The Tasting Panel magazine

December 2012

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Suntory ���The Hakushu��� Single Malt Whisky, Aged 12 Years, Japan CAMPARI AMERICA Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland DIAGEO NORTH AMERICA Tallarico Vodka, USA THE TALLARICO SPIRITS CO. Tullibardine Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland TOTAL BEVERAGE SOLUTIONS Uncle Val���s Botanical Gin, USA 35 MAPLE STREET Valentine Vodka, USA VALENTINE DISTILLING CO. Voli Espresso Vanilla Fusion Vodka, USA PALM BAY INTERNATIONAL Wahaka Madre Cuishe Organic Mezcal Joven, Mexico CENTRAL TEXAS SPIRITS WhistlePig 11 Year Straight Rye Whiskey, USA DOMAINE SELECT Zignum Reposado Mezcal, Mexico AMERICAN WINE Biggest Rule Breaker Zignum Reposado Mezcal, Mexico (SRP $30) Let���s play the word association game. I say champagne, you say bubbly; I say Islay, you say peaty; I say mezcal, you say . . . grassy? If you think we���re off the mark by not associating mezcal with its signature smoky ���avor, you clearly haven���t heard of Zignum Mezcal, an agave spirit that���s truly changing the mezcal game. Made in a unique production process that boils, rather than smokes the pi��as (agave hearts), Zignum's clean, vegetal ���avor opens up the mezcal category to a whole new group of consumers, making it the perfect transition spirit for a young demographic still developing their palates. Aged in American white oak, Zignum's delicate personality is unlike any other mezcal we've tasted, and we think this will inspire new realms of possibilities for mezcal's mixability. A distinct cognac nose is a pure form of ���attery, and at second and third nosing, a zingy metal minerality plays companion to a honeyed, peachy white tea. Densely creamy on the tongue, it pretty much rolls on the palate, undulating with an earthy, tropical core. AMERICAN WINE DISTRIBUTORS INC. DISTRIBUTORS INC. The Iconic Islay Laphroaig 10 Year Old Original Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland ($60) The complexities of Islay malts have made this the connoisseur���s category of the whisky world, and no one does Islay quite like Laphroaig. Taking the Islay experience to the next level is Laphroaig 10 Year Old Original Cask Strength, which whisks you away to the craggy shores of Scotland with one sip of this superb single malt. Bottled at distillery strength (112.6 proof), the exquisite peaty complexities invite intense contemplation, with a lingering ���nish that will leave Scotch diehards begging for more. Toasty, smoky and briny, with heady notes of iodine and tar as well as sweet vanilla. Stunningly complex but homogenous, with lush and beautifully focused ���avors. Delicious and completely amazing. BEAM INC. december 2012 / the tasting panel / 149

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