Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/306378
may 2014 / the tasting panel / 77 SPIRITS A bevy of brown spirits arrived on my desk this past month—but these were the show-stoppers that I want to share with you. Chai Rum, West Indies ($69.95) West Indies rum is infused with two types of tea leaves from India's Darjeeling area and melded with exotic spices and herbs. The aromas of the familiar chai notes of cinnamon, nettle and orange blossom permeate the nose and palate. The rum notes surge forth in mid-palate with such grace, it warms the entire mouth and leaves a trail of sunshine. Roasted hazelnuts and resin soothe at the finish. This is really a unique category. 60 proof. 95 SMAKS LUXURY GROUP RE:FIND Rye Whiskey, USA ($35) This 90-proof Paso Robles craft-distilled whiskey is a glorious combination of oatmeal, rye bread and orange peel on the nose.The spice plumps your lips before it sails into your mouth, a wake-up call that mellows as its heady notes of barley, banana, mango and wheat toast slowly spreads across the palate. Distiller Alex Villicana produces a high quality mash and ages the spirit in small American cooperage. 92 RE:FIND DISTILLERY Bainbridge Battle Point Organic Whiskey, USA ($49) The aromas that lift from the glass of this 86-proof Washington State wheat whiskey are deep and musky. It reminds me of an ancient cellar door that opens to the outside: letting in a sunshine of peach tones and spring flowers covered in honey. With each sip, your tongue gets a coat of paint: colored with swirls of vanilla, orange pekoe tea and a dab of spearmint. 93 BAINBRIDGE ORGANIC DISTILLERS Demetrio Tequila Añejo, Mexico ($39) I like an añejo that allows the brine, lime and earthiness of agave to shine through. This 100% agave spirit heaps on the agave notes on the nose, while a subtle cedar eeks through. On the palate, perfumed toffee is laced with jasmine and lilac. A staccato spice dots the tip of the tongue and the agave continues to remind you of its presence. Elegant and impressive. 93 1010 INTERNATIONAL Project: 360 Patriot Ad - The Tasting Panel - May 2014 - HP4C Size: 3.375" W x 10" H Version: v01 Date: 04/11/14 Color: 4C Contact: Kaitlin Graham - kgraham@mccormickdistilling.com Notes: 360_Patriot_TastingPanel_HP4C_v01.indd 1 4/11/14 9:06 AM West Indies TP0514_072-101.indd 77 4/24/14 11:00 PM