Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/49694
contents PANE L | December 2011 Vol. 69 No. 11 UP FRONT 5 BIRTH OF THE COOL Zephyr Gin and the Age of Nouveau Botanicals COVER STORY 43 SEEING DOUBLE BLACK Johnnie Walker Gets Plugged In and Amplifi ed SPECIAL REPORT 105 THE TASTING PANEL YEARBOOK A Look at the Best-Reviewed Brands of 2012 FEATURES 95 Derek Brown, Washington D.C. Mixologist. DEPARTMENTS 4 Letter from the Editor 10 Industry Spotlight 16 Brief Encounters 20 Steven Spurrier's Letter from London 22 Scotch Report 24 Small Batch 26 San Fran Insider 28 Distiller Spotlight: Alex Nicol 30 Bartender Beat: PAMA Liqueur 32 Focus on: Spirits of Mexico Competition 36 Brand Spotlight: Woodford Reserve 38 Bourbon: Meet Joy Perrine 40 Alternative Beverages: Funkin 42 Tasting Event: The Loire in Austin 48 Blue Reviews 54 Publisher's Picks 56 Bar Tech: Ice 58 Competition: World Margarita Results 60 Launch Pad: House Band Wines 66 Competition: Most Inspired Bartender 62 Appellation Report: Temecula 72 Category Report: Cognac 74 Acquisitions: Ruffi no 80 Unique: Twisted Shotz 84 Cocktails for Geeks 86 Brand Profi le: Miracle Mile Bitters 87 A Lone Star Life 88 Wine News 92 The Drink and The Dish 94 New Zealand: Waipara 12 6 Taking Inventory 8 / the tasting panel / december 201 1 33 VODKA'S "NOBLE" ELEMENTS Beluga Is a Rising Star in Luxury Vodka 68 UNDER PRESSURE Purity Vodka Demonstrates How Instant Infu- sions Can Make Fresher, Tastier Cocktails 76 ROCKIN' WITH THE 'TOSHAN Making the Auchentoshan Switch 78 STAPLE OF THE BAR From Brooklyn to Boulder, Hip Hang-Outs Find Montenegro Amaro Indispensable 81 SPEAKING EASY Canadian Club Has Always Been Willing to Take Risks in Its Marketing Campaigns 90 GORGING ON WINE Terroir and Talent from the Columbia Gorge 96 DISTRICT SIPS Going Behind D.C. Bars 98 STORMING THE MOUNTAIN Mammoth Lakes Is a Resort Town in an El- evated Position: It's All Up Hill for the Hospi- tality Industry 104 FUZZY ZOELLER: DRIVEN TO SUCCEED Loyal Followers and an Ace Team of Bever- age Pros Steer Fuzzy's Vodka Toward Greater Success in 2012 PHOTO: GREG POWERS TH E