Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/504216
HEART & SOLERA Eat This: Cured Italian ham Sip This: Williams & Humbert Pando Fino Sherry Involved in the creation of the Jerez-Xérès- Sherry quality demarcation as well as the criteria for evaluating Sherries, Bodegas Williams & Humbert has been producing quality wines and spirits for over 130 years. Aged in the traditional solera method, where small amounts of younger wines are systematically blended with more mature wines over a period of time, 30-proof Pando Fino Sherry is made from Palomino grapes aged in oak casks for five years. Neat Notes: "Briny nose and yeast funk (that's a good thing) on the nose, there's a dollop of almond in the middle with a finish of white and black peppercorns, citrus peel and apple. Very complex but easy to drink, Pando Fino's simple but brilliant pairing with the Italian ham actually cut down on the sherry's salinity and showcased its light weight and crisp texture. Perfect."—Caitlin Laman "Pando Fino's aromas of dried fruit/raisins and its light golden color was a great start. Citrus, apples and a marzipan saltiness tied it all together through a clean finish. The citrus cut right through the briny meat, cleanses the palate and made a pleasurable appetizer."—Brian Bowden PALM BAY INTERNATIONAL HALL OF FAME Eat This: Goat cheese on toast points Sip This: Tanqueray No. Ten Gin Tanqueray No. TEN was first introduced in 2000. It was entered into the San Francisco World Spirits competition the following year, garnering a Double Gold medal (and again in 2002 and 2003, retiring into the competition's Hall of Fame, while Tanqueray London Dry gin is awarded Double Gold yearly, including 2015). The first gin to be distilled with whole, fresh citrus fruit, it was the brainchild of Master Distiller Tom Nichol. White grapefruit, lime and orange, along with dried chamomile flowers, make up the prominent botanicals for this 94.6-proof white spirit. Neat Notes: "The oil on Tanqueray No. TEN's citrus fruit lingers on the tongue and the grapefruit resonates with the senses, with a hint of classic juniper weaving in and out. The young, bright goat cheese, with its lemony tangy tones, accents that citrus oil even further, almost painting the tongue with savory floral flourishes."—Meridith May "The nose is beautiful; classic gin taken to the next level. Bright, fresh citrus, bal- anced juniper and floral notes. The mouthfeel is round and elegant, full-bodied with amazing acidity. Finish is long and lingering with reminders of flowers and fruit. Tanqueray No.TEN stands up to and cuts through the cheese yeastiness, allowing the lemon/lime to sing through." —Tony About-Ganim DIAGEO NORTH AMERICA Ian Adams, Manager of San Francisco's 15 Romolo, is an expert on Sherry. He schooled our panel on Pando Fino Sherry from Jerez de la Frontera in Spain's Andalusia region. Rachel Ford, aka Lady Tanqueray, is National Brand Ambassador for Tanqueray. 100 / the tasting panel / may 2015