Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/518118
june 2015 / the tasting panel / 101 Founded in 2003 and based in Miami, Park Street provides behind-the-scenes logistical support to an array of clients, from craft distillers to centuries-old family businesses and award- winning wineries, and represents over 1,000 brands. "Our mission is to help companies build and manage successful brands by offering innovative back-office solutions and exceptional service," explained Dr. Harry Kohlmann, the company's CEO, raising a frosty glass containing the evening's first drink—the Grand Teton Cocktail. "Tonight is about highlighting a few of these exciting new brands and showcasing their quality, diversity and food friendliness." Paired with smoked trout deviled eggs and Chef Jeffers's house-made peppered molasses beef jerky, the cocktail was a delightful blend of house blood orancello, lemon and grapefruit juices, dill and Grand Teton Vodka. The result was a refreshingly clean, brightly citrus and off-dry sipper that tamed the rich creaminess of the eggs and sweet smoke of the moist jerky, cleansing the palate and finishing with a spicy orange flourish. "I never would have thought to put something like deviled eggs or jerky on a tasting menu," noted Chad Watkins, consultant for Gary's Wine & Marketplace and founder of "But these pairings worked quite well—they were fresh and well-balanced." Next on the menu was a fabulous kale salad paired with the tasty House of Mandela Thembu 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, a stainless steel, crisp and mineral wine from Swartland, South Africa, whose label depicts the pattern designs of shirts famously worn by Nelson Mandela. Crunchy with toasted quinoa, apples, bacon, pecans, golden raisins and herb vinaigrette, the salad was a revelation—multi-textured and succulent, the sweetness of the fruit and dressing offset the kale's bitterness, while the apples reflected green notes and the savory bacon gave bloom to a smoky minerality woven in the wine's finish. It was the evening's "wow" moment, accord- ing to Ted Carmon, Spirits Buyer for BevMo!, a California- based retailer with nearly 150 outlets. Some of Park Street's new brands—Mandarine Napoléon, Grand Teton Vodka and Kelt Cognacon display at Highball & Harvest in Orlando during the 72nd Annual Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Convention and Exposition. House of Mandela Sauvignon Blanc and Chef Jeffers' Kale Salad—the evening's "wow" moment? The Atlantico Cocktail: Private Cask Rum, house Velvet Falernum, Cointreau, lime and orange.