Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/68310
Tap into The Taproom O perated by Firestone Walker Brewing Company, The Taproom is the newest brew- pub—and now the largest restaurant—in Paso Robles, California. With 18 taps, 234 seats and a 72-seat patio, the 7,500-square-foot brew house bistro is a popular spot for the winemaking crowd who enjoy a craft beer and casual, if not creative, dining. The big, bustling dining room changes the percep- tion about craft beer. "It's about what type of cuisine pairs best with food," says Jamie Smith, VP Marketing for The Taproom." Gourmet cheese, panko crusted ahi and Kobe beef burgers are among the choices. The wine list is exclusive to Central Coast selections and a broad list of beers from the Firestone Walker portfolio. In fact, for a record fourth time since 2004, Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Brewmaster Matt Brynildson have been named Champion Brewery and Brewmaster in the Mid-Size Brewing Company category at the 2012 World Beer Cup, a prestigious global competition that this year included 799 brewer- ies from 54 countries and 45 U.S. states. "The results speak to the remarkable quality of the U.S. craft beer industry," said co-proprietor David Walker. "We are proud to be a part of the American craft beer revolution." "We are honored to have our beers recognized by our peers in the international brewing community, in the company of the greatest beers from around the world," said co-proprietor Adam Firestone. Adam Firestone amid his mini-bottling line creation at his latest venture, The Taproom bar, which opened this spring in Paso Robles, CA. South American Lifestyle Wine P alm Bay International has been appointed to import, market and oversee U.S. distribu- tion of Terra Andina, the fi rst-ever South American lifestyle wine brand to be launched in the U.S. Terra Andina joins Palm Bay's robust Latin portfolio, which features key estates in Chile, Argentina, Spain and Portugal. Grapes for the range come from premium grow- ing areas: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere from Chile; Malbec from Argentina and Sparkling Moscato from Brazil. Each will be available in a 750-ml. format, at a suggested retail price of $11.99. Terra Andina is part of the Claro Group wine portfolio, which also includes Chile's Santa Rita (imported since 2006 by Palm Bay International). june 2012 / the tasting panel / 11