Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/49694
Most Resourceful Big Bottom Whiskey, USA ($30) Realizing that distilling its own whiskey would be a capital- and labor-intensive operation requiring at least two years to get off the ground, Big Bottom Whiskey wasted no time in fi nding its way to the independent path, and taking its cues from the independent whisky bottlers in Scotland, began to source its base product from several select distilleries before bringing the brew in-house for fi nesse, fi nishing and bottling, resulting in a specially-crafted whiskey that's fi ne-tuned to founder Ted Pappas's specifi cations. The current crafty Big Bottom, released this year and 91 proof, shows how much we have to look forward to from this producer: 2011 saw the brand create its own recipe in partnership with a distiller to release a proprietary offering in 2014, and we've got a feeling we'll be seeing Big Bottom's little sister in that year's Yearbook. American straight bourbon from Oregon with shimmering amber color from aging in white oak casks; smooth and mel- low with caramel and vanilla; creamy and lush with pretty, balanced fl avors; long, complex, harmonious and rich. BIG BOTTOM WHISKEY The Clear Rebel Purity Vodka, Sweden ($40) In the world of vodka, Purity is the James Dean-esque rebel, the good- looking smooth-talker who breaks all the rules—and likes it. The common defi nition of vodka as a colorless, odorless, tasteless neutral grain spirit has been smashed by Purity, which is admittedly crystal-clear and unscented, but is anything but bland. Made from a proprietary blend of Swedish-grown winter wheat and barley and 34-times distilled, Purity's unique character is highlighted perfectly in the glass neat, and unlike other vodkas, which need to be mixed to oblivion in cocktails in order to have a "taste," Purity's rebellious streak shines through right out of the bottle. Says Master Distiller Thomas Kuuttanen, whose passionate quest brought Purity to life, "My ambition has not been to produce a vodka that pleases everyone, but a vodka I love myself." This liquid is so pure that it requires no fi ltration, purposely retaining the character and minerals that bring fl avors of sweet and salty, licorice, rosebuds and umami. PURITY VODKA AB 110 / the tasting panel / december 201 1 Most Family-Oriented Twomey Cellars 2009 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley ($50) Every class has one graduate who's living in the shadows of a big brother or sister, but thankfully, that's not the case at Twomey. When Silver Oak Cellars co-founder Raymond Twomey Duncan had a vision of creating a world-class Merlot with the help of his four sons, Twomey Cellars was born, and the family came together for a series of outstanding releases that refl ect the best of California's terroir—without any pesky sibling rivalry. In 2002, Managing Partners Tim and David Duncan used their passion for Pinot Noir to launch the winery's program for that varietal, and the resulting releases, from some of California's top appellations, have been nothing short of excellent. This 2009 Pinot sources fruit from the sustainably-farmed Ferrington Vineyard in Boonville and Savoy Vineyard in Philo, as well as the valley's crown jewel, Monument Tree Vineyard, organi- cally farmed and noted for its impressive fruit. Smooth, elegant and lush with ripe cherry and fi rm, harmonious acidity; fresh, juicy and Burgundian with purity, balance and a lovely long fi nish. SILVER OAK CELLARS Best Category-Crosser Monteru Eau de Vie No. 1 de Cabernet Sauvignon, France ($36) The world owes the Cabernet Sauvignon grape everlasting love and affection for what the little fruit has given enophiles over the years, but now we're fi nding a whole new way to love the varietal in a category it invented—single- grape brandy. Produced in traditional French brandy-making methods and matured for a maximum of two years in Limousin oak barrels in order to preserve specifi c varietal profi les, Monteru's single-varietal lineup also includes Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling, and is the fi rst and only premium eau-de-vie produced in France from wine grapes. Equal parts tradition and innovation, Monteru's found its niche in making its own rules. Light amber color; smooth and toasty with lush notes of caramel, dried plum and complexity: long, silky and balanced. DISTILLERIE TESSENDIER USA