Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1004126
DEPARTMENT HEADER 76 / the tasting panel / july 2018 76 / the tasting panel / july 2018 The handcrafted Gray Whale Gin came in first place at the WSWA Brand Battle competition. Every year, the California gray whale makes a 12,000-mile migration from the warm lagoons of the Baja Peninsula to the cold waters of the Arctic. This small-batch gin, made in California with locally sourced botanicals, celebrates this incredible mammal's journey. A member of 1% For the Planet, which requires companies to donate at least 1 percent of their sales to environmen- tal causes, Gray Whale Gin also supports the international organization Oceana in its efforts to protect the world's oceans and the gray whale's natural habitats. Gray Whale Gin co-founder Marsh Mokhtari hosts Food Network's Extreme Chef and also holds a degree in medical physics. As the Master Distiller at Golden State Distillery, Gray Whale's parent company, he's created a highly memorable spirit that wowed the judges and the audience—resulting in an overwhelming number of votes. Marsh explained that tasting Gray Whale is akin to traversing the Pacific coastline, as its ingredients are sourced along the West Coast: from citrus to fresh mint, the umami flavors of kombu sea kelp, and a finish of California almonds. BRAND BATTLE CHAMPION GRAY WHALE GIN Takes Home The Title PHOTO COURTESY OF GRAY WHALE Marsh Mokhtari is the co-founder and Master Distiller of Gray Whale Gin. PHOTO COURTESY OF GRAY WHALE GIN Almonds are among the ingredients sourced along the California coast for Gray Whale Gin.