Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/343109
88 / the tasting panel / july 2014 promoted Manuscript with magazines we'd make a connection with their customers." For instance, Manuscript's marketing includes a hangtag around the bottle that is a coupon for four dollars off the purchase of a magazine (anyone who has priced magazines lately knows this is not an insignificant sum). The current portfolio includes Russian River Chardonnay, Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc, California Cabernet Sauvignon and a California Red Blend. Based on Manuscript's success, Prairie Creek also just launched Top Spin Wines (tag- line: "Relax Your Grip") that's marketed especially for clubhouse consumers. Although not an in-house brand, J. R. Ewing's initial target audience seemed pretty clear to Howard: 45- to 60-year-olds who still love the original Dallas and the younger fans invested in the new show. However, he says, "I have to admit the first time I heard the idea I thought it might be a bit too much of a novelty. But then I did my own research and J. R. did enjoy his bourbon and branch [water]. And I feel like he'd seek out true Kentucky bourbon because it's authentic." Selected from batches of Kentucky bourbon and blended by Henrik Facile, J. R. Ewing is a soft, mature and approachable four-year-old. The bottle, which replicates a crystal decanter used by J. R., features an etched image Aged four years, the 80-proof spirit has an enticing light amber color along with a fruity, warm-spice nose. Vanilla, honey and orange flavors take center stage, with sweetness and toast lingering on the finish. There is something of a mischievous feminine profile here, which seems apropos given its namesake's notorious carnal desires. Southfork Bottling Co. ($35 / 750ml) IN THE BIZ J. R. Ewing Private Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey