Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/53193
REPORT Love THE SAN DIEGO PANEL The New Vinturi Spirit Aerator—instantly aerates fine spirits and enhances their flavor and hidden nuances. Anthony Dias Blue: Editor-in-Chief, THE TASTING PANEL Magazine Meridith May: Publisher/Executive Editor, THE TASTING PANEL Magazine Jeff Josenhans: Mixologist/Director of Beverage Outlets, U.S. Grant Hotel Mike Yen: Mixologist, L'Auberge, San Diego Rio Sabadicci: Founder, Vinturi Aerator Company Anthony Schmidt: Mixologist, Noble Experiment Chris McInerney: Owner, Emerald Spirits (retailer) William Bloxsom-Carter: Executive Chef/F&B Director, Playboy Enterprises A lot can happen in ten minutes. Our eight panelists would agree. Enter the mixologist, sporting a specific brand. His or her task: Make us fall, head over heels, for a sentimental interpretation of a drink. And quick. Whether we sip through rose-colored glasses, or idealize a version of a Dirty Martini, make it magical. Make it a Love Potion. The following notes are a compilation from the panel, commenting on the cocktails that caused their hearts to flutter. The panelists: (left to right, standing) Anthony Schmidt, Mike Yen, William Bloxsom- Carter, Meridith May and Chris McInerny; (seated) Anthony Dias Blue, Rio Sabadicci and Jeff Josenhans. january/february 2012 / the tasting panel / 107 ROMANCE (OR WAS IT LUST?) TURNED UP THE HEAT AT OUR SPEED TASTING AT THE GRANT GRILL IN SAN DIEGO at First Sight photos by Leigh Castelli WHERE: GRANT GRILL at the U.S. Grant Hotel, San Diego SPONSORED BY: VINTURI WINE AND SPIRITS AERATORS THE TASTING PANEL Magazine challenged 13 spirits brands to get romantic and conjure up a heat-seeking missile of a cocktail for our SPEED TASTING event. SPEE D T A S TING