Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1004126
july 2018 / the tasting panel / 105 CHARLES RILEY What did you like about working with Rosa 22? It has a nice soft and creamy flavor and bal- anced texture. The color is awesome. What are your neat tast- ing notes for Rosa 22? I found it to show hints of pomegranate and an array of botanical flavors with spice, dried rose petals, hints of tropical fruit, and a very pleasant, slightly bitter finish. Delicious! What sort of classic cocktails could get a twist with Rosa 22? As a matter of fact, I did a classic cocktail: a Negroni. It went so well and actually was an improvement to the classic Negroni. I would think it might do well in a Kir also. How do you see this product fitting into your beverage pro- gram? I have already featured the Rosa 22 Negroni at a few events in our hotel bar. We have a page for "Classic Cocktails that Tell a Story," and this is a natural for that category. What's your can't-live-without bar tool? My old handy bartender spoon with a bended long handle. Who or what inspires you to make cocktails? Cocktails are an essential part of my overall beverage program and I believe you have to strive for uniqueness and superior quality while being on trend. I also know the classics will never die and I believe that whichever cocktail you prepare, it needs to be the best damn cocktail your guest has had this year. Keep that as your focus and you won't go wrong. What kind of music do you listen to when you're doing R&D? Classic rock 'n' roll with the occasional Tejano and county western. I know, you don't need to say it . . . Rosa Negroni Created by Charles Riley, Regional Director of Food and Beverage, Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas, Irving, TX ◗ 1½ oz. Rosa 22 Aperitivo Rosé ◗ 1½ oz. The Botanist Gin ◗ Splash of sweet vermouth MAC GREGORY What did you like about working with Rosa 22? Trying a great new and wine- based secret ingredient. What are your neat tasting notes for Rosa 22? Flower petal and edible daisies. What sort of classic cocktails could get a twist with Rosa 22? Highballs! What's your can't-live-without bar tool? Metal straws—save the planet. Who or what inspires you to make cocktails? Mixology is my passion. What kind of music do you listen to when you're doing R&D? Top 40, dubstep, and hip-hop. Taylor22 Highball Created by Mac Gregory, Corporate Beverage Director, Pacifica Hotels Worldwide, Irvine, CA ◗ ¾ oz. Rosa 22 Aperitivo Rosé ◗ ¼ oz. Clear Creek Distillery Pear-in-the-Bottle Pear Brandy ◗ 2 oz. Colonel E.H. Taylor Small-Batch Bottled-in- Bond Bourbon ◗ 1:1 Mixwell soda water and Mixwell Young Ginger ◗ Femminello Ovale Italian lemon twist