The Tasting Panel magazine

January 2016

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30  /  the tasting panel  /  january-february 2016 EVENT RECAP F ounded in 2010 with the same pioneering spirit that launched world-class winemaking 60 years ago, the Napa Valley Film Festival has matured into a full-sensory event where every screening is engulfed in flavors and textures that add character and complexity to the art and culture of film. Prowling around the festival Gala event in Yountville, CA, THE TASTING PANEL team explored the culinary creations characteristic of Napa Valley while discovering cutting-edge artisan spirits from producers old and new. In the same entrepreneurial and innovative thread, THE TASTING PANEL's new sibling publication, The Clever Root, selected the festival as the site of its official launch, where the magazine was shared with more than 2,000 sommeliers, hospitality professionals and imbibing consumers. Legendary California Chef Duskie Estes—Iron Chef contestant, owner of Zazu Restaurant and Black Pig Bacon—signed copies of The Clever Root's inaugural issue, which featured her among its pages. The power of artisan spirits draws from the same well as independent films and publications. Glenfiddich chose the festival to showcase its new innovative entrance into the Scotch world: Glennfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve 14 Year Old. Aged in American bourbon barrels, the Scotch retains its classic heritage of pear-apple-vanilla flavors. Finished in virgin American heavy-char white oak sup- plied by the Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky, the whisky pays tribute to American bourbon. Tasted side-by-side with the classic single malts of this 128-year-old distillery, the 14 Year Old Bourbon Wood exhibits its pedigreed heritage among a range of flavors and textures unparalleled in world distilling. Just around the corner, and literally center stage, the dynamic curated portfolio of 35 Maple Street Spirits, now called 3 Badge Mixology—so named for the three volunteer fireman badges earned by Sonoma Valley pioneer August Sebastiani—showcased Uncle Val's Botanical Gin, Bib & Tucker Bourbon, Kirk & Sweeny 12 Year Old Dominican Rum and Masterson's Straight Rye Whiskey. While the company name is new, the heritage is all Sebastiani, with August Sebastiani III steering the ship. Dedicated to the bright and dynamic flavors sought after by today's craft cocktail advocates, these spirits explode in the glass, demanding the freshest ingredients and giving license to wild flavor composition. Feast for the Senses FILM AND FLAVOR FIND PERFECT HARMONY AT THE NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL by Dan Vogel The Hibiscus Rum Runner ◗ 2 oz. Kirk & Sweeney 12 Year Old Dominican Rum ◗ ½ oz. lime juice ◗ ½ oz. grapefruit juice ◗ ½ oz. hibiscus tea ◗ ½ oz. spiced orange-zest syrup PHOTO: ALEXANDER RUBIN Opening night at the Fifth Annual Napa Valley Film Festival, where events took place in Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville and Napa. PHOTO: ALEXANDER RUBIN Bartender Erika Frey at the 5th Annual Napa Valley Film Festival. PHOTO COURTESTY OF NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL/PATRICE WARD

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