Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1013885
1 14 / the tasting panel / august 2018 HEAVENLY SPIRITS: SARANDREA MARCO & CO. A 100-year-old spirits producer located in Collepardo, Italy, Sarandrea Marco & Co. was founded by a Capuchin monk and botanist. Made with herbs and spring water sourced from the surrounding Ernici Mountains, all spirits in the distillery's portfolio adhere to the original recipes of the Trusulti Abbey monks. Honored as the "sole supplier to the Vatican State" in a 1961 decree by Pope John XXIII, Sambuca Vecchia ($32) is one of Sarandrea Marco & Co.'s most popular expres- sions. Also known as Old Sambuca, the spirit is infused with elderberry flowers and several types of star anise. A regenerative liquor created at the end of World War I, Amaro S. Marco ($34) contains plants that are said to stimulate digestion and possess anti-inflammatory properties. No matter which expression you choose from its portfolio, your guests will get to experience another time and place with Sarandrea Marco & Co. SARANDREA MARCO & CO. For wholesale inquiries, contact: AJO Imports, LLC ajoimports@gmail.com (518) 258-8831 OKTOBERFEST STAPLES: BÄRENJÄGER HONEY AND HONEY BOURBON LIQUEUR With everyone's favorite German "holiday" just a few months away, Bärenjäger Honey ($30) and Honey Bourbon ($30) Liqueur give consumers a chance to celebrate Oktoberfest with a traditional spirit. Made with a recipe developed by German hunters and fur trappers in the 18th century, both liqueurs are pro- duced by Schwarze & Schlichte, which has more than 350 years of distilling experience. The Honey Bourbon expres- sion infuses the brand's flagship American bourbon whiskey to add oaky notes and a smooth mouthfeel. While these liqueurs can be enjoyed on their own, they can also impart a unique sweetness in any cocktail. Prost! NICHE IMPORT CO. – A MARUSSIA BEVERAGE COMPANY FLAWLESSLY FRUIT-FORWARD: THE PERFECT PURÉE OF NAPA VALLEY Fruit can be a bartender's best friend, but it's not always easy to source and store fresh produce depend- ing on season and location. Fortunately, there's a brand ready to rush to the rescue: The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley and its robust offering of 40 fruit purées, specialties, and blends in flavors like Prickly Pear, Yuzu Luxe Sour, Mango, Sweet Hibiscus, Coconut, and Passion Fruit. If stored in a freezer, the purées can last for up to two years from the date of manufacture, allowing bartenders to effortlessly expand their menus regard- less of season. THE PERFECT PURÉE OF NAPA VALLEY, LLC Foodservice professionals can curate a complimentary sample box at perfectpuree.com/tastingpanel. The Perfect Purée is sold through specialty, produce, and broad line distributors throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Foodservice professionals may contact The Perfect Purée at (800) 556-3707 for a list of local distributors. THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING: JACKSON MORGAN SOUTHERN CREAM BANANA PUDDING CREAM LIQUEUR Certain flavors are notoriously difficult to replicate in spirit form: Banana has always been one of those elusive tastes, but Jackson Morgan Southern Cream all but proves it's possible to stick the landing. Made with Tennessee whiskey, its Banana Pudding Cream Liqueur ($22–$25) won the Best in Show award, as well as a Double Gold medal, at the 2017 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Spirits Tasting Competition. Combine 2 ounces of Banana Pudding Cream Liqueur with 1 ounce of crème de cacao to create a cocktail aptly named Go Bananas: Your customers will do just that for this expression. JACKSON MORGAN friend, but it's not