Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
SPEED TASTING REPORT Gates of London: A Classic in the Making G ates of London Gin ($19.99) is a brand new product created from a historical recipe for London dry gin. Imported by Kobrand Wine & Spirits, Gates of London has close ties to the original London dry gin—Beefeater. In fact, the makers of Gates of London are direct descendants of the original family that founded Beefeater in 1835. While juniper lets you know where you stand, white grapefruit, lime, citrus and spiced pepper rounds out this lovely white spirit. Our Panel's Notes: "The cocktail was a palate cleanser, and the syrup and tea added texture and complexity, with a nice dry finish . . . with an edge." —Kim Haasarud The Mixologist: Joy Zinke from Windsor Bar, an Upward Projects restaurant in Phoenix. The Number 4 ◗ 1½ oz. Gates of London Gin ◗ ½ oz. Cynar Artichoke Liqueur ◗ ½ oz. Laird's Applejack Liqueur ◗ ¾ oz. fresh lime juice ◗ ¾ oz. green tea ◗ Dash of honey syrup and peach bitters ◗ Granny Smith apples ◗ Fresh basil ◗ Muddle apples and basil. Add bitters, syrup, tea and juice and then shake. Add Laird's, Cynar and Gates and shake again. Top with soda water and garnish with a thin slice of apple. Bu≠alo Trace: How the West Was Fun L ong ago, great herds of buffalo roamed the West, leaving deep paths, or traces, that American pioneers followed as they settled the land. One such trace leads to the banks of the Kentucky River and is known as the Great Buffalo Trace. The buffalo succeeded in clearing the land, and a settlement was founded in what is now known as Frankfort, Kentucky. Bu≠alo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($25) is made from corn, rye and barley malt, and the whiskey is aged in new oak barrels for years in century old warehouses (Buffalo Trace is the oldest working distillery in America, built in 1797) until the peak of maturity. The taste is rich and complex, with hints of vanilla nougat, orange zest and candied fruit. The Sazerac Company Our Panel's Notes: "This drink shows off the floral and stone fruit notes of the bourbon, therefore making it a perfect crossover cocktail for man, woman or brown spirit novice." —Micah Olson "The genius of strawberry-infused Lillet gives the drink (and the bourbon) a sweet lift. Great balance and bravo on this stirred cocktail!" —Luis San Martin The Mixologist: Kyle Mason from the Montelucia Resort & Spa. 126 / the tasting panel / april 2013 Pardon My French ◗ 1½ oz. Buffalo Trace Bourbon ◗ ¾ oz. strawberry-infused Lillet ◗ ¾ oz. Extase XO Orange Liqueur ◗ ¾ oz. Antica Carpano Sweet Vermouth ◗ 1 dash strawberry bitters ◗ Stir and strain. Garnish with orange peel and strawberry.