ocean muralist Wyland.

Bloomquist said Blue Shark Vodka’s smooth and unique flavor profile comes from its main ingredient, non-GMO North Carolina sweet corn.

“Our goal is to shine a spotlight on North Carolina and the incredible creators in the food and spirits industry here. Receiving this kind of attention at the SIP Awards is a great opportunity to do just that," Bloomquist said in the release. "We are proud to represent North Carolina vodka in this competition.”

Blue Shark Vodka is also on a mission to preserve and protect the sharks swimming along North Carolina’s coast and beyond. Their efforts include a partnership with the Wyland Foundation, which works to create around educational programs focused on ocean conservation, and the Atlantic Shark Institute, which conducts research and provides support and resources to shark researchers working in the Atlantic.

Blue Shark Vodka is available in North Carolina ABC stores.

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