Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/884376
DECONSTRUCTING SPIRITS Mahón Gin, Spain (SRP $46) If you have spent any time in Spain, you know Spaniards love their gin—and Mahón Gin has brought that love to the U.S. market. Located on the picturesque island of Menorca and named for the eponymous port city, the company links its foundation to the British occupation and resulting gin production in the 1700s. Mahón Gin is now the only remaining distiller on the island, and it serves as an official DO for gin production. The base of the spirit relies on the grapes of Cava—Parellada and Xarel-lo—and distillation still takes place in wood-fired copper pot stills that are more than a century old. The recipe continues unchanged as well, employing native juniper berries, angelica root, coriander, and lemon peel. Aging the juniper berries in open-air baskets for up to four years brings out more of the citrus notes and adds a hint of salt. Mahón Gin is distilled to proof without any addition of water before aging for four years to bring out more of the citrus notes. The gin exhibits pronounced juniper in the aroma and more lemon on the palate—not overwhelmingly viscous and incredibly smooth. The gin is delicious in Gin & Tonics, Martinis, and Spanish Negronis. GLASS REVOLUTION IMPORTS Clase Azul Mezcal, Mexico (SRP $250) "In a way, mezcal is the grandfather of tequila but also the baby," Arturo Lomeli, Founder and CEO at Clase Azul Spirits explained. "It has a long history but is also showing great innovation." The brand made tequila for almost 20 years before becoming one of the first compa- nies primarily producing tequila to foray into mezcal. Although 97 percent of mezcal, accord- ing to Lomeli, is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico, Clase Azul is made in Durango, Mexico. It utilizes the rare Agave cenizo, which is still wild and harvested by hand, supported with donkeys. Clase Azul then employs an artisanal production process, including the cooking of the magueys underground to encourage complexity. The mezcal displayed similar character- istics both on the nose and palate with smoke, lime, and green banana. Emphasizing the commitment to local artisans, the classic ceramic bottle is individually handcrafted in a small village by Mexican artisans. Its colorful cap is also handcrafted by artisans from the Huichol culture, using beeswax, resin, and individually placed beads. CLASE AZUL SPIRITS 92 / the tasting panel / october 2017 Untitled-2 1 9/19/17 3:22 PM Untitled-2 1