Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/11486
Scotch-Backed Arctic Adventure eems like a long way to go for ice.” That’s what we told adventurer Jock Wishart, who plans to row 450 miles to the North Pole from Canada’s Resolute Bay. And Jock will have to be resolute, because he and his fi ve crewmen will be the fi rst to attempt the journey in this fashion. “S The point, of course, apart from the chal- lenge is to document at fi rst hand the effect of seasonal ice melt and the deterioration of the Arctic environment. As a noted Scots explorer and descendant of Robbie Burns, Wishart is backed by Old Pulteney malt scotch. Over a dram in Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel, Pulteney’s Margaret Mary Clarke told THE TASTING PANEL, “Jock is an inspiration for all of us passionate about maritime adventure.” The trip is expected to take place next July, subject to a suitable weather window. Old Pulteney is imported by International Beverage Co. USA (www.interbevusa.com), based in New York City. —Ian Buxton Adventurer Jock Wishart. Toro, Toro, Toro! fter a 15-year absence from the American market, Bodegas Fariña, one of Spain’s oldest family wineries, is making a comeback. With new labels and a new attitude, the winery celebrated the relaunch of its Dama de Toro portfolio with a New York City dinner at Colicchio & Sons and a Los Angeles luncheon at Rivera. THE TASTING PANEL attended both events. Owner Manuel Fariña, aka “Father of A Toro” introduced kinder, gentler wines from the region his family pioneered in 1942. “Toro wines had a long reputa- tion of high alcohol and for being rustic,” said Farina. “Now these wines are all drinkable—with your aunt, your grandmother or your signifi cant other on a Wednesday night.” Manuel Fariña in Los Angeles. The portfolio includes one white made from 100 percent Malvasia, and six reds made from Tinto de Toro, the local name for Tempranillo. SRP $9.99–$50; imported by Specialty Cellars. —Lana Bortolot june 2010 / the tasting panel / 15 PHOTO: DAVID GADD