Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/776532
january/february 2017 / the tasting panel / 75 89 Layer Cake 2015 Sea of Stones, Mendoza, Argentina ($16) Dark, smooth and concentrated with rich, ripe plum, cassis and blackberry; intense and deep with a lingering finish; a Jason Woodbridge import. ONE TRUE VINE SPIRITS 92 Oakheart Genuine Spiced Rum, Puerto Rico ($15) Silky and seductive with off-dry flavors of spice, smoke and toasty oak; rich, complex and mellow with a long, rich finish; serious and delicious. BACARDI 92 Revel Stoke Root Beer Flavored Whisky, USA ($14) Deep mahogany color ; sweet root beer nose; smooth and spicy with authentic root beer flavor and lush texture; creamy with amaro-like style; rich, balanced finish. PHILLIPS DISTILLING 93 The Macallan Oak Cask No. 2 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($100) Medium amber color ; softly toasty nose; smooth and mellow with sweet oak, dried pear and elegant spice; light in weight but deep in flavor ; long and balanced. EDRINGTON AMERICAS 94 Glen Scotia Exceptionally Rare Victoriana Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($91) Intense, rich, toasty malt; deep, mellow and long with layers of dried fruits, treacle and spice; bursting with flavor, complex and balanced; an impressive statement from Campbeltown. A HARDY USA 93 Boondocks American Whiskey 95 Proof, USA ($40) Royal Wine Corp. re-enters the spirits game with this smooth, ripe and floral entry. Lush, warm flavors of soft spice and leather, creamy and mellow with sweet oak and a long finish. There's also a 127-proof cask-strength version. ROYAL WINE CORP. 93 B Distilled Spirits Specialty, 100% Real Beet, USA ($30) Clear in color ; earthy nose; lovely, elegant sweet beet flavors; an eau-de- vie made from beets that is luscious on its own and would be exciting in a cocktail. BOARDROOM SPIRITS 93 Flores Žuta Osa Superior, Serbia ($35) Žuta Osa ("Yellow Wasp") is a traditional plum brandy—slivovitz— from Serbia; toasty plum and vanilla flavors; it is dry, complex and charming; mellow, earthy and long. BOZIC'S IMPORTS & WHOLESALE 93 Long Road Distillers Aquavit, USA ($35) From 100% red winter wheat. Soft caraway nose; silky and smooth with lush texture and lovely flavors of caraway and vanilla; made from red winter wheat; clean and mellow with long, graceful flavors; made in Michigan. 94 Millard Fillmore Brandy, USA ($35) Made by the Germain- Robin Distillery in Mendocino. Smooth, clean and elegant with medium amber color and silky texture; rich and tasty with treacle, vanilla oak and ripe, balanced style. CRAFT DISTILLERS 92 Savîle Premium Rumtini, USA ($28/1 liter) Made with white rum. Juicy, tropical nose; mouthfilling yet tangy with natural flavors of bright passion fruit, sweet orange and citrus; smooth, balanced and superb. The one-liter bottle contains eight drinks ($3.50/per cocktail). DTRS ENTERPRISES 94 Cráneo Organic Mezcal Artesanal, Mexico ($58) A new organic mezcal from the creator of 123 Organic Tequila; smoky, silky and balanced with citrus, spice and green banana; creamy texture and rich flavors. An excellent addition to this very hot category. 123 SPIRITS 93 Magnum Highland Cream Liqueur, Scotland ($28) A lovely liqueur based on Dutch cream laced with BenRiach Speyside single malt; luscious flavors with a bright kick of whisky; dense and quite charming. The milk can packaging is unique too. MAGNUM IMPORTS 92 Laughing Glass All Natural Pomegranate Low Calorie Margarita, USA ($19) Pink color ; bright fruit nose; juicy and fresh with vibrant pomegranate and citrus; made with all-natural ingredients and blanco tequila; fresh and tangy—and it's low-calorie. MOMS ON THE ROCKS Pomegranate