The Tasting Panel magazine

October 2015

Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/581407

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 74 of 140

74  /  the tasting panel  /  october 2015 COVER STORY Just as paella and tapas were two stepping stones that led many consumers to discover the gastronomic attributes of Spain, it was the flavorful and econom- ically-priced Spanish wines that have resonated most dramatically on premise and off. As a result, they have become a natural prelude to the ever-increasing presence of González Byass in America. "González Byass has been a Sherry house for many years," said Mauricio González, "but after the 1980s we started expanding our production in Spain to other wine producing areas. There are six other regions comprising our portfolio right now. Of course, there is Tio Pepe, where it all began and which is now an internationally-celebrated Sherry sold in over 100 countries. But now, we also have wines such as Viñas del Vero Secastilla, an old-vine Garnacha from a lost and forgotten vineyard that we brought back to life, and our famous Beronia Gran Reserva, a benchmark Rioja and one of Spain's top three brands. All of this led up to our initial investment in Vin Divino back in 2013, [of which] González Byass now owns 100 percent. That in itself shows our long-term com- mitment to this market, and also the fact that Vin Divino has been an important representation of Spanish wines. That was what made us decide to change the name to González Byass USA." But the González Byass commitment to the American beverage industry isn't ending with wine. Inspired by the Gin and Tonic craze that has swept Spain in recent years, the company developed London No. 1 Dry Gin (named after the First Duke of Wellington's "No. 1" Hyde Park residence in London), one of the few London dry gins actually distilled in London, triple-pot- distilled, and infused with twelve botanicals—including bergamot oil, which lends a flavorful touch of Earl Grey tea into the mix—London No. 1 is dis- tinctly floral and flavorful. No wonder it was selected as one of Robb Report's Best of Best winners last year. Just as dramatic is the initial release this month of Nomad, a whisky born PHOTO: CAL BINGHAM The casks holding Tio Pepe Sherry. Beronia Gran Reserva is a bench- mark Rioja.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of The Tasting Panel magazine - October 2015