The Latest News from The Tasting Panel Magazine

Puglia Is On A Roll

Lana Bortolot and David Ransom — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

photos by Lana Bortolot

The Tasting Panel swapped out the predictable Pinot Noir for Primitivo over Thanksgiving as New York Editor Lana Bortolot and contributor David Ransom attended the Apulia Wine Identity in Southern Italy. They joined 60 wine professionals from 21 countries in a symposium, organized by the Puglia Best Wine consortium, for the express purpose of getting up close and personal with southern grapes. Two years ago, Lana and London correspondent Steven Spurrier attended the inaugural event. The grassroots consortium—and the region—have made significant strides since then.

When Puglia Best Wine launched its education and promotion initiative two years ago, it fell to four of the founding consortium wineries—all of them co-ops—to introduce the region and its wines. It was hardly a fair representation of the "can do" of this province (also known as Apulia), tucked into the heel of Italy's boot and long ignored.

Pictured above, Luigi Rubino, President of the consortium Puglia Best Wine.

Virginia Wine Industry Jobs Grow by 50%, Economic Impact Doubles

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Governor Bob McDonnell has announced that a newly released economic impact study shows that Virginia's burgeoning wine industry contributes almost three-quarters of a billion dollars—or $747 million—annually to Virginia's economy, an increase of 106 percent over the figures from the last economic impact study conducted in 2005. All major economic drivers examined in the comprehensive study showed significant double-digit percentage growth.

Olfactory Evaluation Seminar To Be Held at Niner Wine Estates

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Niner Wine Estates, located in Paso Robles wine country, will offer a Level Two Olfactory Evaluation of Wine Seminar from March 26 through March 30, 2012 from 2-5 p.m. This seminar is intended for the industry professional who wishes to further their sensory evaluation knowledge, through olfactory analysis. The cost to attend is $725 per student.

Distilled Spirits Council Reports Industry Growth Returns

DISCUS — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The distilled spirits industry experienced growth in 2011 while taking more market share again from beer, reported Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Peter Cressy at the industry's annual briefing for Wall Street analysts and reporters. But, he warned, uncertainty about the economic recovery and the impact of new taxes could derail future growth.

John B. Stetson Kentucky Bourbon Launched

Tasting Panel Editorial Team — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Vision Wine & Spirits, LLC is has announced the launch of John B. Stetson Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Most notable for its hats, John B. Stetson is the symbol of American independence, individuality and integrity and now enters the spirits business with this handcrafted representation of the uniquely American spirit, bourbon.

Van Gogh Imports Introduces Tap 357 Canadian Maple Rye Whisky

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Van Gogh Imports today announced TAP 357, a new premium maple-flavored Canadian rye whisky set to hit shelves in February. Upon its release, TAP 357 will be the only Canadian maple rye whisky of its kind available on the market.

This small-batch whisky is a marriage of two purely Canadian flavors: rye and maple. The rustic, authentic character of rye is complemented by rich maple notes derived from maple trees tapped at the first hint of spring in the province of Quebec—where syrup tapping was born and perfected centuries ago. This natural flavor is added to a blend of cask-aged, 3-, 5-, and 7-year-old blended rye whiskies, then matured further to create the smooth, singular flavor of TAP 357.

First Icelandic Craft Beer Arrives in the U.S.

Business Wire — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Einstök Ölgerd, an Icelandic craft brewery, has announced that the first shipment of its unique ales has landed in the United States. Initially, an Icelandic White Ale, Pale Ale and Toasted Porter will be distributed in California in a partnership with Wine Warehouse, one of the largest distributors in the United States.

American Sommelier Announces Six-Day Immersion Course in L.A.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

After successful programs in the Bahamas and Napa Valley, American Sommelier is bringing the condensed, six-day intensive version of its flagship 24 week Viticulture & Vinification Course to Los Angeles.

The True Sommelier

Peter Bodnar Rod — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

I remember the story of a newly appointed food critic arriving with friends at a brand new, über high‐end restaurant in New York City and after pondering the menus, he felt certain he had uncovered the perfect wine to match the chosen dishes. When the selection was suggested to the sommelier as a possible pairing, the sommelier simply responded with a single word, "No". As rude as this might seem, the sommelier really did know his stuff and demonstrated as much by steering the group towards an even more appropriate selection, thus bringing their dining experience to another level.

Sobieski Vodka Reaches One Million Case Milestone Faster Than Any Other Vodka Brand

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Imperial Brands, Inc. announced this week that it sold more than one million cases of Sobieski Vodka in the United States during the 2011 fiscal year. Sobieski Vodka, one of the fastest growing vodka brands in the United States and globally, reached the million case milestone after only four years in the United States, shattering the previous record by more than three years.

