Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/271567
74 / the tasting panel / march 2014 Mongolian Match Up "Despite the great number of nifty- looking new brands out there, Soyombo is proving to be one of the few to not be all bark and no bite," explain Caleb Finch, bartender at Showdown, Union Square's urban DJ saloon. "It is very apparent that it can hold its own with the other top shelf spirits." Finch doesn't let his love of Soyombo stop there: "It's a good standard and it quickly became such for Showdown. If I'm going to work on a new vodka-based drink, I'll reach for the Soyombo." Which is exactly what he did in creating The Marcus (We asked"Who's Marcus?" Finch's reply? "I know, I don't know."), a drink that Marguerite says "shows off the soft and delicate side of Soyombo." The Marcus Z 2 parts Soyombo Vodka Z 1 part St-Germain Z 1 part Luxardo Z 1 part fresh lime juice Sweet Chariot Z 2 oz. Soyombo Vodka Z ½ oz. lime juice Z ¾ oz. huckleberry syrup Z 8 mint leaves Z 1 lime wedge Z 2 dashes orange blossom water Z Lillet Blanc to top Z Muddle lime wedge and mint with syrup. Add Soyombo and lime juice, shake and pour into high ball. Top with soda water, Lillet and orange blossom water. Marguerite and Showdown bartender Caleb Finch prove that Soyombo can show up against other top shelf spirits. Southern Soyombo "There's no one type of person who will enjoy our cuisine or beverage program," explains Jesse Caetano, General Manager of 1300 on Fillmore, a Southern-inspired restaurant in the Fillmore, a San Francisco district that used to be referred to as the "Harlem of the West." He continues, "We're fine-dining soul food and because of that attract all sorts of people." Adding a Mongolian vodka only adds to the diversity of the bar. "Soyombo has very few imperfections—it's such a pure vodka. It has a great story and it makes a really well-balanced cocktail," he says. And Marguerite agrees, "You're going to like what you get at 1300 on Fillmore, and this cocktail proves that. It is Mojito-esque and hugely refreshing. " Marguerite and 1300 on Fillmore General Manager Jesse Caetano sip on Soyombo at the last stop on her journey.