Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/17414
SPEED TASTING DEPARTMENT HEADER VodkaVelocity T WITH ONLY MINUTES TO WIN US OVER, THESE BRANDS MADE IT INTO THE FAST LANE aking a swift pace around THE TASTING PANEL track, our monthly Spirits Speed Tasting was a combination of sound bites and quick sips as nine vodka brands and their ambas- sadors jockeyed for position—and brand recognition—with 15-minute presentations to the panel at Culina restaurant at the accommodating Four Seasons Beverly Hills. What follows are tasting notes and talking points from our panel of experts: spirits consultant Aidan Demarest of Demarest/Tello Liquid Assets; K&L Spirits Buyer David Othenin-Girard; THE TASTING PANEL’s Publisher/Executive Editor, Meridith May; Four Seasons/Culina Sommelier Brick Loomis; and THE TASTING PANEL’S Editor-in-Chief, Anthony Dias Blue. photos by Tom Zasadzinski Speed Tasters (left to right): spirits consultant Aidan Demarest of Demarest/Tello Liquid Assets; K&L Spirits Buyer David Othenin-Girard; THE TASTING PANEL’s Publisher/ Executive Editor, Meridith May; Four Seasons/Culina Sommelier Brick Loomis; and THE TASTING PANEL’s Editor-in-Chief, Anthony Dias Blue. 72 / the tasting panel / october 2010