Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/142283
White Hot Rum A partnership project between nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber and the legendary rum-making Serrallés family, Caliche Rum (SRP $24.99) is unlike most other white rums on the market, made from a blend of four different aged rums—yet is still crystal clear and bursting with flavor. "We wanted to take the color out, yet still preserve the flavor," explained Carl Russo, Southwest regional Manager at Serrallés USA. Russo brought out the big guns with his mixologist, Francesco Lafranconi, Director of Mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits, and a man whose Italian swagger channels Frank Sinatra at his finest. "I truly Francesco Lafranconi, Director of Mixology, Southern Wine & Spirits and Carl Russo, Southwest Regional Manager at Serrallés USA. enjoy the texture of this rum," commented Lafranconi. "It's one of the boldest white rums on the market and the solera process influences the taste. You can really taste that in well-composed drinks." The Rat Pack Says "A Caribbean-Italian classic in the making! I love the orange pith mingling with lightly toasted molasses flavor. Super balanced and pretty darn perfect!" —Rachel Burkons "A simple recipe but delicious! The rums shines through nicely and ingredients play off of each other really well. Amazing!" —Patricia Richards "Bright and fresh with great balance of tart/sweet/ bitter flavors." —Kevin Vogt ♥ Puerto Vegas ◗ 1 oz. Aperol ◗ 2 oz. Caliche Rum ◗ 1 oz. fresh lime sweet and sour Xi-Rated Fun In a 24-hour party town, staying on top of the latest spirit trends and products is imperative if you want to keep up. But no matter where you live, this is likely the first you've heard of Xi Açaí (SRP $27), a premium rumand açaí-based ready-to-drink cocktail that's got a ton of potential beyond the simple pour-and-serve category. "This is probably a product that is best used as a modifier," explained George Sams, Bar Supervisor at Timbers Bar and Grill in Las Vegas. "It's a low 25 proof, so using it as a modifier allows you to really goose it up a bit, but it's also delicious on its own." Panelist Chis Hopkins provided his tasting notes on the product neat: "Strong fruit produce on the nose, real jammy finish on the palate. Sweet on the front, daring on the back." Like a feather-covered showgirl with a sweet smile and a sassy shimmy, Xi Açaí is one to look out for—even when you're not in Vegas. The Rat Pack Says "Very nice refreshing berry/ açaí fruit with bright, spritzy finish. A great summer drink!" —Kevin Vogt "The sediment adds a good texture to the overall taste and mouthfeel, while the brightness from the soda lightens things up for a good balance." —Chris Hopkins ♦ Xi Blackberry Mojito ◗ 1-2 mint leaves ◗ 6 fresh blackberries ◗ 1 oz. simple syrup ◗ ¾ oz. Xi Açaí ◗ 1¼ oz. Barcardi Wolfberry ◗ 4 limes squeezed ◗ Fill with soda and garnish with mint sprig and blackberry. july 2013 / the tasting panel / 127 TP0713_100-148.indd 127 6/24/13 6:04 PM