Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/2622
84 / the tasting panel / september 2009 Event Wrap-Up Even with all the liquid refreshment available, we needed a good H2O on hand to refresh tired palates and provide hydration. That's where Waiwera Artesian came to the rescue. The new- ly-imported water brand, first founded in 1875, comes from one of the deepest sources in New Zealand and has a high pH for soft taste. Man- aging Partner Philana Bouvier (shown) poured generous samples. Even non-vodka-drinkers were seduced by floral Pinky Vodka (SRP $33), a rose and violet petal–infused beauty from Sweden that also incorporates wild berries and Italian citrus. We'd buy it just for its rosy transparency and its stun- ning packaging alone, but don't overlook the many unique cocktail opportunities it provides. We sampled the Tickled Pinky: lychee purée, Pinky vodka, cranberry juice, fresh raspberries, lemon juice and a splash of simple syrup shaken over ice. —DG Liquidity Brands Virgin new potatoes are the base of Karlsson's Gold Vodka, the one-time distilled vodka from Cape Bjäre in southern Sweden. With the ability to showcase potato terroir (the Cape is the home of the Golden Potato) and its own Master Blend- er, Karllson's Gold offers some weight from nose to palate and delivers the luxurious sweetness of vanilla and the rootiness of potato, with crisp herb and citrus notes. Pat Puryear of Karlssen's Gold and his lovely assistants (shown) prepared the simply-concocted Black Gold, a straight-up serving of the vodka with a few turns of black pepper. Gravlax, anyone? —MM Private Brands Inc. Brazil's indigenous spirit, sugarcane-based cachaça, is fast becoming a stateside staple, no matter the season. One of today's hottest brands, Sagatiba Pura Cachaça (SRP $30), was on hand to spice up our sultry evening. Los Angeles mix- ologist Eric Tecosky (aka ET) is shown pouring a simple and summery signature Saga 7 cocktail: Sagatiba Pura, lemon-lime soda and lime. —DG Sagatiba USA