Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/221505
SPEED TASTING REPORT MIDWEST IN MANHATTAN: OYO BOURBON WHISKEY, MICHELONE RESERVE New York Stories Just because the producers of Ohio-made OYO Bourbon think local in terms of their production by emphasizing the agriculture of the Ohio River valley, when OYO Bourbon Whiskey rolled into Manhattan, the brand proved that local's a relative term: "This brand is committed to craft and local spirits, so I decided to create a cocktail that uses a bunch of ingredients local to New York," explains Mayur Subbarao, Brand Development Manager for Blueprint Spirits. "This is a great opportunity for us to bring this artisanal spirit to a New York context, and balancing the flavors of the bourbon." Made from a blend of Kentucky straight bourbon and Ohio soft red winter wheat, dark pumpernickel rye and two-row barley, this small-batch whiskey's a nuanced spirit with flexibility to shine in any local scene. ◗ 2 oz. OYO Bourbon Mayur Subbarao is the Brand Development Manager for Blueprint Spirits. Whiskey, Michelone Reserve ◗ ¾ oz. Black Dirt Applejack ◗ ¾ oz. Bitterman's Amère Nouvelle ◗ 3 drops Bitterman's Orange Bitters The New York Review: "Balanced, nutty, layered and round, in a nice take on a Manhattan." —Lynnette Marrero "An instant classic, and a perfect NYC drink." — Georges Foregois "I love that I can really taste the bourbon in the cocktail and admire the simplicity of this drink. It's great that it's made with all-American brands and way NY focused!" —Pamela Wizniter GOODNIGHT, NEW YORK: KNOB CREEK RYE It was fitting that our final cocktail of the day was one designed to be enjoyed in the wee small hours of the morning, as one final hurrah to the buzz of the city before heading off to bed. At 100 proof and rocking a 70% rye content with a spicy-sweet flavor profile that boasts of oaky vanilla goodness, Knob Creek Rye, aged six years in level-four-char barrels, is the perfect dreamboat to send you off to sleep. "I like the flavor of Knob Creek Rye because it works so well with so many other spirits," comments James Menite, Head Bartender at Crown Restaurant and creator of the Nightcap in Clermont, named after the Kentucky town where the spirit is distilled. "It just begs to be put in a dark, rich drink, and there are not a lot of great dessert cocktails out there—the Knob Creek Rye really brings this one home." Nightcap in Clermont ◗ 2 oz. Knob Creek Rye ◗ ¾ oz. Galliano Ristretto ◗ ¾ oz. fresh Meyer lemon ◗ ½ oz. simple syrup ◗ Egg white ◗ Espresso bean and chocolate shaving garnish The New York Review: "Very appealing, with a surprisingly dry, bright character that makes this a great dessert drink."—Jillian Vose "A unique way to use whiskey, with nice balance of tart, chocolate/coffee and complimented by surprising citrus." —Lynnette Marrero James Menite, Head Bartender, Crown Restaurant, and Anthony Doyle, Distillery Specialist for Beam USA. 110 / the tasting panel / december 2013 TP1213_104-148.indd 110 11/23/13 8:36 PM