The Tasting Panel magazine

Tasting Panel October 2010

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COMPETITIONS Ten Brands That Stole the Show ClASSiCS AND NEWCoMERS SHARE GloRY AT THE 2010 SPIRITS OF MEXICO COMPETITION by Robert Plotkin / photos by Jessie Odaffer ack Robertiello and I again led the judging panels at the Spirits of Mexico Competition, held this past August in the San Diego. Now in its fourth year, the two-day blind tasting drew over 150 of the best and the brightest 100- percent agave tequilas, sotols and mezcals. J For enthusiasts and aficionados, the Spirits of Mexico Competition is something like the Oscars and the Olympics rolled into one. Earning one of the event’s coveted gold medals has given scores of deserving brands a much-needed marketing boost, in large part because of the competition’s growing reputation for exceedingly high standards. The entries were judged under strictly controlled conditions by 14 industry pro- fessionals, all of whom make their living buying, selling, producing or consulting The 2010 judges (front to back): Jack Romaya, Old Town Tequila, San Diego; Carlos Ruiz, Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, Tucson AZ; Charlotte Voisey (hidden), William Grant & Sons; Ricardo Cisneros Beltran, Caribbean University, MX; Juan Pablo Calderon, El Vitral, San Diego; Eric Lorenz, Vancouver, BC (won the consumer judging seat); Alfredo S. Gama, Wine Warehouse; David Grapshi, The Sazerac Company; Dori Bryant, Polished Palate; Forrest Cokely, Hi-Time Wine Cellars; Ana Maria Romero Mena, Maestro Tequilera and author, MX; Dee Carey (not a judge); Junior Merino, The Liquid Chef, NYC; Mario Marquez, Coyote Cantina y Café. Missing are co-host Jack Robertiello, Drinks Ink; co-host Robert Plotkin, Bar Media; and Larry Auman, Cantina Mayahuel, San Diego. 82 / the tasting panel / october 2010

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