Tasting Panel Magazine Presents the 2012 Tour of Double Gold Winners – Part 1

I got the chance to enjoy an amazing and unique experience thanks to the wonderful people at Cockspur Rum. The the historic Bajan Rum won a Double Gold Medal in the rum category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and it, along with the other winners, are on a tasting tour to fourteen U.S. markets. I had the pleasure of attending the New York tasting at Beacon Restaurant & Bar. The event was separated into two rooms, one for wines and champagne and the other for spirits (hard liquor). I wish I could post everything I enjoyed but this would be way too long. I’ll begin with the hard stuff since I tasted fewer (most winners were Tequilas, Gins, Scotch Malts and Mezcals, which I stay away from)

Double Gold Winner – 2 Nite Sicilian Blood Orange Vodka $22.00

A deliciously sweet and smooth vodka that’s perfect on the rocks or in a mixed drink. I’d happily give up bottles of any other orange flavored vodka for a glass of this.

Double Gold Winner & Best Rum – Cockspur Fine Rum

Perfectly aged, beautiful amber color, smooth as silk. It’s a rum my family grew up with and I remember my grandfather sipping this fine rum when I was younger.

Double Gold Winner & Best Aquavit – Krogstad Aquavit $25.00

Aquavit is a spirit I am not familiar with but upon tasting, it was very smooth and dry. Krogstad Aquavit is a Scandinavian spirit that gets its distinctive flavor from caraway, anise seed and other herbs and spices. It makes a great substitute for vodka in Bloody Marys.

Double Gold Winner – Dictador 20 Rum $60.00

Though new to me, this is a great, dark Colombian rum; very sexy, very bold in flavor and taste which makes this a great sipping rum.

Best Moscato – Cameron Hughes 2010 Moscato d’Asti Lot 319 $14.00

The most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted. It was so fresh, so crisp and absolutely delicious. It’s no surprise why it won both Double Gold and Best Moscato. Definitely adding this to the bar.

Double Gold Winner & Best in Show: Sparkling – Champagne Nicolas Feuillate 2004 Vintage Brut $46.00

A full bodied tasting champagne. It might just be my palette but I tasted warmth and more than just grape (pear maybe…something exotic?) I’m not sure but its definitely a delicious champagne.

Double Gold Winner & Best in Show: Dessert Wine – Barboursville 2007 Malvaxia Reserve Passito $30.00

If you love dessert wines or even just very sweet wine, this one is perfect for you.  I can also see enjoying fresh fruit soaking in this uber-sweet treat. Keep an eye out for part two of this tasting.