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ECRM and THE TASTING PANEL Awards of Excellence W BEST NEW PRODUCT ith each attending supplier entering a product to be tasted by our esteemed panel of judges, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate the closing Grand Tasting. It was a tough call with many wonderful wines and spirits tasted, but here's a look at the products that really knocked our socks off. GOLD: Be-Tini, Sour Apple One of the most surprising finds of the year, the apple base is authentic enough to believe it was just poured from the local juice bar. Clean, refresh- ingly tart and bright: a superb cocktail partner! SALVETO IMPORTS Patrick McNamara at Patrick@ SalvetoImports.us. Currently seeking national distributor network partner opportunities. Please contact SILVER: Epica Red Wine, Chile A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère and Syrah, this sumptuous New World wine melds cherry, sweet tobacco and cocoa with a bold entry and a full body. Great value. SHAW-ROSS INTERNATIONAL IMPORTERS BEST MARKETING VISION The concept is appealing and fresh, and the wine rich with soil and sunshine, with high fruit tones. The "Velvety" name and the textural goose bump reference sold our judges on the special vision for possible POS, editorial and P.R. outreach. The sophisticated liquid inside the bottle sealed the deal. Meet the judges. Steve Brooks, Director of Beverage, Tumbleweed Restaurants; Meridith May, Publisher/Executive Editor, THE TASTING PANEL Magazine; Chef Samuel Morgante, Former White House Chef under the George W. Bush administration. GOLD: Goose Bump 2010 Velvety Red, Sicily PRESTIGE WINE IMPORTS SILVER: John Henry "3 Lick Spiker" Ale Aged on bourbon oak chips, this imperial stout is brewed with three different dark roasted malts. We loved the chocolate and hops profile, with a back-up full aroma of coffee, caramel and oats. It's a big beer with an amusing name in the age of the microbrew. COLD SPRING BREWING 64 / the tasting panel / october 2012