The Latest Articles from The Tasting Panel Magazine

Follow the Leader

113 — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Muscat Love

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In the Pink

19 — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Working Winter in Wine Country

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Love at First Sight

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Blue Reviews EXTRA!

19 — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Right Bank Round-Up

18 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

These tasting notes by Deborah Parker Wong accompany the Saint-Émilion story in our combined January-February 2011 issue.

A New Chapter in California Wine History

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Act Two for Folie à Deux

30 — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Taking the Heat

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Carmenère Is Viña Carmen

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Resolutions You Can Drink

23 — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

An Interview with Gary Farrell: A Russian River Master

19 — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

I recently interviewed Gary Farrell, one of California's most respected winemakers. Farrell's new label, Alysian, is a well-kept secret-small lots of impeccably made Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (and an occasional surprise from outside the appellation). Here's what the master has to say about his past, present and future in Sonoma. -Anthony Dias Blue

Anthony Dias Blue: What got you started in the wine industry?

Gary Farrell: As a student at Sonoma State College, I enjoyed producing small lots of exotic beers in my garage. Surrounded by vineyards in rural Sonoma County, my love for fermented beverages eventually led to the home-production of wine. This hobby inspired me to sample wines (whenever possible) produced in the region during the early 1970s and seek "cellar jobs" as a means to support my education. Thus, my career path as an artisan wine-producer in the Russian River Valley wines was a logical transition from by early successes (and failures) in home brewing and winemaking.

The Drink and the Dish

114 — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Coming in from the Cold
BRIDGET ALBERT GOES TO THE BITTER END: TO BARRIO IN MINNEAPOLIS, FOR SEASONED DRINKS AND DISHES

Seeing Double Black

21 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Under Pressure

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Rockin’ with ‘toshan

18 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Most Inspired Bartender

113 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Animal Farm

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Vodka’s “Noble” Elements

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

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

24 — Thu, 17 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.

New Jersey Is New to Creative Cocktails

118 — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

There was a time in New Jersey when you'd have to drive into NYC for an interesting cocktail. No longer. New Jersey mixologists are creating a national following with their flavor-driven creations. Even small-town cocktail lounges are emulating a big city intellect as mixology ideas flow from behind the bar.

We visited with a two local mixologists who are creating fall-centric cocktails in the Garden State.

Finca84: A Luxury Private Residence and Hotel Development Argentina’s Uco Valley

20 — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Q & A With George Sandeman

113 — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

In the November issue Editor-at-Large E. C. Gladstone sat down with George Sandeman to talk about the future of port, as well as its past and present use in cocktails, and even what type of glassware suits certain ports. See the November issue for the story, but read the interview below!

THE TASTING PANEL: Sandeman has a remarkable family legacy, but that legacy is one of being a forward-thinking trendsetter and market leader. How do you balance the tradition of the Sandeman name with a sense of the present and future, in terms of drinkers' interests.

GEORGE SANDEMAN: As always, Sandeman is attentive to the shifting tendencies of the market and the consumers´ preferences. One good example is the ongoing initiative of "Founders on the Rocks," which we are promoting in the USA. The objective is clearly to bring Sandeman Port to consumers in a way which fits their lifestyle. It's a new way of enjoying Founders for people who are not afraid to experiment.

Masters of Whisk(e)y

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Sandeman in the Mix

113 — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Music for the Palate

117 — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Going Oakless

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Don Q Rides Again

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

People in Wine

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Triple Threat

117 — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

If you’re an importer looking to successfully penetrate the highly competitive tequila market, you better have developed some seriously great tequila and a unique marketing proposition. Atlanta-based Double Eagle Imports has done exactly that. While most companies would be content importing one range of 100% agave tequilas and hope for the best, Double Eagle has taken a markedly different approach by simultaneously marketing three.

Beyond Sherry

43 — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Close to the La Mancha appellation but not part of it, the land is arid and hot. This is old wine country, but it has never been quality wine country, a reputation González-Byass intends to change.

Mix-Off, Online

24 — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

TY KU AND THE TASTING PANEL VIRTUALLY TEAM UP IN THE REALM OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Since THE TASTING PANEL doesn't deliver under rocks, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise to you that the new world of social media is changing the way we all do business. Smart brands have adapted to this new form of marketing, and we're proud to have partnered with one of the most socially savvy brands out there, TY KU Saké.

Recipe from "The Drink and the Dish"

114 — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Marinated Mussels with Beer Crème Fraîche and Hop-Pickled Apples

Up Front with Joel Peterson

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT

A Shoo-In for Good Deeds

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Party with Persimmons

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Rhône Rendezvous

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Fashion Forward Cocktails

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Pulp Art

107 — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

ARTISANAL CIDER IS THE PRIDE OF BRITTANY AND NORMANDY

Cider, or fermented apple juice, is traditionally made in England and Ireland, as well as Spain, Germany, Argentina and Australia. But France is where cider becomes art, particularly in the English Channel provinces of Normandy (the most significant cider region in France) and Brittany (just to the southwest of Normandy and France's second-largest cider brewer). It is here that cider museums abound and gold-hued elixirs are traditionally served in ceramic mugs resembling English teacups.

Clear Vision

112 — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT

THE WORLD’S FIRST AÑEJO CLARO TEQUILA, DON JULIO 70 IS A TRUE CATEGORY INNOVATION

In this day and age, it would be redundant to mention that tequila is no longer relegated to shots, slugged down with a sour face and some salt. As an industry, we are well past that perception for this category; fine tequilas are the norm, not the exception.

As tequila remains vodka’s biggest threat in terms of sales, it’s also a category that’s finding its own unique pace, as well as some well-executed innovations in terms of distilling—all well-received thanks to legions of devoted bartenders and consumers. Don Julio is one such brand, not only forging a new path as a luxury brand, but bringing tequila fans new, exciting, truly innovative endeavors to savor.

Temecula: Tasted

113 — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT

When E. C. Gladstone visited Temecula wine country for the story in our September, 2011 issue, tasted wines at a wide range of Temecula wineries.

Bigger Is Better!

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Pisco’s One-Two Punch

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Clear Vision

50 — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Up Front with Edgardo Del Pópolo

23 — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

New Kentucky Home

45 — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Market-Fresh Mixology

24 — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

A Rich Italian Legacy

19 — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

WHILE CELEBRATING THE CULTURE OF ITALY,AMARO MONTENEGRO BRINGS VERVE TO COCKTAILS

The mere mention of Italy usually conjures images of lush rolling vineyards, Renaissance castellos and, of course, full glasses of robust wine. Yet don't sell the boot-shaped peninsula short. Against the background of the ubiquitous wine grape is the equally potent world of Italian spirits.

Italy produces liqueurs—limoncello, sambuca, amaretto—as well as grappa and other brandies. But the country is probably best known for amaro, a unique class of spirits. Amaro means "bitter" in Italian, and these special spirits offer a blend of bitter botanicals combined with degrees of sweetness. They were originally created, like many other spirits, for medicinal purposes, particularly as an aid to digestion, but they have become popular as libations in their own right, whether sipped as after-dinner digéstifs or, increasingly, as ingredients in cocktails.

At the forefront of this nuanced and varied category stands the flavorful and history-rich Amaro Montenegro. Created in 1885 in Bologna by Italian manufacturer Stanislao Cobianchi, the herbal liqueur's name pays homage to the second queen of Italy, Princess Helen of Montenegro, and celebrates the day of her marriage to Italian sovereign Victor Emmanuel III. From its outset, the threads of Amaro Montenegro have been woven deeply into the vibrant tapestry of Italy's history.

Rum’s Running

50 — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT