Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/44136
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Chivas C in History hivas Royal Salute Tribute to Honour is a rare blend; in fact, only one man in the world has tasted it— creator and Master Blender Colin Scott. "Chivas Brothers has a phenomenal archive of high-aged whiskies, some of which, after decades of careful matura- tion, have acquired a rich intensity and deep concentration of sumptuous characters. It is these very few whiskies which I have personally selected to compose Tribute To Honour—this rarest of blends," explains Scott. Aged whiskies—at least 45 years old—are presented in bejeweled bottles, individually numbered and priced at US$200,000, excluding taxes. Of the 21 bottles made, only one will be kept in the Royal Salute Vault. Product is available through Chivas Brothers in London and interested purchas- ers can contact Michael McLaren of Pernod Ricard USA for specifi c details (michael.mclaren@pernod-ricard.com). Talking Liquid Gold T he 2011 Chardonnay Symposium, held July 22–23 in the Santa Maria Valley, celebrated the spectrum of wines produced from Chardonnay grapes with panel discussions, vineyard walks and comparative tastings. Stylistic debates moderated by authors Karen MacNeil and Steve Heimoff highlighted the range of opinions on topics such as oak treatment, viticulture and clonal selection. Top West Coast producers hon- ored the varietal's inherent versatility—a quality that many believe has made Chardonnay the most popular wine in glasses across America. —Laura Sanchez 12 / the tasting panel / october 201 1 PHOTO: JEREMY BALL