Critically Acclaimed Vintners Will Grace the 2012 Naples Winter Wine Festival

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Twenty-nine of the most revered names in the world of wine will arrive in Naples, FL, Jan. 27-29 for the 2012 Naples Winter Wine Festival, “Believe in the Magic.”

There are nine vintners making their festival debut this year including GAJA, one of Italy’s greatest Barbaresco and Barolo producers, Dana Estates from Rutherford, which received a perfect 100-point score from wine critic Robert Parker Jr. for its 2007 Lotus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils from Burgundy, who according to the New York Times has experienced a “stunning revitalization” since it was purchased by Joseph Henriot in the mid-1990s. Also new to the festival is Korta Katarina from Croatia, owned by Naples Children & Education Foundation Trustees Penny and Lee Anderson, who will generously pour their wines as one of the vintners at the luncheon following the Meet the Kids Day event.

An Evening Behind Bars

Tim Teichgraeber — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

story and photos by Tim Teichgraeber

The end of Prohibition was the theme as William Grant & Sons hosted San Francisco trade guests on Alcatraz Island last November 8. Now a national park, Alcatraz is famous for having held some famous troublemakers of the Prohibition era. Partygoers were ferried out to the former prison, were led up the hill by park rangers, and treated to an audio tour of the prison before the party.

Purity Vodka Red Carpet Challenge

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Purity Vodka Red Carpet Challenge: Marita Esteva

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

THE TASTING PANEL and Purity Vodka have teamed up to put nine of the nation’s top bartenders to the test in our Red Carpet Cocktail Challenge, open now until Dec 15, 2011. Visit the Purity Vodka Facebook page to view all of the entries and vote for your favorite today!

At San Francisco’s chic Parc 55 Wyndham hotel, travelers from all over the world belly up to cityhouse, a restaurant whose innovative takes on the classics have made it a mainstay for gastronomically-inclined SFers. Bartender Marita Esteva serves her patrons modern takes on classic cocktails, and devised the A Dab Behind the Ears cocktail, made with Purity Vodka and fresh ingredients from the cityhouse fifth floor garden.

Purity Vodka Red Carpet Challenge: Stephanie Sanders

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

THE TASTING PANEL and Purity Vodka have teamed up to put nine of the nation’s top bartenders to the test in our Red Carpet Cocktail Challenge, open now until Dec 15, 2011. Visit the Purity Vodka Facebook page to view all of the entries and vote for your favorite today!

Moments away from the UCLA campus and the bustling Westwood Village college town, the W Hotel Westwood is a bastion of calm along frat row. There, business meetings are de rigueur and classic California cuisine and cocktails reign. There, mixologist Stephanie Sanders goes the all-natural CA-health route with her Purity Vodka cocktail, the G-Sprout.

Purity Vodka Red Carpet Challenge: Rich Stradtman

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

THE TASTING PANEL and Purity Vodka have teamed up to put nine of the nation’s top bartenders to the test in our Red Carpet Cocktail Challenge, open now until Dec 15, 2011. Visit the Purity Vodka Facebook page to view all of the entries and vote for your favorite today!

In Atlanta’s happening Midtown neighborhood, locals have flocked to Baraonda (www.baraondaatlanta.com) for over a decade to satisfy their cravings for fresh, authentic Italian fare. With the warmth of Southern charm mingling with Old World flare, mixologist Rich Stradtman went a slightly herbal route in his Pure Bliss cocktail, made with Purity Vodka.

PAMA Liqueur Announces Winner of the “Beyond the Glass Bartender Search”

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

PAMA Liqueur, produced by Heaven Hill Distilleries, today announces the winner of its Beyond the Glass Bartender Search. Created in partnership with the U.S. Bartender's Guild (USBG), Beyond the Glass sought a bartender who exemplifies the qualities that make the profession great-beyond creating delectable drinks. The winner, Mathias Simonis of Distil Bar in Milwaukee, WI, earned the $4,500 Grand Prize.

Purity Vodka Red Carpet Challenge: Jonathan Trevor

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

THE TASTING PANEL and Purity Vodka have teamed up to put nine of the nation’s top bartenders to the test in our Red Carpet Cocktail Challenge, open now until Dec 15, 2011. Visit the Purity Vodka Facebook page to view all of the entries and vote for your favorite today!

For the people of Los Angeles who find themselves making the ever-frequent North-South trip along the 405 Freeway, the Hotel Angeleno is a veritable landmark, a tower that rises above the trafficked pavement beneath L.A.’s Getty Center. There, mixologist Jonathan Trevor/b gives us a Purity Vodka take on a classic Bloody Mary.

