Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1399
Category Report St. Petersburg Vodka Newly introduced in America, St. Petersburg vodka hails from the cultural capital of Russia, produced in a small, pri- vately-owned facility. St. Petersburg vodka boasts lux-grade alcohol—the softest grade available (and Russia's highest level)—made exclusively from winter wheat, with just a hint of sweetness, a charcoal fi ltration process and a formula that dates back almost 250 years. PREISS IMPORTS VeeV In today's health-crazed world, açaí berries, the Bra- zillian national fruit, are all the rage, but VeeV vodka was the fi rst spirit to jump on the açaí bandwagon. Coupled with other vitamin-packed ingredients like prickly pear and acerola cherry, VeeV's nutritional benefi ts are only eclipsed by its charitable and envi- ronmental infl uence; $1 from every bottle sold is donated to help protect and replenish the Brazilian rainfor- est, and VeeV is the only certifi ed carbon- neutral spirits com- pany in the world. VEEV SPIRITS Joie de VeeV VeeV vodka Fresh ginger Simple syrup Lemon juice The verdict: The citrus fl avors of the vodka respond well to the ginger's punch. Martin Miller's Gin Batch-distilled in the heart of England's Black Country, Martin Miller's gin sources its water from Iceland, 1,500 miles away, in order to use the purest gla- cial water, giving the spirit its signature soft, smooth mouth- feel. The 80-proof gin served up at the Showdown bursts with lovely citrus on the nose and taste, while Martin Miller's 90-proof effortlessly lifts the juniper fl avor and packs a spicy, smooth fi nish. KINDRED SPIRITS Miller's Basil Gimlet Martin Miller's 80-proof gin Farmer's market basil Raw sugar Fresh-pressed lime The verdict: Basil was a popular ingredient at the Showdown, but the combination here worked espe- cially well with this balanced and smart-tasting ten- botanical English gin. The fresh ingredients tasted like summer in a glass. Sobieski Vodka Crafted from 100% Dankowski rye from Poland's Mazowse fi elds, Sobieski brings a subtly sweet smoothness and is good enough to stand on its own. IMPERIAL BRANDS The Polish Mary Sobieski vodka Tommy's Bloody Mary mix (fresh and natural tasting!) Odwalla grapefruit juice Key lime juice The verdict: The freshness of the ingredients made for one very special cocktail. The grape- fruit juice just cut right through the acidity of the lime and mar- ried well with the smooth, but slightly spicy Russian rye. Jim Lloyd of Imperial Brands. 70 / the tasting panel / july 2009