Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/253609
12 / the tasting panel / february 2014 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT THE BEVERAGE TRADE NETWORK CONNECTION In a new series, Beverage Trade Network will present tricks and tips for wine and spirits pro- ducers, distributors and marketing companies. Beverage Trade Network provides a seamless and cost-eficient platform for buyers of the beer, wine, spirits and beverage industry. M issouri-based Mad Buffalo Distillery, owned and operated by the Mad Buffalo Brewing Company, Inc., is a craft, small-batch producer of ultra-premium spirits that includes vodka, whiskey, rum, absinthe, gin, moonshine and other products. We asked Chris Burnette, President of Mad Buffalo, how an emerging craft distillery can build its identity while maintaining its local image? "The irst thing I would say is to think globally and act locally," says Burnette. "What I mean is that you shouldn't forget that your best customers, for a craft distillery, will be your local community. This is not to say that, as you grow, you won't bring in outside customers and supporters; but if you forget your roots and become disingenuous to your local community, others will notice. You can't become, to use my grandmother's term, "too big for your britches." You can grow and become huge, you just can't act like it doesn't matter who helped you get there. At our core, we are a small, family company and, if I ever forget that, I'll need to turn the keys over to someone else." For the complete interview, see www.beveragetradenetwork.com. Snap Your Label P opular wine app Vivino lets con- sumers and professionals share their favorite wines directly from their smartphone or mobile device. Vivino helps not only the wine consumer, but also greatly beneits the retailer, the restaurateur and the winery in encouraging loy- alty and promot- ing future sales. By simply scan- ning the label of a favorite restaurant wine, customers can immediately ind a list of retail- ers in the immediate area. Vivino also serves as a "virtual somm"; customers can ind information on a winery, read wine notes, see how others rated the wine and get food pairing suggestions. Available at the App Store and on Google Play. Terlato Wines to Market Riazul Tequla T erlato Wines has taken over the marketing rights to Riazul Tequila. Terlato will import and market 100 percent blue agave Riazul Añejo, Reposado and Plata Tequilas as the newest additions to its Artisan Spirits portfolio. "When we tasted Riazul Tequilas, we understood that all blue agave tequilas are not created equal," says Terlato Wines CEO William A. Terlato. "The Anejo in particular was the most distinctive and exceptional in quality and character, with its deep caramel, vanilla notes. It's a sipping tequila that can stand shoulder-to- shoulder with the inest aged spirits on the market. Chris Burnette. PHOTO COURTESY OF MAD BUFFALO DISTILLERY World-renowned Master Blender Colin Scott is celebrating 40 years in the whisky industry. Highlights of his glittering career include the creation of luxury whiskies Chivas Regal 18 Year Old and Chivas Regal 25 Year Old, as well as the growth of the Royal Salute range. 40TH ANNIVERSARY FOR A MASTER BLENDER Purity Expands Relationship with Critics' Choice Awards P urity Vodka, the most awarded ultra-premium vodka in the world, has expanded its relationship with the Critics' Choice Awards. Purity Vodka, which recently won the pres- tigious 2013 Grand Vodka Master Award from The Spirits Business for an unprecedented third year, was the exclusive vodka partner of The 19th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards presented by the Broadcast Film Critics Association, which aired live in January. In addition to the 2014 CCMAs, Purity Vodka will also be a part of the 2014 Critics' Choice TV Awards to be held in June in Beverly Hills, CA.