Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/19027
THE MESSAGE Whether THE TASTING PANEL goes to the brand execs or the brands call us, there is an abundance of news to report, from the latest releases to behind-the-scenes experiences with some of the world’s most infl uential importers, winemakers, distillers . . . well, you name it. Brief Encounters We may not have enough pages in each issue to devote as much attention as we would like to each person whose path we cross, but please note that if it’s in the publication, we deem it noteworthy —Meridith May, Publisher & Executive Editor Luksusowa: No Small Potatoes E veryone in the private cellar of City Winery is seated around a single table. In front of each guest is a curious platter of dark chocolate, Brazil nuts, Macadamia nuts, white chocolate, potato chips, pumpernickel, buttered popcorn and black licorice. But this is no underground junk food feast. The occasion is Matt Pomeroy’s Masters in Polish Vodka Seminar and Tasting. His contending thesis: Luksusowa is the world’s #1 potato vodka. As the Global Brand Ambassador for Luksusowa and a man so obsessed with potato vodka that he actually moved to Poland in 2008 (to become Global Brand Ambassador for Luksusowa, Wyborowa and Siwucha), it wasn’t a stretch for Pomeroy to prove the virtues of Polish potato vodka to those who attended the seminar. Along with a walk through the history of vodka and how it’s made, Pomeroy offered his guests a blind tasting of six different brands and types of vodka, all tried with the aforementioned nibbles to help identify the different taste notes inherent in the samples. As Pomeroy tacitly predicted, Luksusowa won out among the tasters as a favorite in terms of fl avor and mixability. No small potatoes indeed. Matt Pomeroy, Global Brand Ambassador for Luksusowa vodka, pours with passion. Created in 1928, Luksusowa is one of the oldest Polish brands available today and is produced from specially cultivated potatoes. It takes its name from luksusowy, the Polish term for luxury, yet offers great value considering its highly affordable price point (SRP $12.99). — Adriana DiGennaro Perez Hilton Joins the TY KU Ranks M edia mogul and trend-maker/reporter and Forbes #1 web personality Perez Hilton has not only taken on the role of Director of Culture and Trends for premier Asian wine and spirits company TY KU, but Hilton is also now an investor and equity partner. “I can’t wait to share my love of TY KU with the world and educate the masses about saké and soju,” Hilton proudly states. The newly trimmed-down Hilton has made a commitment to a health-conscious lifestyle. “TY KU is my beverage of choice— not just because saké and soju taste great, but because these are low calorie products that I can enjoy without the guilt.” And he adds, “Their soju has 40% fewer calories than vodka. That’s totally AMAZEBALLS!” TY KU co-founder Trent Ulicny with Perez Hilton. 16 / the tasting panel / november 2010 PHOTO COURTESY OF TY KU