Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/17414
SPEED TASTING EFFEN E ffen may translate from Dutch as “smooth, even and balanced,” but for the U.S., this vodka from the Netherlands—purposefully developed for bartenders by bartenders, with its slip-free rubber sleeve and unique character—allows for some pretty creative mixing in terms of ingredients—not to mention racy cocktail monikers! Its foundation is 100% wheat from northern Holland, low in starch and fatty acids. “It’s a luxury liquid that goes through continuous rectification,” explains Beam Global’s Mingchi Hu. It’s reverse- filtered five times to remove impurities and made with water purified through reverse osmosis. The vodka is 80 proof. For flavor, Effen Black Cherry fills the room with cherry-vanilla aroma and this profile stays true on the palate; Effen Raspberry is another expression. There are no added sugars to the 75-proof Effen flavors, and the subtle smoothness of the base vodka is Effen evident. SRP $39; Beam Global Spirits & Wine Our Panel Votes: Intense impact on the palate of anise and bread dough, without a heavy hit of heat. (MM) Clean with some spice. (BL) Smooth, spicy and dry with mellow vanilla notes that work to soften the heat on the finish. (ADB) Clean wheat taste with some fruitiness; full-flavored palate with a dash of pepper; alcohol present but not hot; strong vanilla finish. (DO-G) Smooth and light-textured, but fully present on the palate. (AD) Mingchi Hu of Beam Global tastes the panel on Effen vodka. ULTIMAT A n unprecedented trio of ingredients— wheat, rye and potato—ensures that Ultimat vodka lives up to its name. The result is luxury, complexity and clarity. Each ingredient adds its distinct component to the texture, taste and aroma. Brand Manager Ed Blinn invented the ingenious pour spout that is designed into Ultimat’s glass cap, and the brand is also certified kosher. As we wrote in a previous issue, “Patrón’s acquisition of Ultimat vodka means A-list positioning for the ultra- premium spirit in the shapely, hand-blown blue bottle.” Ultimat frequently makes the scene at Hollywood parties and charity events; we’ve fol- lowed this Polish vodka since its beginnings with Patrón in 2007, and it’s been on our A-list as well. SRP $39; The Patrón Spirits Company JJ Karimoto and Grant Berentsen of Patrón Spirits explain the Ultimat experience to the panel. Our Panel Votes: Unctuous and mouth-filling; subtle citrus and lithe texture with a chewy rye palate. (MM) Lemon and white pepper nose followed by a bite without burn. Full bodied rye flavor hits on the palate. (BL) Lush and dense with sweet vanilla; smooth and creamy with a nip of heat on the finish; a big-bodied spirit. (ADB) Starchy potato nose with light, spicy rye notes that perpetuate on the palate to the clean finish. (DO-G) Rich and chewy and elegantly smooth. (AD) october 2010 / the tasting panel / 75