Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/205467
Clase Azul Tequila C lase Azul goes above and beyond in the production of their tequilas. For Clase Azul Reposado ($90), the hand-selected 100% organic Weber blue agave is grown on a 7,000-foot elevation in Los Altos de Jalisco. It is matured for a minimum of nine years and slow cooked for 72 hours rather than the required 48 in traditional stone ovens. Clase Azul says "artisanal"—from the over-extension of the aging process for its reposado (at least eight months in used American oak) to its naturally filtered water refined in a five-step process. The spectacular hand-painted ceramic decanter is the icing on the cake. The Panel's Notes "Cherries and plums fold out of the agave and into a round and rich, elegant mouthfeel along with chamomile and green tea notes and vanilla."— Arash Pakzad, Barrel Aged "The famed tequila house once again delivers the goods. Maraschino cherries dipped in chocolate on the front and a sexy, soft caramel middle. The aging shows through and the peppery spice marries with the brown sugar elements. Showy and modern."— Jerry Cooper, Swirl on Castro Lauren Cayford of Tequilas Premium. Broker's Gin A hhh, a London dry gin that reflects its English heritage. Visually, the bowler atop the bottle is a clever reference to the recreation of this gin's 200-year old recipe and classic ingredients. The distillery, located in Birmingham, England, only uses pot stills, a better way of extracting maximum flavor from the ten botanicals used in Broker's Gin ($22). "There's nothing unconventional in the botanicals used in Broker's," says founder Andy Dawson, "yet the flavor profile is anything but conventional," he adds. Steeping the botanicals—which are sourced all over the world—in a cold soak for 24 hours brings out a richness to the mouthfeel and the aromatics. Andy Dawson of Broker's Gin. The Panel's Notes "Bold and balanced juniper jumps up with sweet citrus. The long, viscous mid-palate retains a smooth coriander-washed flavor which the finish of cassia and licorice is clean and fresh on the mouth. Rich, creamy, classic: I love this gin!"—Jon Gasparini, RYE "Unmistakably classic nose; oily and vibrant up front with big juniper presence and lemon edges."—H. Joseph Ehrmann, Elixir "Simply. Perfect. Dry. Gin. Brilliant."—Jerry Cooper, Swirl on Castro november 2013 / the tasting panel / 131 TP1113_109-156.indd 131 10/24/13 9:17 AM