Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/674905
may 2016 / the tasting panel / 91 88 Mont Gravet 2015 Cinsaut Rosé, South of France ($9) Bright salmon pink with racy acidity and a hint of sweetness; juicy and fresh with notes of raspberry and peach; lively and tangy. WINESELLERS, LTD. 88 Graffigna 2014 Centenario Reserve Malbec, Pedernal Valley, San Juan, Argentina ($13) Smooth, lush and juicy; balanced and fresh with berry fruit and a nice touch of oak; no edges. PERNOD RICARD USA SPIRITS 93 Weissbrand Birds, Germany ($39) A gin-like spirit (but with no juniper) made from distilled wine; this one is made from Moselle Riesling. Hard to classify, but silky and smooth with lovely aromatics and spice; vanilla and elegant flavors. NOT YET IMPORTED; INFO@WEISSBRAND.DE 92 Blue Nectar Tequila Añejo Founders Blend, Mexico ($60) Medium amber color ; smooth agave and spice nose; silky and smooth texture with toast and aromatic agave; mellow and spicy with depth and a long, elegant style; warm, fresh finish. THE BLUE NECTAR SPIRITS CO. 93 Avuá Prata Cachaça, Brazil ($30) Clear, aromatic and showing herbs and vanilla in the nose; silky, lush and smooth with spice; rich and balanced, long and deep. AVUA CORP. 94 Novo Fogo Cachaça Single Barrel, Brazil ($150) Medium amber color ; toasty, rich wood nose; silky and smooth with elegant style and considerable finesse; lush and balanced with deep flavors and tropical spices. NOVO FOGO 95 Suntory The Yamazaki 2016 Sherry Cask Single Malt Japenese Whisky, Japan ($300) Dark amber color ; toasty, intense sherry nose; silky and smoky with rich, complex flavors of sweet sherry and vanilla; deep, roasted and long. BEAM SUNTORY 94 Don Q 2005 Signature Release Single Barrel Gold Rum, Puerto Rico ($46) Light amber color ; smooth vanilla and brown sugar nose; silky and smooth with lovely depth and elegance; graceful and spicy with notes of orange peel and great refinement; admirable balance. SERRALLÉS USA 94 Rum Malecon 25 Year Old Reserva Imperial, Panama ($120) Dark amber color ; smooth, smoky and toasted with spice, almonds and caramel with hints of mocha; elegant and smooth with rich, layered flavors. COBALT BRANDS 92 Crafthouse Cocktails Moscow Mule Vodka Cocktail, USA ($20) Smooth and juicy with a nice snap of ginger ; spritzy, crisp and bright. 94