Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/12827
HARLEM Kruiden Liqueur: Herb is the Word Cries of “Prost!” were heard throughout the evening thanks to HARLEM Kruiden Liqueur, a complex and balanced spirit that demands to be enjoyed as a shot—along with the accompanying toast, of course. Dark and herbaceous, HARLEM resembles other herbal liqueurs on the nose, but opens up a whole new ballgame on the palate. Well-balanced and sweet, HARLEM’s Mandarin orange notes shine through a light licorice flavor. NOLET SPIRITS USA X Factor: This 80-proof spirit avoids the super-sticky cough syrup–like trap that other herbal liqueurs have been known to fall into, proving that it is never too late to change the game. Medea Vodka: Blinging the Backbar With BlackBerries, iPads and Bluetooth devices permanent fixtures in our society, there’s no doubt we live in a digital era—and it’s about time the spirits world is catching up. Leading the way is Medea vodka, a brand with the most unique packaging we’ve seen of late. Programmable with personalized digital messages emblazoned in bright blue across the front of the bottle, Medea speaks volumes in bright, flashy and classy ways. More than just gimmick, the stuff inside this blingged-out bottle is noth- ing to scoff at; this pure, single-batch, pot-distilled wheat vodka coming out of Schiedam, Holland is clean and smooth, with just the lightest touch of heat. FSJ IMPORTS X Factor: Each bottle can be programmed to run up to six messages with a maximum of 255 characters each. Thanks to Medea, you can say anything from “I love you, Mom,” to, “Go Yankees!” We see Medea as the perfect personalized gift or party trick. july 2010 / the tasting panel / 63 PHOTO: DOUG YOUNG