Welcome!
It’s an exciting time to be part of the burgeoning spirits world. I’m fortunate to get to taste the best spirits every day and work in the industry I love. As a logical extension of my work, my colleagues and I have created the American Spirits Council of Tasters (ASCOT). It’s a one of a kind tasting competition that will utilize all my media platforms to feed consumer’s insatiable appetite for more spirits content.
-Fred Minnick
About
ASCOT Awards is an international spirits competition created by spirits personality and veteran tasting judge, Fred Minnick. The competition provides a unique opportunity for distillers to have their products recognized through Fred’s magazine, podcasts, streaming shows, social media, news articles, newsletter, and festivals.
Entries will be scrutinized through a blind judging process which will determine various levels of awards. The top scoring entries from each class will proceed to a live-streamed championship round where they will be judged by Fred and another expert for that specific class. Consumers and industry professionals will watch in real time as the samples are discussed and champions are crowned. The live-stream judging will be spread out over numerous days to give the competing brands time to be recognized through Fred’s various media channels.
Champions, championship round participants and Double Gold finalists will receive extensive year-long exposure through Fred’s various media channels.
Philipsburg, Montana
Over the last 100 years, the old mining town of Philipsburg and its surrounding mountains have changed little. There’s just under 1,000 residents and little development except for Discovery Ski Area, a few cabins and the ultra high-end resort The Ranch at Rock Creek. But, this is far from a sleepy area. Major highways make it easily accessible for skiers, hunters, fisherman, mountain bikers and others seeking fun or tranquility in the outdoors.
Nearby Airports
59
MILES
to Butte, MT
92
MILES
to Missoula, MT
112
MILES
to Helena, MT
130
MILES
to Bozeman, MT
Nearby AirportsMiles from Philipsburg
59
MILES
to Butte, MT
92
MILES
to Missoula, MT
112
MILES
to Helena, MT
130
MILES
to Bozeman, MT
Design | Inspiration
The Still development will feature the most modern and innovative design in Montana. The original building will be the centerpiece of the resort offering communal space and amenities like guide services, celebrity chefs, individual and group classes and guest quarters.
The homes will be based upon new and innovative technologies of construction, particularly the use of glass, steel and reinforced concrete.
The Philipsburg area offers world class, year-round activities.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Mountain Biking at Discovery Ski Area
Stream fishing
Fishing Float trips
Hiking
Ghost Town tours
Saphire Mining
Tours to Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks
Camping
Heli-Adventures
ATV and Jeep Roads
Golf
Hunting
Winter
Downhill Skiing at Disovery Ski Area
Cross country skiing at Discovery Ski Area
Snowmobiling
Ice skating at Philipsburg town rink
Ice Fishing
Hunting
There is virtually no development around the ski resort or Philipsburg (800 people). There are several lakes nearby and an abundance of public land for hunting and fishing. There are a few cabins for rent and cheap hotels in nearby towns. The only major developments are extremely expensive resorts about half an hour away.
www.theranchatrockcreek.com
www.rockcreekcattlecompany.com (the #1 golf course in Montana)
www.pawsup.com (near Missoula)
www.oldworks.org (Jack Nicklaus course design)
Discovery Ski Area
Discovery Ski Area boasts the shortest lift lines and best snow in Montana. The mountain has three faces, six chair lifts and 67 trails. While it is famous for its expert terrain, Discovery also has great beginner trails and instruction programs. The entrance to the Ski Area is on the south side, or “other” side of the mountain from Philipsburg. It is a 30 minute drive from town. Still is located on the north side, just minutes from town. The north side is ski-able and has a lift, but currently can only be accessed by the public from the south side. But, that will change in the next couple of months. Discovery will soon open a road built through federal land that will open the north side. The public road runs through the corner of the Still Development and will provide easy access for Still property owners.
National Geographic has named Philipsburg one of North America’s Best Secret Ski Towns.
