The Tasting Panel magazine

May 2016

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may 2016  /  the tasting panel  /  95 CATEGORY REPORT Born in the AMERICAN-MADE SPIRITS THAT WILL HAVE YOUR PALATE FEELING PATRIOTIC THIS MEMORIAL DAY AND ALL SUMMER LONG U.S.A. Flavor Explorers: NEW AMSTERDAM Five-times distilled and three-times filtered, the Original Vodka offering (40% ABV, SRP $14) anchors the impressive portfolio of New Amsterdam vodkas, which also contains Citron, Orange, Mango, Peach, Pineapple, Berry and Coconut expressions. No matter the occasion or cocktail, these vodkas will have you covered with fresh flavors that will instantly become staples behind the bar. —Izzy Watson E. & J. GALLO Top-Flight: AVIATION AMERICAN GIN When people think gin, they typically recall the juniper-forward notes of the London dry style. Back in 2005, Bartender Ryan Magarian sought to break the mold and produce a gin that brought other botanicals to the forefront. Wanting to develop a profile for the American palate, he looked to the Pacific Northwest for botanical inspiration and paired the traditional juniper with elettaria cardamom, lavender, sarsaparilla, coriander, anise seed and dried sweet orange peel—all of which is sourced by the Oregon Spice Company—to produce Aviation Gin (SRP $28). Distillers Christian Krogstad and Andrew Tice steep these ingredients in a neutral grain spirit before distilling it in their 400-gallon, stainless-steel still. This process results in a gin with layers of floral and savory notes—it envelopes the palate with a spicy freshness, much like an ocean breeze from the Pacific. Enjoy it on its own, or serve it in the classic Aviation cocktail—either way, your guest will be flying high with this spirit! —Emily Coleman HOUSE SPIRITS DISTILLERY AMSTERDAM offering the Christian from cocktail—either HOUSE SPIRITS DISTILLERY

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