Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/142283
SPEED TASTING REPORT Lucky Number Three Angel's Premium Mamalón Margarita is made with Marmalón Tequila and Embeleso de Angel Orange Liqueur, both imported by Angel's Spirits Imports. Perfecting the number of times a spirit is distilled can be a gamble: Distill it too many times and you strip away the character; too few, and you're left with a harsh, unrefined product. Like a lucky dice roller, Mamalón Silver Tequila (SRP $45) has perfected the process, striking on the magic number of three distillations for its 100% blue Weber agave—based spirit. "Mamalón means the best, perfect," said Bruce Ehlers of Angel's Spirits Imports (ASI), "and we've got the best, ultra smooooooth tequila around!" [His emphasis, not ours.—Ed.] While the panel loved the minerally, agave-forward tequila ("I loved the tequila neat," said Max Solano and J. R. Starkus appreciated the "pepper on the palate"), they also loved the Mamalón Margarita, made with Embeleso de Angel Orange Liqueur, also owned by ASI. "The orange liqueur is incredibly pleasant," said Chris Hopkins, while Tony Gardner simply called it "fantastic." It seems Mamalón lives up to its name! The Rat Pack Says "A good distillate, and a good distillate in the right hands will make a good cocktail!" —Kent Bearden "I loved both of these products!" —Patricia Richards "The tequila's smooth on its own—I can see why it was a Double Gold medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition!" —Rachel Burkons ♠ Sparkling Off the Strip If there's anything more Vegas-y than a sequin, sparkle or flashing neon light, it's one of the vintage Vegas properties that brought it all together in the heyday of over-the-top-glam: the Stardust. The long-lost casino was translated into cocktail form by KAPPA Pisco (SRP $34.99) and its Brand Ambassador Joseph Brooke, who told our panel, "I always loved the Stardust and its sign the most. It was just fantastic!" Adding another layer of starry-awesomeness to this cocktail? The brand's name, KAPPA, refers to the brightest star in the Southern Hemisphere. In celebration of all-things sparkly, Brooke put the Alexandria- and Pink Muscat–based pisco center stage in a refreshing quaff that's different from what you see with many other piscos on the market. "KAPPA definitely doesn't do the funky umami thing," explains Brooke. "And although I Joe Brooke is Brand think discussing Ambassador for Kappa Pisco. the pisco wars is as dangerous as talking politics and religion, I think KAPPA's really great. I'd never tasted such a truly aromatic pisco before!" The Rat Pack Says "Refreshing 'old Vegas' glitz and glamour in a glass. A beautiful cocktail with great length and viscosity and perfect balance." —Ben Grosse "KAPPA is perfect pisco for me! I love it! And this is a well-made, simple yet elegant cocktail by one of our industry's finest." —J. R. Starkus "Like a bright and fresh adult version of a raspberry lemonade. Clean and bright with an interesting earthy pisco character." —Kevin Vogt ♣ Stardust Angel's Premium Mamalón Margarita ◗ 1¾ oz. KAPPA Pisco ◗ ¾ oz. lemon juice ◗ ¾ oz. simple syrup ◗ 3 fresh raspberries ◗ 1½ oz. Mamalón Tequila Silver ◗ ¾ oz. Embeleso de Angel Orange Liqueur ◗ 1½ oz. sweet and sour ◗ Shake and pour. Garnish with a fresh slice of Key lime. Linda Bacon and Bruce Ehlers of Angel's Spirits Imports. ◗ Top with soda. Garnish with edible gold stars. 130 / the tasting panel / july 2013 TP0713_100-148.indd 130 6/24/13 6:04 PM