Spirit with a spirit: Kelsey Gold Gin wins award at Bartender Spirits competition

A tasty, well-crafted spirit with an inspirational backstory was a hit at a recent international competition.

Olympia Distilling Company won second place at the Bartender Spirits Awards, for its Kelsey Gold Gin.  

Spirits are ranked based on their mixability, taste profile, and value for money.  

 “The Bartender Spirits Awards are about helping bartenders discover spirits that deliver behind the bar,” said Sid Patel, CEO of Bartender Spirits Awards and Beverage Trade Network, in a statement about the international competition.

“The brands that win here have a real opportunity to connect with buyers and earn a place on some of the country’s most respected back bars.” 

 Kelsey Gold Gin is infused with saffron, with floral and earthy tones to give it a distinct flavor. 

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized at the Bartender Spirits Awards,” said Lesa Givens, co-owner of Olympia Distilling Co., in a statement.

“This gin carries so much more than flavor. It carries her story, her vision, and her love. Every sip is a tribute to who she was and the legacy she wanted to leave behind.” 

 In addition to winning awards, Kelsey Gold Gin has a unique legacy.

Cousins Lesa Givens and Kelsy Buchanan co-owned the Olympia Distilling Co. In 2019, Buchanan was diagnosed with terminal stage four lung cancer. Though there was not a cure for her cancer, Buchanan was determined to prolong as much quality life as she could. 

 Buchanan, who enjoyed an occasional glass of gin, helped to develop formulas, select ingredients, and design the bottle of the gin. 

Givens surprised Buchanan with the naming of the product, “Kelsey Gold Gin.”  

“She just broke down. She couldn’t believe it,” Givens said. “We were going to find some way to let this product have a purpose, and to help other people in these kinds of situations.” 

Before her passing in 2023 at age 37, Buchanan was able to see the product come to life. Givens said it was like she had crossed a finish line with pride.  

“We got the first bottles and we took them down to her house and we put them on her window sill,” Givens said.

“She wasn’t strong enough to hold the bottles at that point, but she just had this huge smile on her face.” 

Buchanan’s family started a nonprofit, “Kelsey’s New Beginnings,” which offers  support for cancer patients by providing robes for women going through radiation, gas cards for families traveling to cancer treatment and more. Five dollars from every Kelsey Gold Gin purchase is donated to Kelsey’s New Beginnings.  

Currently, Olympia Distilling Co. is exploring retail opportunities for Kelsey Gold Gin, in hopes of expanding support for their cause.  

“We really try to focus on the nonprofit, and I know that’s something Kelsey would love,” Givens said. “It’s not like we're just writing a check to a foundation, we’re actively trying to help people.”  

Givens said while they do not usually enter a lot of competitions, it felt validating for the gin to win.  

“Those are blind taste tests, so it’s not that it necessarily pulled anyone’s heartstrings,” she said. “It’s really good gin.”