The Tasting Panel magazine

March 2017

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march 2017  /  the tasting panel  /  75 Where I Am From You Can Be BOLD Without Being Loud SmithFamilyWines.com Born and raised in the Santa Lucia Highlands Paraiso Vineyards wine has a strong sense of self. These boutique wines refl ect their deep roots in the region, handcrafted by three generations of the Smith Family who have farmed the land here since 1973. Never Forget Your Roots USQUAEBACH'S PORTFOLIO OF HERITAGE Scotches, bottled in ceramic flagons, is a unique project that uses the Gaelic for "water of life" (pronounced oos-ke-bah) as its brand name. "Our intent upon acquiring the rights to Usquaebach was to resurrect a historic whisky and incred- ible blend," explains Sean Perry, owner of Cobalt Brands. "Our goal is not to compete with the big brands in the blended category; our mission is to craft Usquaebach in a way that harkens back to the high-malt content, rich and envelop- ing styles blends featured in the past—when blending was an art form." Very impressive drams indeed. 92 Usquaebach Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($40) Light and smooth with lush dried fruit and spice; clean and balanced; mellow, smooth and toasty; long and charming. 94 Usquaebach 15 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($80) Deep amber color ; smooth, toasty and meaty; rich and balanced with dried fruit, spice and a long, sweet and rounded finish; complex. 95 Usquaebach Old Rare Blended Scotch Whisky 2014, Scotland ($115) Rich, malty nose; smooth and generous with deep, sweet, toasty flavors of vanilla oak and spice; creamy texture and ripe fruit; lush and polished with balance and a long finish. 94 Usquaebach Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 2016 Release, Scotland ($200) Toasty, smooth nose; elegant, silky and rich with precise, refined flavors of smooth malt, spice and vanilla; silky, balanced and dry; treacle and biscuits; long and graceful. COBALT BRANDS "Water of Life"

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