The Tasting Panel magazine

October 2012

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CATEGORY FLAVOR INNOVATION A delicious ready-to-drink cocktail —and ginger beer—in a can. Spicy, zingy and surprisingly pleasing. These guys make the process easy. CASTLE BRANDS GOLD: Gosling's Dark 'n Stormy in a Can BEST PACKAGING GOLD: Dos Armadillos A seasoned glass design depicting the natural stance of the armadillo, each bottle is a singular piece of art, handcrafted and hand-painted. The fiber on the neck is made from agave plants. The techniques are masterful—a look back at pottery and glass artisans of the ancient past. NTERNATIONAL PREMIUM SPIRITS (IMPORTED BY FOURCADE & HECHT) SILVER: Almond Roca Cream A gorgeous array of flavors stream through this liquid confection, produced by the Chocolate Shop Winery in Walla Walla, Washington. Indulgent, with natural almond and toffee flavors, melding with a base of subtle cocoa. PRECEPT WINE SILVER: Purple Cowboy 2010 Tenacious Red, Paso Robles This ultra-exciting and Western-design label reigned us in at first sight. Founded by Terry Wheathley, whose husband and son are rodeo cowboys, this authentic label says a lot about true grit. Oh, and we loved the Cabernet-Syrah inside the bottle: purple flowers and dusty blackberries lined our mouths—the finish lasts more than eight seconds! Enjoyed the ride. CANOPY MANAGEMENT ESTABLISHED BRAND OF HONOR GOLD: Cognac Leather and spice define the richness and roundness of this heady, voluptuous and potent spirit. Piquant flavors of peaches and apricot, float- ing on a bed of caramel. DISTILLERIE TESSENDIER & FILS (IMPORTED BY FOURCADE & HECHT) Park Vieille Fine XO Champagne SILVER: Cline 2010 Ancient Vines Mourvèdre, Contra Costa County Dark plum and darker, bittersweet chocolate dominate, while a eucalyptus astringency dries the palate until the parade of dark plum and chocolate return, once again. A tribute to this Rhône varietal from a winery with a long history. CLINE CELLARS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Ataulfos 2008 Jiménez-Landi, Mentrida, Spain Violets climb the walls of gripping, chalky tannins. They beat you up and then love you, with a finish of bright, strawberry compote. Compelling and modern. ERIC SOLOMON SELECTIONS Trivento 2011 Malbec Reserve, Mendoza, Argentina Mouth-filling, curvy-round and concen- trated: black tea and blackberry surround a core of coffee and dark chocolate. BANFI VINTNERS Don Q Gran Añejo Rum This Puerto Rican rum speaks of rancio and sweet peach, which when combined bring the past to the present. Dried apricots and pralines bring harmony to a richly rewarding sweet-and- dry finish. SERRALLES USA october 2012 / the tasting panel / 65

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