Purity Vodka Red Carpet Challenge: Colleen Ford Morales

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

THE TASTING PANEL and Purity Vodka have teamed up to put nine of the nation’s top bartenders to the test in our Red Carpet Cocktail Challenge, open now until Dec 15, 2011. Visit the Purity Vodka Facebook page to view all of the entries and vote for your favorite today!

For a decade, Los Angelenos have explored Chef Josie Le Balch’s fine dining side at her eponymous restaurant, Josie. Now, Westsiders have a whole new reason to fall in love with the Chef, whose new casual dining concept, Next Door by Josie offers fresh, sophisticated food and spirits. Bartender Colleen Ford Morales brings us a savory and spicy Purity Vodka cocktail called The Impure Virgin of the Desert.

Purity Vodka Red Carpet Challenge: Jennifer Russick

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

THE TASTING PANEL and Purity Vodka have teamed up to put nine of the nation’s top bartenders to the test in our Red Carpet Cocktail Challenge, open now until Dec 15, 2011. Visit the Purity Vodka Facebook page to view all of the entries and vote for your favorite today!

Celebrity Chef Michael Mina has become internationally renowned for his bold, balanced flavors and small-plate style, and at Michael Mina, San Francisco, the chef's sensibilities are merged with Japanese and French influences, resulting in one of the City by the Bay's best restaurants. There, bartender Jennifer Russick translates Mina's playful approach to balanced flavors in the Pineapple Express, made with Purity Vodka.

Purity Vodka Red Carpet Cocktail Challenge: Matt Abshire

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

THE TASTING PANEL and Purity Vodka have teamed up to put nine of the nation’s top bartenders to the test in our Red Carpet Cocktail Challenge, open now until Dec 15, 2011. Visit the Purity Vodka Facebook page to view all of the entries and vote for your favorite today!

L.A. foodie mainstay Hatfield’s has won over the City of Angels with fabulous fresh fare from husband-and-wife duo Quinn and Karen Hatfield since its inception, and the cocktails are equally innovative. Bartender Matt Abshire offers the punny The King’s Peach, inspired by Purity Vodka’s complex personality.

Purity Vodka Red Carpet Cocktail Challenge: Jenny Pedraza

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

NoBar BKNY may call Brooklyn home, but its roots are thoroughly rooted in NOLA, with craft domestic brews and classic cocktails making this one of the neighborhood's hottest hotspots. It doesn't hurt that the bar is owned by actor Anthony Mackie, who has starred in such films as Million Dollar Baby and The Hurt Locker. Bartender Jenny Pedraza is a Purity Vodka fan, and created Purity on Nostrand, in homage to Nostrand Ave, the bar's street.

Purity Vodka Red Carpet Cocktail Challenge: Bache Holland

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Goldfish in Atlanta is a fish-lover's paradise. From fabulous seafood and sushi to the restaurant's 600-gallon salt water aquarium, not a single detail is missed at this upscale eatery. Mixologist Bache Holland is holding down the bar with Purity Vodka in a complex cocktail called Purity Pingsation, and THE TASTING PANEL threw a few questions his way.

International Bar-Hopping: ICEBAR Oslo with Bar Manager Monica Berg

Rachel Burkons — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

THE TASTING PANEL's Rachel Burkons recently caught up with ICEBAR Oslo Bar Manager Monica Berg, who told us all about the latest crazes in Oslo, and how people are getting cool with cocktails in a bar made of ice. It's may be cold, but Monica's got some great stuff up her sleeves to keep you warm!

THE TASTING PANEL: What's going on with the cocktail scene in Oslo these days? What are some of the current trends, and how are you putting them to use at ICEBAR?

Monica Berg: Oslo is quite "young" still when it comes to having a cocktail scene - but luckily we are slowly getting there. I think we are still trying to find our own ways and style, but you can definitely see bartenders being influenced by other cities such as NY, London and Tokyo.

PROWEIN 2012: Additional Hall Used For Prowein 2012 Due to Increased Exhibitor Requests

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Due to the further increase of exhibitor requests from all internationally relevant wine growing nations, an additional hall will be used for ProWein 2012, International Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits. The event will be held at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany, from March 4 – 6, 2012. Hans Werner Reinhard, Deputy Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf, commented: “This growing demand impressively underlines the leading position of ProWein. The international wine and spirits sector wants to present a comprehensive overview because ProWein is the only trade fair attracting international decision-makers from retail worldwide.”