Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1399
Crop Harvest Earth vodkas are USDA-certifi ed organic artisanal vodkas produced from grain grown on America's plains. Crop's organic grain is harvested from fertile, healthy soil free of artifi cial fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals, and Crop vodkas are dis- tilled without carbon treat- ment or charcoal fi ltering. Crop Organic Cucumber vodka captures the essence of freshly sliced cucumbers, while the Organic Tomato vodka conveys the fl avor of a vine-ripened tomato. CHATHAM IMPORTS The Gaspacho Crop Organic Cucumber vodka Crop Organic Tomato vodka Shaken with ice and served straight up, cucumber garnish The verdict: Named for the cold Spanish tomato-based raw vegetable soup, this delicious cocktail is a combi- nation of a spirit-based "vegetable juice" and a Bloody Mary served straight up. Absolut Mango Vodka The newest fl avor from the Absolut family is a trop- ical treasure that tastes just like the fruit for which it's named—with no sugar added. Like all Absolut prod- ucts, the Mango expression is made from premium ingredients and distilled to ensure total smoothness; with the addition of the lightly-sweet mango fl avor, it's mixable in any summer cocktail or full-bodied enough to be served neat over ice. PERNOD RICARD USA The Mango Tango Absolut Mango Triple sec Sweet & sour mix Sugar Salt Mango purée Cayenne pepper rim The verdict: Whoa! The cayenne rim kicks it. You go from delectable-sultry-tropical to wake-up call in less than ten seconds. Fantastic drink! Marani Vodka Hailing from Armenia's Ararat Valley, Marani Ultra Premium is distilled three times and fi ltered 25 to achieve a soft, smooth mouthfeel; but it's the next step that really distinguishes Marani from the pack. Following distillation, Marani uses skim milk and honey in its aging process, giving the vodka a light honeyed sweetness and soft, luscious mouthfeel. MARANI SPIRITS The Mint-Strawberry Marani Marani Premium vodka Strawberries Mint leaves Simple syrup Cranberry juice Prosecco fl oat The verdict: One of the freshest fruit drinks of the event, but lacking a citrus twist for real perfection. Citadelle Gin The fi rst-ever aged gin, and the only gin made from 19 botanicals, Citadelle hails from Cognac, where it is barrel-aged for six months. Citadelle gin is triple- distilled from wheat and spring water. Before being steeped in neutral alcohol, the botanicals are carefully selected and then placed in a specifi c bag. This infusion is then distilled to capture each separate aroma, so that the intermingled, com- plex fl avors can develop independently. COGNAC FERRAND The Silver Fizz Citadelle Gin Egg whites Simple syrup Soda water The verdict: The use of egg whites is enjoying a big comeback, adding froth, viscosity and visual and mouthfeel appeal. The refi ned character of the gin (we taste some vanilla from the oak in addition to the bo- tanicals) shows through. Category Report Crop Organic Cucumber and Tomato Vodkas Guillaume Vialle of Cognac Ferrand concocts the Silver Fizz. Ara Zartarian of Marani Spirits. 68 / the tasting panel / july 2009