Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/46939
contents 92 David and Michael Phillips of Michael David Winery in Lodi. COVER STORY 61 MASTERS OF WHISK(E)Y Pernod Ricard is the Primary Driver of Growth for the Two Fastest -Growing Spirits Categories in the U.S.—Irish Whiskey and Single Malt Scotch DEPARTMENTS 4 Letter from the Editor 10 Industry Spotlight 16 Brief Encounters 22 Steven Spurrier's Letter from London 24 Small Batch with Fred Minnick 26 Scotch Report 28 Brand Spotlight: Sandeman Port 30 San Fran Insider 32 Focus on: Sparkling Wine 34 Intro-Vinous: Bien Nacido 36 Blue Reviews 42 Publisher's Picks 44 In the Biz: Sinsational Events 46 Sipped & Scene 48 A Lone Star Life 50 Alternative Beverages 52 Nose-ables 54 Spain: La Mancha 56 People in Wine 60 Competition: Bitters 74 Brand Profi le: John Tyler Wines 76 Launch Pad: Chopin Wheat Vodka 78 Holiday Gift Packs 80 Sipping with Somms 90 The Drink and The Dish 104 THE TASTING PANEL on Tour 107 Category Report: Bourbon 112 Beer: Finger Lakes Breweries 116 Industry Party: Tobin Ellis Birthday Bash 118 Taking Inventory 8 / the tasting panel / november 201 1 PANE L | November 2011 Vol. 69 No. 11 UP FRONT 5 THE VISIONARY BEHIND VINTURI It Takes Creativity and Determination to Change the World. Rio Sabadicci Has Both FEATURES 58 GOING OAKLESS There's a Growing Demand for Chardonnays with Subtle or Zero Oak Infl uence. New Zealand's Oyster Bay is Leading the Way in This Signifi cant Consumer Trend 66 THE GREAT OUTDOORS Western Spirits' Two New American Whiskies Have Sporting Appeal 68 SWEET TALK Today's Hottest Dessert Liqueurs Are Expressing New Flavor Idioms 72 COCKTAILS IN COPENHAGEN On a Visit to the Capital with Purity Vodka, We Tour a Selection of Some of the Best Bars in Denmark 82 SOUTHERN EXPOSURE We Explore the Roussillon and Find a Lot to Like 87 KAHLÚA'S RE-AWAKENING This Legendary Brand Gains New Relevance—and Scores a New Audience on the Mixology Scene 92 MAD ABOUT LODI The AVA's Local Commission Has Gone LoCA 97 THE MVPs OF CALIFORNIA WINE THE TASTING PANEL Teams Up With 16 Winer- ies at Dodger Stadium to Determine the Most Valu- able Players 110 SOUTHERN MIXOLOGY Bartenders Do It Differently Below the Mason- Dixon Line 113 DON Q RIDES AGAIN Named for Romantic Hero Don Quixote, This Puerto Rican Rum Is a Legend in Itself TH E