23rd March 2005
For immediate release:

WOKKA SAKi wins international spirits competition

WOKKA SAKi (http://www.wokkasaki.com), the vodka saké brand owned by the UK company Extreme Spirits Ltd has won 'Double Gold' at the 2005 International San Francisco Spirits Competition (http://www.sfspiritscomp.com), an event considered to be the most comprehensive and highly regarded in the world.

Judged by a panel of 21 spirits industry experts including leading buyers and magazine editors, in blind tasting the brand was awarded the highest accolade of Double Gold winning the flavoured vodka category, surpassing 55 other international brands.

Tim Day, Marketing Director and creator of WOKKA SAKi, commented: 'This is testament to the team that was involved in the development of our unique brand, in particular to Philip Atkinson who formulated the complex but delicate flavour essence of Asian fruit, that allows vodka and Japanese saké to blend in harmony; this award is dedicated to the memory of Philip who died tragically last year.'

Anthony Foster MW, Managing Director, commented: 'This is terrific news, and confirms we have a brand with international potential; from a timing perspective it couldn't be better as we prepare for our rollout across the US, commencing with our focused launch in South Beach, Miami in April; we are certainly excited by the future'.

WOKKA SAKi has excelled at the San Francisco Spirits competition for three consecutive years, having been awarded Double Gold in 2003, Gold in 2004, and now Double Gold in 2005. This represents an unrivalled run of results in this prestigious competition. It should also be noted that WOKKA SAKi was awarded Silver for its design across all categories in the 2005 event.

EDITORIAL NOTE:

What is WOKKA SAKi ?:

WOKKA SAKi is a blend of micro distilled grain vodka, fine Japanese saké, and a subtle essence of Asian fruit. East meets west, saké meets vodka, WOKKA SAKi represents the fusion of two noble cultures, inspired by the awesome beauty of 'Snow Monsters' found around Japan's Asahi mountains between January and March.

What makes WOKKA SAKi so special ?:

'It's all in the blend ..... a rare process of three step micro distillation in a single 400 litre stainless steel pot still known as 'Tom Thumb', ensures the grain vodka in WOKKA SAKi is exceptionally smooth. Fine imported Japanese saké is then carefully blended with the vodka and a subtle fusion of Asian fruit is added that harnesses the character of WOKKA SAKi and gives it its distinctive flavour. This labour intensive process of single batch distillation and manual blending is reserved for only the finest and most expensive spirits.

Inspired by 'Snow Monsters':

Each year between January and March, powerful winds from the Siberian plains whip the surface of the Sea of Japan, becoming heavy with freezing vapour before hitting the Japanese coast and rising high over the Asahi mountains. Standing in their path, giant conifers on the slopes of Mount Zao become coated with layer upon layer of snow and ice, until eventually their shapes are obscured and distorted. These petrified giants seem to stalk the valleys and are known as 'snow monsters' or 'Juhyo'. Their awesome beauty is celebrated at Mount Zao's annual Snow Monster festival.

WOKKA SAKi is personified by the creation of the Snow Monsters: The Western wind (represented by vodka), the eastern enviroment (saké) and the beautiful and unique outcome (WOKKA SAKi)

WOKKA SAKi is a brand owned by Extreme Spirits Ltd. For further information please contact:

TRADE ENQUIRIES: