The Tasting Panel magazine

October 2014

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october 2014  /  the tasting panel  /  65 TPM AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Lazzaroni Amaretto Officially produced since 1851, this liqueur exhibits subtle aromas of marzipan, dried fruits and cola nut. An almost velvety mouthfeel brings a heavy dose of roasted almonds, medium sweetness and spice notes. LAIRD & COMPANY FLAVOR INNOVATION GOLD Ziobaffa 2013 Pinot Grigio, Film Maker's Edition, Bella Vita, Italy Bottled and labeled with bio-safe material, this Pinot Grigio was crafted with a bio-dynamic focus and organically produced grapes. On the nose, apples and pears—with subtle touches of citrus—take the lead, while bright fruit flavors dominate on the palate. SAGE BEVERAGES SILVER Smoking Loon 2013 "Steelbird" Chardonnay, California Notes of ripe honey- dew and citrus, followed by lively flavors of pineapple and lemon. A surprisingly creamy mouthfeel accompanies this refreshing Chard. DON SEBASTIANI & SONS BEST MARKETING GOLD Broken Earth 2012 Diablo Rosado, Paso Robles, California A clever twist on the wine's name, the beautiful label was designed by Ursula Cameron, the winemaker's wife. Inside the bottle, your taste buds will encoun- ter red plums, cherries and strawberries—a very refreshing rosé! SILVER Omission Pale Ale With a clear target audience of health-conscious, gluten-free Millennials, education is key—shelf talkers and the website explain the gluten-free beer making process. A very satisfying beer, this hop-forward Pale Ale marries the bitter hops with toffee caramel notes from the malt. BEST PACKAGING GOLD Pau Maui Vodka Since it is distilled from pineapples, Pau Maui Vodka might surprise you—as the Hawaiian fruit is barely recog- nizable on the palate. Instead, this vodka is simple and clean, with a slight hint of sweet- ness, which the label and bottle reflect to a T. LEVECKE CORPORATION SILVER Chaquira Tequila Reposado Searching for that "wow" factor for your backbar? Chaquira Tequila Reposado's stunning hand-beaded bottle resembles a jaguar; telling an ancient story, it certainly celebrates Mexico and its colorful past. MEXCOR INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS TPM AWARD OF EXCELLENCE El Mayor Añejo Tequila Each sleek and sophisticated bottle of El Mayor Añejo Tequila is hand-labeled and -numbered with Distiller Rodolfo Gonzãlez's signa- ture of approval. Its sweet agave, vanilla and a hints of spice prove that this tequila is beautiful inside and out. LUXCO, INC ON-PREMISE AWARDS Judge: Steve Brooks, Tumbleweed GOLD Aveníu Brands A subsidiary of Grupo Codorníu (out of Barcelona), over 20 wine brands—along with several tequila, vodka and whiskey companies—make up Aveníu's diverse and well-respected portfolio. They look to represent brands that have "an authentic sense of place behind their labels." SILVER Crop Organic Pumpkin Spice Vodka A no-brainer for the upcoming fall months, this artisanal spirit's oat cereal undertones complement the heavier roasted pumpkin notes—carefully balanced without overdoing the Jack-O-Lantern effect. CHATHAM IMPORTS OFF-PREMISE AWARDS Judge: Keith Janosik, Roundy's Supermarkets GOLD Sacred Hill With a focus on quality and texture, this New Zealand vineyard—founded in 1986—produces a wide variety of highly decorated wines, and earning an ISO certification in 2006, their commitment to environmental well-being is evident. SILVER Clyde May's Alabama Whiskey Paying homage to the original Mr. May—who produced this moonshine from the 1950s to the 1980s—this premium whiskey comes alive with notes of oak, caramel and butter- scotch, melting into dried fruits and apples. TPM AWARD OF EXCELLENCE El Mayor Añejo Tequila sophisticated bottle of El Mayor Añejo Tequila is hand-labeled and -numbered with Distiller Rodolfo Gonzãlez's signa ture of approval. Its sweet agave, vanilla On- and off-premise awards were also selected for brands and portfolio's whose sales and marketing sets them apart from the pack: PHOTO: LEIGH CASTELLI PHOTO: LEIGH CASTELLI

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