Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/931490
january/february 2018 / the tasting panel / 121 DEVILISHLY DELIGHTFUL Tequila Chamucos While Tequila Chamucos' name is inspired by shadowy and nightmarish creatures of ancient Latin American folklore, the brand itself is a tequila purist's—and environ- mentalist's—dream come true. The brand instituted organic farming practices in 1992 and refuses to use herbicides, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers in the cre- ation of its ultra-premium handcrafted spirits. With such dedication to taste and sustainabil- ity, it's easy to see why we named Chamucos the year's "Devilishly Delightful" producer. Tequila Chamucos Blanco ($45) 93 —M.M., April 2017 Tequila Chamucos Reposado ($50) 95 —M.M., April 2017 Tequila Chamucos Añejo ($60) This spirit delivers a captivating perfume of jasmine, brown-sugared agave, summer peach, and buttered toast that trans- lates equally well on the palate. Rich and generously textured with a velvet creaminess, hints of tobacco and black pepper give this aged spirit extra oomph. 95 —M.M., April 2017 THE NEW CLASSIC Bauchant Orange Liqueur ($23) Produced by Maison Roullet-Fransac—a Cognac manufac- turers since 1838—Bauchant is a stunningly modern marriage of sweet and bitter orange and VS and VSOP Cognacs. The spirit, rested in used barrels, has earned recognition as 2017's "New Classic" by adding a vivacious punch to traditional cocktails like Margaritas and Mimosas while serving as a coveted ingredient for discerning pastry chefs. Bauchant, a blend of fine Cognac and orange essence, is an aromatic charmer. Piquant and opu- lent, the multilayered nose offers orange rind, mango, and cinnamon apples. Bittersweet chocolate–covered oranges, white-grape raisins, and English toffee wind around the taste buds. Striking. 96 —M.M., July 2017 LARGER THAN LIFE Bribón Tequila Blanco ($20) The Bribón—a man about town defined by a sense of adventure and a fearlessly sociable personality—is a larger-than- life figure in Mexican folklore. The wildly-versatile Tequila Bribón ensures this spirit represents what matters most to the tequila drinker: a reverence for the past, an enthusiasm for innovation, and an adherence to social and environ- mental responsibility. Bribón Tequila Blanco indulges the senses, first with its charming aromas of bright, clean, and fresh lime-kissed agave, then with another high note of blueberries and wild flowers. The stark purity on the palate is dotted with salted grapefruit peel, vanilla, and summer melon. 94 —M.M., April 2017 MOST VERSATILE Palm Bay International With a portfolio representing producers from 16 countries and a distribution network spanning all 50 U.S. states, Mexico, and the Caribbean, Palm Bay International has become a premier name in the fine wine and spirits game. Palm Bay International earned its venerable reputation while remaining true to the principles of quality and authentic- ity that served as the founding values of this third-generation, family-owned business. Eight marques representing four of its brands have earned spotlights in our 2017 Yearbook, landing Palm Bay the title of "Most Versatile" distributor. MOST ROMANTIC Los Amantes Mezcal Inspired by the Aztec Goddess Mayahuel, who sacrificed her life for love—and from whose grave agave first grew, according to Aztec legend—Los Amantes is made from 100% agave grown in Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca, by small distilleries known as palenqueros. Founded by Ignacio Carballido and Guillermo Olguín in 2002, Los Amantes remains true to traditional Mezcal production practices; its name, meanwhile, literally speaks to the love poured into each bottle of spirit it produces. Los Amantes Mezcal Joven ($53) 94 —M.M., April 2017 Los Amantes Mezcal Añejo ($80) 95 —M.M., April 2017 Los Amantes Mezcal Reposado ($65) An inviting perfume of agave, blueberry, and smoked lime precedes the delicate, gentle flavors and creamy texture that earmark this elegant spirit. Sandalwood and buttercream meld with an echo of minerality. 96 —M.M., April 2017