Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/960891
14 / the tasting panel / april 2018 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT OMAR's Sherry cask–aged Single Malt exudes notes of longan honey, plum preserves, and citrus skin. Nantou Distillery's Omar Whisky Brings Taiwan's Terroir to Traditional Scotch-Making PHOTO COURTESY OF OMAR WHISKY N estled amongst crystal-clear lakes and green moun- tains, Taiwan's Nantou Distillery transforms imported Scottish malt into OMAR whisky. In this idyllic location, traditional Scottish whisky-making processes meet exquisite Taiwanese finishing skill and pure water from the ancient forests of this mountainous region. Basing its name on the Gaelic word for "amber," OMAR currently offers several releases. Its bright-gold OMAR Single Malt Whisky—with aromas of dried mango and ripe pineapple and a palate of sweet vanilla and delicate flowers—is barreled in bourbon casks, non-chill filtered, and bottled at 46% ABV. OMAR also offers a Sherry cask–aged single malt; bottled at 46% ABV, the whisky ages in Oloroso Sherry butts from Jerez, Spain, which imparts a brassy hue, a woody smell with hints of honey and apples, and dried fruit and orange cake flavors. In October 2013, Nantou Distillery launched its cask- strength single malt program and now offers both bourbon- barrel–aged and Sherry butt–aged cask-strength malts. OMAR is also known for showcasing Taiwan's fruit-filled terroir with three cask-strength, fruit-finished whiskies aged in barrels previously used to mature lychee liqueur, green plum liqueur, and Black Queen—a richly-tannic wine made from local grapes. BRAND SPOTLIGHT A s a new national importer of fine wines and spirits, CompassPoint Imports—launched in 2017 by industry veterans Gary Clayton and Tom Tesauro—is dedicated to driving sustainable value and growth. Clayton brings more than 25 years of marketing and commercial leadership to CompassPoint Imports, having worked for Allied Domecq, Pernod Ricard, Remy, Banfi Vintners, and Pasternak Wine Imports. Tesauro has a similar level of experience with suppliers and retailers, most recently as a Principal of Yankee Spirits, a large- volume Massachusetts retail chain. "Our focus is on brands with compelling stories that can resonate and connect with consumers and the trade," Clayton says. CompassPoint Imports' portfolio currently consists of J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey, Hepple Gin-England, Kingston Wine Estates–Australia, Mooiplaas Wine Estate– South Africa, and Forever Blend–Chile. Gary Clayton. Tom Tesauro. Wine and Spirit Veterans Launch CompassPoint Imports