Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/688647
{ SOMMjournal.com } 99 indigenous spices from the diverse soils of Sicily's sun belt, such as aloe, cardamom, myrhh, orange peel, cin - namon, saffron and mint. Combined with water and infused with alcohol, the formula is macerated two weeks and results in a dry, if not mouth- freshening experience with a touch of mint on the finish. Just a tiny bit sweet, the texturally light-bodied, 70-proof Fernet Florio is delightfully sippable, its pungency less aggressive and more of an expressive botanical playground than some of the mass-produced brands. Try it with chocolate, which can bring out the floral notes and tune down the bitterness. As a nice bonus we also enjoyed a Dr. John F. Mariani, Sr.–approved grappa from Poggio alle Mura, the only grappa the Chairman Emeritus has ever really liked. Amaro-filled choco- lates made by Jardi Chocolates of Atlanta and Fernet Florio. BLIND-TASTING WINNERS In each city, we challenged our "students" to blind taste a number of Banfi Cru Artisan wines. The winner from each city received a check from The Somm Journal and city-wide bragging rights! Miami Atlanta New York Houston Melissa McAvoy, Sommelier at Swirlery Wine Bar, Orlando, FL congratulated by Jessie Birschbach, Wine Editor, The Somm Journal.. Juan Cortés of Restaurant Eugene, Atlanta, GA on the very right. Marilee A. Bostic Sommelier and Chef, Le Joli Paon, New York, NY. Jesus Cruz of La Griglia, Houston, TX.