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Vicious Vodka Ketel One 42 Below Vodka Kauffman Luxury St. Petersburg Vicious is L.A.-born, a brand founded by Elias Slater six years ago. "It was the nation's first caf- feine-infused vodka," Slater told THE TASTING PANEL. This triple- distilled and triple-carbon-filtered grain-based spirit has aromas of coffee latte, with a deep round richness. The Vicious Blood Orange Martini Vicious vodka Juice of a blood orange Triple sec Simple syrup Fresh-squeezed lime Viscous and peppered, masculine notes of tobacco and spice introduce us to Russian-imported Kauffman Luxury, the only vintage vodka 14-times distilled and filtered twice through quartz sand. Five Star Wine & Spirits and Wine Rooted in tradition, this centuries- old brand from the Nolet family, distilled in Schiedam, Holland, was introduced in 1983 and its popularity—and sales—have never stopped growing. Lemon notes abound in Ketel One Citroen, and the finish is crisp and dry. It doesn't need a lot of accompa- niment to produce a delicious Lemon Drop. Diageo and Nolet Spirits USA Adam Chenowith, Pacific Wine & Spirits with Brett Goering, Ketel One Brand Ambassador. The Citroen Lemon Drop Ketel One Citroen vodka Fresh sweet & sour mix Simple syrup Lying 42-degrees below the equa- tor, Wellington, New Zealand is home to this 100% wheat vodka, with a coincidental ABV of 42% (84 proof). Brand Ambassador Adrian Biggs brought in some of the amazing flavors—Honey, Kiwi and Passion—to chill some easy-to- make and easier-to-drink cocktails from this four-times distilled and charcoal-mesh-filtered spirit. While listening to his charming New Zealand accent, we watched 42 Below Brand Ambassador Adrian Biggs pour us a sample of 42 Below Passion, made by pulp- ing passion fruit and capturing the natural vapors, then blending it back into the spirit. Bacardi USA We were first introduced to St. Petersburg at its roll- out this past year and loved the hint of sweetness from its winter wheat base. The luxe- grade alcohol is Russia's highest level and the softest grade available. While the brand is new to the U.S., its formula dates back 250 years. The signature Hermitage cocktail com- bines the sweetness of strawberry with the dry bubbles of champagne. Preiss Imports Hermitage St. Petersburg vodka Luxardo Triplum triple sec orange liqueur Strawberry purée Simple syrup Fresh lemon juice Float of champagne 86 / the tasting panel / december 2009 Vodka