Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/6221
The MESSAGE Life's a beach at The Sunset J ust steps from one of Malibu's most pristine beaches, The Sunset restaurant is a bastion of seaside elegance for surfer dudes and dudettes looking to unwind with a glass of wine or cocktail after a hard day on the waves. With stun- ning 180-degree ocean views, it's not diffi cult to see why this hotspot is popular with locals and tourists alike, but the food and beverage program doesn't hurt either. The Sunset's beach-inspired cocktail menu and an extensive by-the-glass list are rounded out with great deals on quartinos of wine—one-third bottle carafes sold for just fi ve dol- lars. The only thing left to complete a perfect dining experience at The Sunset? A platter of fresh-as-the- sea oysters, a bite of the restaurant's famously juicy Angus beef burgers and, of course, a spectacular sunset. —R.B. Life's a beach at The Sunset J of seaside elegance for surfer dudes and dudettes looking to unwind with a glass of wine or cocktail after a hard day on the waves. With stun- ning 180-degree ocean views, it's not diffi cult to see why this hotspot is popular with locals and tourists alike, but the food and beverage program doesn't hurt either. The Sunset's beach-inspired cocktail PHOTO: MARIA SCHRIBER Rodolfo Costella and Franco Simplico, owners of The Sunset restaurant in Malibu, CA, where fi ne food, great wine and signature cocktails entice customers right o≠ the beach. Sino Tequila Draws on Street Culture S ometimes, as a new kid on the block, you have to prove your street cred. In what could be- come a classic case study in guerrilla marketing, Judy Rivera, a Los Angeles native deeply involved with L.A.'s Latino Arts Network (LAN), is taking her new Sino tequila to the streets—literally—to draw support for the brand from the community she grew up in. Rivera has de- veloped a strong network of local artists—cartoon- ists, photographers and musicians—who are con- tributing to the brand's launch. And the support works both ways; one dol- lar from each bottle sold will be donated to LAN. As we met with Rivera for a tasting, we were more than impressed with what's in the bottle. The stunning Sino Silver (SRP $37.99) shows vibrant fl avors of cinnamon, nutmeg, ripe melon, kiwi and cucumber with overtones of lime zest. The more subtle Sino Reposado ($39.99), which spends four months in oak, has lovely weight on the palate, with a strong brown sugar component. "We're playing off the vibe of street culture with Sino," says the energetic Rivera, as she plots her next move to bring her tequila from the asphalt to the back bar. We predict she'll be a smash success. —David Gadd San Gabriel Beverage Group new Sino tequila to the streets—literally—to draw support for the brand from the community she grew up in. Rivera has de- veloped a strong network of local artists—cartoon- ists, photographers and musicians—who are con- tributing to the brand's launch. And the support works both ways; one dol- lar from each bottle sold will be donated to LAN. As we met with Rivera for a tasting, we were PHOTO: MERIDITH MAY Judy Rivera with her Sino tequila at THE TASTING PANEL's o∞ ces. Delivering for Diddy Aki Toumasis, VP/General Manager of Pacifi c Wine & Spirits/Southern California, accepts an award from Cîroc brand co-owner and spokesperson Diddy (Sean Combs) in recognition for outstanding achievement in sales perfor- mance of the ultra-premium vodka. On the far right is Jar- rett Catalani, Marketing Manager for Diageo Spirits. Delivering for Diddy PHOTO: CATHY TWIGG-BLUMEL AbSOLUT's New "Drinks" Campaign E xpanding on its new "Exceptional" cam- paign, ABSOLUT vodka celebrated the next phase of its groundbreak- ing print ad campaign with a fashionable fl air: a party on Manhattan's far West Side featuring iconic cocktails with a new twist. Part costume ball, part art happening, the party fea- tured brand ambassadors representing the ABSOLUT Bloody, Crush, Cosmo and Tonic Twist. Each costumed ambassador starred on her own stage for her cocktail, with retro-styled sets rang- ing from sexy to sci-fi . The scenes replicated the new print campaign, shot by fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth and featuring actresses Kate Beckinsale and Zooey Deschanel. Tim Murphy, ABSOLUT Vice President of Marketing, calls the campaign, which broke nationally on Nov. 30, a "witty interpretation of classic cocktails that pays homage to ABSOLUT's legacy as a truly iconic spirits brand." —L.B. E vodka celebrated the next phase of its groundbreak- ing print ad campaign with a fashionable fl air: a party on Manhattan's far West Side featuring iconic cocktails with a new twist. Part costume ball, part art Mike Marchitto (SWS Pernod Ri- card Portfolio Manager), Christina Miller (SWS Pernod Ricard Portfo- lio Manager), Heath Williams (SWS Pernod Ricard Portfolio Manager), Keith Giacobbe (SWS Pernod Ri- card Sales Manager), Garrett Mc- Guinness (Pernod Ricard Business Unit Director) and Greg Clement (Pernod Ricard State Manager, Metro New York & Delaware). 20 / the tasting panel / january–february 2010