Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
SPEED TASTING REPORT Front row: Mary Melton, Beverage Director, PF Chang's, Scottsdale; Meridith May, Publisher/Executive Editor, THE TASTING PANEL; Kim Haasarud, Co-Founder, Arizona Cocktail Week; Niki Kotantoulas, Mixologist, Laurel Hardware, Los Angeles; Rob Holder, Director of Beverage, Roka Akor/JNK Concepts, Scottsdale. Back row: Luis San Martin, Bar Manager, Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, Phoenix; Samantha Rogers, Head Bartender, Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale; Micah Olson, Co-Owner, Crudo, Phoenix; Richie Moe, Co-Owner & Mixologist, Citizen Public House, Scottsdale; Aaron DeFeo, Bar Manager, Casino del Sol, Tucson. With so much to explore, we took inspiration from the Wild West, where the fastest draw was also the first to ride off into the sunset—or in our case, the fastest taster was the first to sidle up to the cocktail corral at our inaugural Arizona Cocktail Week Craft Spirit Speed Tasting! Gathering a panel of ten of the top buyers in Arizona (see photo), we put these distinguished palates through their paces as ten unique craft sprit brands each had ten minutes in front of the panel to present the spirit both neat and in a creative cocktail. As our spirit guide and emcee, Robert Camacho, District Manager of Resorts for Young's Market Company of Arizona, was quick to explain that the resurgence of craft spirits is a noble way to honor the heritage of great cocktails. "Today's bar managers, beverage buyers and mixologists have spoken," he says. "And they're increasingly turning toward the craft spirit segment to build up their backbar." After ten amazing spirits and drinks, we knew we were on to something too good to keep to ourselves, so we invited local trade and consumers, along with AZCW attendees, to join us for an exclusive Craft Spirit Speakeasy, where our ten spectacular spirits were at it again, mixing up a storm. The Speakeasy was an energetic throwback to the craft spirit heyday (visit our Facebook page for more photos!). If you couldn't make the party in Arizona, fear not: We're bringing the best of the Wild West to you in the following pages, complete with tasting notes and recipes from ten incredible craft spirits. We'll see you next year in the Speakeasy! april 2013 / the tasting panel / 123