Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/164544
Gold Medal, Most Original Cocktail And Best In Show: Dave Newman And Gentleman Jack Dave Newman's Gentleman Jack Pinnacle drew the most intrigue, both amongst the judges and guests. The G.J. Pinnacle, a take on the Manhattan, paired Tennessee whiskey with European sensibilities. Newman incorporated Carpano Antica, Ramazotti, St-Germain and the fine dry vermouth Dolin from the French Alps. The Carpano was predominant, with the St-Germain adding just a touch of sweetness at the tail end of a long, smoky sip. Regarding his spirit choice, Newman explains: "Gentleman Jack really brings a sophistication to the Jack Daniel's line. It gives us bartenders more room to be creative." And indeed, Newman took the opportunity to do so. Before decanting the G.J. Pinnacle, Newman smoked a coupe glass by charring Jack Daniel's wood chips with a pastry torch. The result was pure magic. The Judge's Take: "The smoked wood chips help to bring out flavors of the cocktail itself. This is perfect for someone looking for something out of the ordinary." —Adam Locke G.J. Pinnacle by Dave Newman of Pint + Jigger Dave Newman was on fire with Gentleman Jack as his partner. ◗ 2 oz. Gentleman Jack ◗ ¾ oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth ◗ ¾ oz. Carpano Antica ◗ ¾ oz. Ramazzotti ◗ 1/8 oz. St-Germain BROWN-FORMAN Silver Medal, Most Original Cocktail: Christian Self and Highland Park Highland Park 12 Year, a smoky, oaky Scotch whisky and Double Gold medalist at the 2008 San Francisco Spirits Competition, was the basis for Christian Self's Toddy. Matched with a housemade curd from local lemon-honey, double strength brewed Taylor & Hadgate Scottish tea and a rinse of Edradour's Heavily-Peated Ballechin single-malt whisky, Self created the drink as an ode to the earthy Scottish palate not often experienced in Hawaii. The Judge's Take: "This drink is really peaty, nicely smoky. It has a long, enjoyable finish." —Chris Kajioka Peat Miner's Toddy Highland Park made an excellent choice for Justin's Peat Miner's Toddy. by Christian Self of Bevy ◗ 1½ oz. Highland Park 12 Year ◗ 1 bar spoon of Port Charlotte Peat Project ◗ 2 oz. double strength Scottish heather tea and bitter honey syrup (lemon curd) honey ◗ ½ oz. lemon syrup ◗ Dash Jerry Thomas Decanter Bitters ◗ Lemon peel RÉMY COINTREAU USA 134 / the tasting panel / september 2013 TP0913_104-156.indd 134 8/22/13 10:32 PM