Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/164544
SPIRITS EFFEN Salted Caramel Vodka, Netherlands ($28) If the caramel aromas don't grab you within seconds, there's something wrong with your nose. The sweet, authentic, almost textural flavors are candystore real. The palate awakens the childhood dreams with a surge of salt and spirit; at 75 proof this is certainly not overpowering, but definitely not cloying. Ultimately the nose knows, so just let it lead you down a path of creative cocktail thinkery. 91 BEAM INC. Avuá Cachaça Amburana, Brazil ($50) Single-sourced from the hills of Carmo in Rio de Janeiro, this handcrafted cachaça is aged up to two years in amburana (Brazilian oak) casks. The pungent notes of brown rice, roasted hazelnut and molasses are resonant and deep, like an ancient voice. The green tea notes on the palate work their way down with a briny, spiced jolt. The finish smoothes out but tobacco, banana leaf and spiced orange rind keep your tongue alive. 93 Soyombo Super Premium Mongolian Vodka, Mongolia ($30) Pristine artesian water and wheat grown on the steppes of Mongolia prove an effective foundation for this attention-getting vodka. From the first nosing of antique rose and lemon oil, this spirit leans towards a heady quality that reminds me of incense and candles. On the palate the texture is sumptuous, but with a teasing peppered nip on mid-tongue. The finish is exotic and laced with espresso bean and slate. MHW LTD. WASHINGTON SQUARE BRANDS CORP . Blue Nectar Special Reserve Tequila, Mexico ($48) This reposado tequila is infused with natural spice, but on the nose, it's akin to opening up that brand new Mercedes door and smelling the leather and new car umami. Additional aromatics of vanilla, burnt orange peel and jasmine continue to expand. The deliciousness and definition on the palate is at once expansive and sumptuous, with a linear acidity in proportion to the battered pastry sweetness. 95 PARK STREET IMPORTS september 2013 / the tasting panel / 79 TP0913_063-103.indd 79 8/22/13 9:23 PM