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Most Powerful Newcomer Best Blanco C by Courvoisier, France ($35) Tequila Don Weber Silver Tequila, Mexico ($35) Being the new product on the block is never easy, but when you���re part of the Courvosier family, it���s essential to live up to your powerhouse potential. Made from an intense blend of 50 small-batch crus, C by Courvoisier is double-barrel aged for extra oomph, giving it the muscle it needs to be a serious contender in the cognac category. With a one-two punch offering a smooth-yet-powerfullyfull-bodied pro���le, this 2012 new release will be a serious contender in years to come. With an opulent nose of orange meringue, perfumed, heady scents of bittersweet orange biscuits play havoc on the appetite. The palate is nectar-textured: passion fruit, apricot and Mandarin orange. BEAM INC. As the tequila category continues to charm more and more consumers, the time is ripe for small-production artisan distillers to shine. Stepping into the spotlight is Tequila Don Weber, a small Mexican-owned company that���s working magic with its double distilled 100% blue Weber agave blanco tequila. Don Weber Silver is also double ���ltered, giving the spirit a clean, pure agave ���avor that���s perfect in cocktails. We love the Silver, but also fell for the brand's Reposado, A��ejo and the brooding, dark Extra A��ejo. Aromatic and soft agave nose; smooth, creamy and mellow with vanilla, spice, nice agave notes and a lush agave ���nish; clean, peppery and quite lovely; long and balanced on the ���nish. TEQUILA DON WEBER Most All-American John B. Stetson Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA ($27) The myth of the great Western cowboy is something that has become engrained in the fabric of the U.S. of A., right alongside America���s Native Spirit, bourbon. Combining cowboy dreams, water from Kentucky and a proprietary blend of American corn, rye, wheat and barley is John B. Stetson (yes, as in the hat) Bourbon, a whiskey that���s as American as John Wayne, and just as ruggedly handsome on the backbar. Bright amber color; smooth, lush and silky with lovely sweet vanilla oak; ripe, rich and showing notes of roasted corn, spice and clove; aromatic tea, toasted oak and mouth-���lling; generous, layered and balanced with nicely harmonious ���avors. VISION WINE AND SPIRITS The New Guy Kansas Clean Distilled Whiskey, USA ($30) Leaving the bottle completely clear with no pictures or symbols for a label is risky, but a risk that Kansas Clean Distilled is willing to take. They want to make something very clear: This isn���t your cowboywalks-into-a-saloon-and-orders-theroughest-whiskey-around whiskey. No, this whiskey is different. This whiskey is different because it isn���t made from heavy barley or rye, but from light steel roller���milled amber winter wheat. This is a whiskey for new whiskey drinkers who want to enjoy their drink without feeling like they are preparing for a shootout. Smooth enough to be enjoyed on its own but crisp enough to support classic cocktails, this new guy in town is sure to change the game. Pale amber color; fragrant, very smooth with creamy vanilla and smooth oak; mellow grain with toasty notes; quite lovely. FABULOUS AMERICAN BEVERAGES december 2012 / the tasting panel / 143