Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/597666
8 / the tasting panel / november 2015 contents | November 2015 Vol. 73 No. 10 TASTING PANEL THE 66 DEPARTMENTS 4 Letter from the Editor 9 Industry Spotlight 12 Brief Encounters 20 San Fran Insider 22 New York City Sips 24 Scotch Report 26 BevForce Movers & Shakers 28 Upcoming 30 A Lone Star Life 32 The Wandering Sommelier 34 New i n Town 36 Intro-Vinous 38 Over t he Table 40 Vodka: Absolut Elyx 42 Competitions 48 Cognac: Courvoisier 50 Line Extensions: Hornitos Black Barrel 52 Tequila: Clase Azul 54 What's New: Edinburgh Gin 56 Places: Portland, ME 58 Behind the Scenes with Fred Dame 60 Pairings 62 San Francisco Competitions Double Go ld Tour 66 Competitions 68 Word of Mouth 76 Blue Reviews 80 Publisher's Picks 83 Marketplace 84 Brand Profile 86 Tastings 88 Agave Spirits 98 France 100 Mixology 106 Women of the Vine 124 Event Recap 126 Event Wrap-Up 132 Sweet on Honey 134 Taking Inventory SPECIAL FEATURES 108 TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM North American Whiskies Come On Strong COVER STORY 70 BONDING OVER BAROSSA Barossa Valley Estate Takes Super Premium Consumers to One of the World's Great Red Wine Regions UP FRONT 5 JOIE DE VIVRE Absentroux Revitalizes the Aperitif Hour FEATURES 44 UPHOLDING LEGACIES John Wayne Isn't the Only Legend that the Duke Bourbon Pairing Competition Honors 91 PUT TO THE TEST The Winemakers Studio at Wente Vineyards Tests Our Most Basic Preconceptions 94 FORWARD-THINKING DRINKING The Farnese Vini Wine Group Redefines Cooperative Models 130 PLANETA'S JOURNEY Each of Planeta's Six Wineries Aims to Be a Reflection of the Local Terroir PHOTO: STEPHANIE SECREST