Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/701904
94 / the tasting panel / july 2016 CATEGORY REPORT Staying Pure with Crystal Head Vodka Starting with the highest quality grain and pristine water from Newfoundland, Canada, Crystal Head Vodka (SRP $49.99) is quadruple-distilled and filtered seven times—three of which use Herkimer diamonds. Crafted by Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander, who aimed to create one of the world's purest vodkas, this additive- and gluten-free vodka sits in a clear, skull-shaped bottle. In celebration of the Aurora Borealis that can be seen dancing in the night sky above northern Canada, the company developed a one- of-a-kind, iridescent bottle for Crystal Head Aurora (SRP $59.99). Unlike the flagship Crystal Head, Aurora is made from English wheat, resulting in a bolder and spicier offering. No matter which expression you choose, Crystal Head will blow your mind. —Emily Coleman Tasting Notes Crystal Head Vodka Clean, clear nose with a vanilla-licorice aroma—the liquid is heady and billowy, with white chocolate plumpness in the mid-palate. The finish is lean and edged with a hint of salinity, which gives it a keen edge. —M. M. Crystal Head Aurora Wheat Cereal and brown sugar on the nose; silken soft palate with a dot of black pepper to awaken the senses. The finish has verve: a freshness and a racy quality. —M. M. INFINIUM SPIRITS Glacier Clear with Finlandia Vodka A brand with over 40 years of history, Finlandia was the first Scandinavian vodka to be sold in the U.S. Made from Finnish six-row barley and pure glacial spring water, the smooth, 80 proof neutral tasting vodka (SRP $17.99) is distilled next to a centuries-old glacial spring in western Finland. Finlandia's Grapefruit expression (SRP $17.99) is the perfect addition to summer cocktails, with its bright, fresh-squeezed citrus taste and round and fruity finish. Or get tropical with Finlandia Coconut (SRP $17.99), made from natural coconut flavors and perfect for a punch or blended cocktail. And Finlandia's dedication to water reaches further than their glacial spring; they're a proud member of One Percent for the Planet, and 1% of the sales of every bottle goes towards supporting clean water projects. With high-quality taste and a competitive price point, Finlandia hits that ideal sweet spot for vodka-drink consumers. —Jesse Hom-Dawson Tasting Notes Finlandia Vodka Warm nosing of cocoa powder, cherry vanilla and pie crust. The palate is round and continues to warm, with a tobacco and blue fruit middle. —M. M. FInlandia Grapefruit Flavoured Vodka The nose is a charmer, especially for those who love ruby red grapefruit. The flavors perfume the glass with a tangy sweetness. The tang perpetuates and steadily builds to a zest. This would enhance any drink with its liveliness. —M. M. Finlandia Coconut Flavoured Vodka Toasted coconut and melted marshmallow is a delightful way to lure you in for this spirit. The buoyant texture offers up a squeeze of lime, which puts a zing to the coconut. —M. M. BROWN-FORMAN Staying Pure Staying Pure Staying Starting Crystal which aimed vodka resulting you Tasting Notes PHOTO COURTESY OF FINLANDIA VODKA