Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/148134
BRAND INTRODUCTION Ruby Red hit the shelves to further boost the company's profile. Additionally, Deep Eddy recently hired Eric Dopkins as CEO. Dopkins previously worked at Young's Market Company, the noted beverage distributor based in Southern California. "He's an awesome guy, wise and incredibly experienced with amazing contacts in the industry," Christopher says. "Within two hours of meeting him I told him to move his wife and kids to Austin. I knew that a person like him could really work our brand. He was totally on-board with our attention to quality." Quality Craftsmanship Deep Eddy Ruby Red on the table at Atria on Martha's Vineyard. Christopher says the secret to Deep Eddy Ruby Red is not much of a secret: It's simply the kind of quality that only comes with using real ingredients, and sourcing as many of those ingredients as possible locally. That means both the Ruby Red grapefruit and corn come from South Texas. And that's what sets Ruby Red apart from other flavored vodkas. In fact, Christopher prefers his grapefruit vodka to be described as "infused" not "flavored." "When you use flavoring, you often get clear flavors, and most flavored PHOTO: CHRIS COE A Taste of Texas in New England Martha's Vineyard is a long way from Austin but at Atria, a New World restaurant on the quaint New England island, Deep Eddy Ruby Red's followers are just as dedicated as in Texas. "Not only is Ruby Red our number-one-selling Deep Eddy vodka, it's our number one selling vodka—period, " says Wine Director John Clift. "It's perfectly balanced. The sweetness cuts right through the tartness. " "Our clientele is seasonal so we stick to a bright, refreshing mixing philosophy, explains Clift. "The lower proof in " Deep Eddy makes it taste very natural. They really did an amazing job on this product. Freshness is key to the sum" mery Island Girl, the most popular drink on Atria's cocktail menu. Says Clift, "This cocktail is the perfect remedy for the intense heat waves that we get this time of year. " Island Girl ◗ 2 cubes of fresh watermelon ◗ 1 large basil leaf ◗ 5 oz. Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka At Atria on Martha's Vineyard, Wine Director John Clift practices a "bright, refreshing mixing philosophy." RIS C Add Deep Eddy Ruby Red and simple syrup. Shake with ice and top with club soda. PHOT O: CH ◗ Muddle watermelon and basil. OE ◗ Splash simple syrup 64 / the tasting panel / august 2013 TP0813_034-65.indd 64 7/24/13 9:48 PM