Welcome to the first-ever Spirited magazine BEST Of Reader Poll results. After more than two years chronicling the intersections of the alcohol beverage industry, we wanted to hear directly from our readers.

Starting in January 2019, we placed a survey on our website and asked readers to tell us what they thought. We promoted the poll through email blasts, on the Spirited Facebook page and website, and in the magazine. To make sure the playing field was level, we used write-in ballots instead of drop-downs.

Several themes emerged among all of the winners. Readers chose businesses that offered personalized service that felt more like partnerships than transactions, businesses that consistently generated new and novel ideas, and organizations that offered something different than the competition. Individual, innovative services, provided with thoughtfulness and care: It doesn’t seem like rocket science, yet it’s something business owners struggle with.

Thanks to all who participated in the vote. We’ll do it again next year, so be on the lookout!

—Alexandra Russell, Editor-in-Chief

Free Flow Wines

Best Bottle Supplier

Best Alternate Closures

Gamer Packaging

 

Best Keg Provider

FreeFlow Wines

 

Best Winemaking Supplies

White Labs

White Labs

 

Best Insurance Company

Malloy Imrie & Vasconi Insurance Svc. LLC

 

Best Branding/Design Company

High-Proof Creative

 

Sokol Blosser Winery

Best Winery Tasting Room or Tour

Sokol Blosser Winery

 

Best Corks Supplier

MA Silva USA

 

Best Legal Services/Law Firm

 

Sunridge Nursery

Farella Braun & Martel

 

Best Nursery

Sunridge Nurseries

 

Best Compliance Specialist

WineCompliance.com

BSG Hops Facility

 

Best Brewing Supplies

Best Distilling Supplies

BSG

 

Best Brewery Tasting Room or Tour

Red Oak Brewery

Carlsen & Associates’ NDP40 Air Pump with “flip” feature

Best Financial Services

Live Oak Bank

 

Best Laboratory Services

Scott Laboratories

 

Best Machines and Equipment Supplier

Carlsen & Assoc.

 

Nadalié USA

Best Labels Supplier

MCC Labels

 

Best Barrels

Best Barrel Alternatives

Nadalié USA

 

Best Tank Supplier

Quality Stainless Tanks

Vendome Copper & Brass Works

Best Stillmaker

Vendome Copper & Brass Works

 

Best Flavor Developer

Mother Murphy’s

 

Best Cidery Tasting Room or Tour

Portland Cider Co.

Portland Cider Co.

 

Best Distillery Tasting Room or Tour

Eastside Distilling