Icecream Journal

Spring is upon us, which means two things: warmer weather and the start of the Turkey Hill Ultimate Flavor Tournament.

Now in its third year, the Ultimate Flavor Tournament is a six-week showdown to determine the best Turkey Hill ice cream flavor of them all, and it’s all based on your votes. In 2008, Vanilla Bean emerged as the victor. Last year, Vanilla Bean made it to the final round, but was upset by Light Recipe Moose Tracks, which took the title and claimed a victory for the entire Light Recipe line-up.

Here’s how it works: Each week will feature a different series of one-on-one match-ups, all voted on by you (see the polls on the right). We’ll start with 32 flavors (the “Thrilling 32”), or 16 head-to-head contests, with the winner of each contest advancing to the next round, until only two flavors remain standing. The winner of that final showdown will be declared the Ultimate Flavor Tournament champion.

Of course, there will also be prizes. At the end of the tournament, we’ll give away a one-year supply of Turkey Hill ice cream to one commenter chosen at random from all the comments left during the tournament. We’ll also choose 10 of our favorite comments during the tournament to receive some free ice cream.

As always, Turkey Hill’s “Einstein of Ice Cream,” Ernie Pinckney, will offer predictions and expert commentary on each of the upcoming week’s match-ups, starting with the Thrilling 32 of round one below. Check back each Monday for the new match-ups, and may the best flavor win!

THE COCO-NUTTY MATCH-UP – Light Recipe Coconut Almond Fudge vs. Dynamic Duos CocoNutz!

“Coconut is an unpredictable flavor, so there’s no telling what might happen in this match-up, but based on Light Recipe’s showing in last year’s contest, I have to give a slight edge to Coconut Almond Fudge.”

THE ONE-WORD NAME MATCH-UP – Neapolitan vs. Coffee (All Natural)

“Coffee is one thing I can’t do without in the morning, but I’m not sure if it packs the same punch here against an all time classic like Neapolitan.”

THE PEANUT BUTTER LOVERS MATCH-UP – Peanut Butter Ripple vs. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup

“One thing I’ve learned during my ice cream making career is that peanut butter lovers are a very vocal bunch. I expect this to be a heated showdown and too close to call.”

THE TROPICAL FLAVORS MATCH-UP – Mango Duetto vs. Banana Split

“Ahh, the tropics. Many of us wish we were there right now, but we’ll settle for a taste of the tropics instead. I’m calling this race in favor of Mango Duetto, but that’s just a hunch.”

THE COOKIES MATCH-UP – Cookies ‘n Cream vs. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

“Wow, this is an impressive first round match-up. Both of these flavors are strong enough to make it into the final eight, but one of them will be eliminated in the first week. I’m just going to sit back with a bowl of each and let the votes decide this one!”

THE BASEBALL MATCH-UP – Phillies Graham Slam vs. Yankees Pinstripe Brownie Blast

“I’m very interested in seeing the results of this showdown. It really comes down to which team’s fans can get to the Ice Cream Journal and vote!”

THE NOT-QUITE-ICE-CREAM FROZEN YOGURT MATCH-UP – Honey Vanilla Granola Frozen Yogurt vs. Chocolate Marshmallow Frozen Yogurt

“Frozen yogurt is often forgotten in the frozen dessert battle because it’s not technically an ice cream, but I’m a big fan, so I definitely think it deserves a spot in this tournament. I’m predicting a come-from-behind win by Honey Vanilla Granola here.”

THE DUETTO MATCH-UP – Cherry Duetto vs. Root Beer Duetto

“I think this is the year for Duetto to make it far in this tournament. I don’t think it can win the whole thing, but it can be a contender. Look for Root Beer to eek out a win here.”

THE PINT-SIZED STUFF’D MATCH-UP – Tastykake Chocolate Cupcake vs. South of the Border

“Both of these flavors are great, but this looks like an easy win for Tastykake Chocolate Cupcake. But don’t take my word for it… register a vote and see what happens!”

THE LIGHT RECIPE MATCH-UP – Light Recipe Extreme Cookies ‘n Cream vs. Light Recipe Strawberry Cheesecake

“I know, there’s a Cookies ‘n Cream flavor in the Cookies Match-up, but this is EXTREME Cookies ‘n Cream, which means it’s made with chocolate ice cream and packs a little extra punch than its vanilla-based cousin. Everyone knows I’m an Extreme Cookies ‘n Cream fanatic, so it’s no surprise who I’m picking to win this one.”

THE CREAM MATCH-UP – Strawberries ‘n Cream vs. Orange Cream Swirl

“Gotta go with Orange Cream Swirl here, but that’s just a personal preference. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Strawberries ‘n Cream win, though. Decisions, decisions!”

THE FRUITY MATCH-UP – All Natural Cherry Vanilla vs. Black Raspberry

“People forget that fruit was one of the first inclusions added to the earliest ice cream recipes, which is what makes this match-up one of the most underrated in the bunch. I expect both flavors to fight it out to the very end, with Cherry Vanilla taking this one by a stem.”

THE HOLIDAY FLAVORS MATCH-UP – Egg Nog vs. Ginger Snap

“Ginger Snap is a relatively new holiday flavor in the Turkey Hill line-up, but people really seem to enjoy it. Still, nothing says yuletide cheer like egg nog, which is why I think this flavor is going to skate by with an easy victory.”

THE LIMITED EDITION PARTNERSHIPS MATCH-UP – Gertrude Hawk Box of Chocolates (January) vs. YORK Peppermint Pattie (August)

“I know, I know. YORK Peppermint Pattie is a brand new flavor and no one has even tried it yet since it won’t be out till August, but I think the candy’s reputation speaks volumes for the power of this flavor. Gertrude Hawk also packs a punch, though, which makes the winner of this match-up hard to predict.”

THE FLAVORS WITH TWO WORDS THAT BOTH START WITH “R” MATCH-UP – Rum Raisin vs. Rocky Road

“Rum Raisin used to be a holiday flavor, but it was so popular that we started making it year-round. Can its popularity help it get past Rocky Road? Maybe, but I’m guessing Rocky Road will win this one.”

THE MINTY MATCH-UP – Choco Mint Chip vs. Light Recipe Skinny Minty

“This one is truly a coin toss. I’ve looked at this match-up from every possible angle and I still can’t come up with a winner. I’ve even eaten bowls of both flavors and I still have no idea. Maybe I should go back for another taste of each.”

Tags: ice cream, turkey hill

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