Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1004126
102 / the tasting panel / july 2018 Prendi il 22 Created by Jon McDaniel, Beverage Director, Gage Hospitality Group, Chicago, IL ◗ 1½ oz. Rosa 22 Aperitivo Rosé ◗ ¾ oz. Cynar ◗ ½ oz. lemon juice ◗ ¼ oz. amarena cherry syrup (from the jar or can of cherries) ◗ 2 dashes Fee Brothers Rhubarb Bitters Build into a large wine glass, fill with ice and top with 3 oz. of Cleto Chiarli Vecchia Modena Lambrusco. Garnish with a layered lemon swath, basil leaf, and skewered amarena cherry. Got 22 Problems But a Peach Ain't One Created by Cari Hah, Bar Manager, Big Bar, Los Angeles, CA ◗ ¾ oz. Rosa 22 Aperitivo Rosé ◗ ½ oz. raspberry syrup ◗ ¾ oz. lemon juice ◗ 1½ oz. summer peach tea-infused Plymouth Gin ◗ 1 egg white ◗ Angostura bitters What did you like about working with Rosa 22? A unique product that reflects a growing category but still stays true to the traditions of the Italian aperitivo. What are your neat tasting notes for Rosa 22? Lots of balanced fruit and herbaceous qualities leading with watermelon, bitter melon, strawberry, and Bing cherry. What sort of classic cocktails could get a twist with Rosa 22? It's a versatile spirit that could work with a sweeter style of bourbon or with gin—this could replace any Italian bitter liqueur. How do you see this product fitting into your beverage program? This would work specifically in my Italian concepts. The aperitivo category is hotter than ever and it could be featured in patio cocktails in a simple mix with Prosecco or more complex as a secondary spirit. What's your can't-live-without bar tool? A blowtorch. No questions please! What kind of music do you listen to when you're doing R&D? Really poppy '80s rock like Foreigner, Toto, Huey Lewis and the News, and Genesis. SECOND PLACE: JON MCDANIEL THIRD PLACE: CARI HAH What did you like about working with Rosa 22? It has a very pleasing light aroma and flavor that can be an accent or the main event in a cocktail. It's not overly bitter so I think a wide range of people would enjoy it. What are your neat tasting notes for Rosa 22? Light floral notes, sweet citrus, and light bitterness. What sort of classic cocktails could get a twist with Rosa 22? Negroni or Paper Plane. How do you see this product fitting into your beverage program? It would go beautifully in a low-ABV spritz. What's your can't-live-without bar tool? A good shaker, good mixing spoon, and precise jigger. Who or what inspires you to make cocktails? Inspiration comes from everywhere, but I focus on highlighting and respecting the spirit so often that if I'm given a spirit to work with, I will design a cocktail around its flavor. Also, I get a lot of inspiration from food I love. Follow Hah on Instagram @carisunnie.