Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/221505
Aaron Melendrez: Tequila Tapatio For the past 75 years, Tequila Tapatio has been a Mexican favorite for its purity, spice and excellent price point. After a long wait, it is now available in the U.S., and bartenders and consumers alike couldn't be more excited. What the Mixologist Loves: "I enjoy drinking it and I love mixing with it." Benjamin Brat Pack ◗ 1½ oz. Tequila Tapatio ◗ ½ oz. Vida Mezcal ◗ 1 oz. grilled pineapple juice ◗ ¾ oz. lime juice ◗ ½ oz. pom-agave blend (pomegranate, molasses and agave) ◗ 4 dashes Angostura Bitters ◗ 1 dash habanero extract ◗ 1 egg white ◗ Splash soda water ◗ Fresh cilantro Aaron Melendrez of Ebanos Crossing in Los Angeles wanted his competitors to know, "I'm ready, prepared and honored to be here today." (It should also be noted that Aaron was given 12 hours notice that he was going to be in the competition and his cocktail was very tasty.) Cole Apodaca: Maestro Dobel Known for its stunning smoothness and its unforgettable bottle, Maestro Dobel Tequila is double-distilled and aged in Hungarian white oak. Reposado, añejo and extra-añejo tequilas are then blended together and filtered through a diamond filtration system. What the Mixologist Loves: "I love its complex flavor due to its aging and blending. It's really great to mix with because of its clarity as well." El Caballero ◗ 3 oz. infused Maestro Dobel * ◗ 1 oz. orange juice ◗ 1 oz. lemon juice ◗ ½ oz. apple shrub ◗ 1 egg white ◗ Jose Cuervo Reserva Añejo spray *Sous vide green apples, Thai pepper, vanilla bean, blood orange and lavender flower. Laurel Hardware's Cole Apodaca said of the competition, "I like the idea of getting the local bartenders involved with the Covenant House through something they're passionate about." december 2013 / the tasting panel / 97 TP1213_064-103.indd 97 11/23/13 8:35 PM