DURHAM, NC – May 5th, 2017- North Carolina-based Graybeard Distillery recently debuted Bedlam Vodka, a new vodka brand distilled from rice, to critical acclaim at the 2017 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America’s Convention & Exposition (WSWA) in Orlando, FL. Distributors, media and other attendees had an opportunity to sample the product, learn about Graybeard’s unique distillation process and be introduced to the Bedlam brand and its one-of-a-kind backstory.

Bedlam Vodka quickly became a convention favorite as it took home three prestigious awards, garnering the attention of top media, distributors and industry influencers. The brand was presented with the Hot New Now Media Award, voted on by attending media for the best new product. Criteria used to select the winner included creativity and marketing, distinctive packaging, market appeal, as well as unique flavor. In addition to this award, Bedlam Vodka was also named a winner in the Spirit Tasting Competition, sponsored by THE TASTING PANEL Magazine and SOMM Journal.

Most notably, Bedlam Vodka won top prize at WSWA’s Brand Battle, beating out five other finalists selected out nearly one hundred submissions to make a live presentation to a panel of celebrity and industry judges. “It was truly an honor to win this year’s Brand Battle competition,” says Graybeard CEO, Brandon Evans. “This win is a great testament to the power of branding, quality product, and our disruptive approach to the spirits industry.”

Beginning in May, Bedlam Vodka will be available at North Carolina ABC stores, as well as various bars and restaurants across the state, followed by launches nationwide.

ABOUT GRAYBEARD DISTILLERY:
Located in Durham, Graybeard is the largest grain to glass distiller in North Carolina. Using a process perfected by Irish ancestors over the past seven centuries, they created Bedlam Vodka – A Drinkable Spirit. Distilled from rice, Bedlam offers a smooth, “drinkable” quality not found in other vodka brands. For more information on Graybeard Distillery and Bedlam Vodka, visit www.bedlamvodka.com or follow Bedlam Vodka on social media at @BedlamVodka.

ABOUT WSWA:
WSWA is a national trade association representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry and is the voice for wholesalers in Congress, the administration, the courts, with the news media and in communities across America. Founded in 1943, WSWA has 405 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States. Learn more about the WSWA Convention & Exposition at www.wswaconvention.org and more about the association at www.wswa.org.