CHEESE
POINT REYES FARMSTEAD CHEESE CO.
Bay Blue
TAKING HOME TOP HONORS IN 2013 for Outstanding New Product, Bay Blue
is already renowned as an approachable cheese with multiple layers of flavor.
Early notes of mushroom and earthiness give way to a sweet, salted caramel
finish with a fudgy texture and natural rind. The family business behind the
mild, rustic-style blue has been producing cheeses since 2000. Contact: Jill
Basch; 415.663.8880; jill@pointreyescheese.com; pointreyescheese.com.—M.N.
5
WINNER
CHOCOLATE
LAURIE & SONS
Dangerously Delicious Black Licorice Chocolate Toffee
THIS CHOCOLATE-COVERED, BUTTERY TOFFEE contains black licorice,
star anise, and a final topping of tiny crystals of Black Hawaiian lava salt for a
pleasant crunch. The pairing of licorice and toffee is "unexpected," says Laurie
& Son's owner Laurie Freeman Pauker about this sofi winner. The hand-crafted
licorice is not overpowering, she notes, as its flavor is cut by rich chocolate,
appealing even to those who typically shy away from licorice. Contact: Laurie
F. Pauker; 202.866.6600; laurie@laurieandsons.com; laurieandsons.com.—M.N.
COLD BEVERAGE
OWL'S BREW
White and Vine
THIS DISTINCTIVE LINE OF TEA BLENDS is crafted for the home mixologist
to use with beer, spirits, or wine. The versatile mixers, packaged in sleek black
bottles, are fresh-brewed and ready to pour. The newest offering in the line,
White & Vine is made with white tea, sweet watermelon, and tart pomegranate
to create a clean, light flavor that pairs well with a variety of alcohol including
beer, bourbon, vodka, and mezcal. Contact: Jennie Ripps; 212.564.0218; jennie@
theowlsbrew.com; theowlsbrew.com.—M.N.
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
S8 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com
