Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/271567
96 / the tasting panel / march 2014 CRAFTING WITH AMARO The leading amaro in Italy, Averna Amaro Siciliano was first crafted in 1868 as a secret herbal elixir believed to have tonic and therapeutic qualities. The recipe of dried fruits, fresh herbs, spices and plant roots make this a natural base for inspired cocktails. Domaine Select Notes from Our Panel: "The warm caramel and citrus tones of Averna speak with a Sicilian accent and change the concept of the spirit from a digestive to an aperitivo. Ethereal and lithe." —Brent Falco "Stunning cocktail. The choice of green apples and rosemary bring out the gorgeous notes particular to Averna." —Raul Yrastorza Eve's Cup "Tazza d'Eva" recipe created by Tad Carducci Z 1 oz. Averna Z 1 oz. G'Vine Nouaison Z 4 leaves mint Z Rosemary sprig Z Splash of Fever-Tree Tonic Z 1 teaspoon chopped green apple Z Lightly muddle mint and rosemary. Add Averna and G'Vine, shake and strain over ice in a highball. Fill with tonic. Stir in the spoonful of apples and garnish with a rosemary sprig. The Double Helix Z 2 oz. Silver Lightning Moonshine Z 3 oz. Barolo Chinato Z ½ oz. green Chartreuse Z ¼ oz. Amaro CioCiaro Z 1 dash Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters Z Garnished in orange twist Shelley Buck, Certified Sommelier, CMS, ASA for Domaine Select. CRAFT 'SHINING Craft spirits came to wine country when Master Distiller Steve Gertman created Santa Barbara County's first distillery. Located in an industrial complex in Buellton, in the heart of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay heaven, Ascendant Spirits is certainly on the rise. With a couple of unique vodkas and a bourbon under his belt, Gertman's Silver Lightning Moonshine is a throwback to pre-Prohibition style 100% corn whiskey. The 99-proof, "zero age" white spirit is produced in a custom designed Vendome still. Ascendant Spirits Notes from Our Panel: "I grew up in Michigan on a horse farm and this whiskey's aromas—sweet corn, floral notes and musky hay—are reminiscent of the corn silo in our barn. The cocktail is fantastic and sophisticated." —Jason Schiffer "On its own, the corn whiskey offers a more complex palate than expected to complement the sweet corn. In the cocktail, the corn comes through with round, broad strokes and engages with notes of coffee, dark fruit (from the Barolo Chinato), orange and chamomile. Well done." —Erick Castro Anna Knudson, bartender at Melrose Umbrella and Crossroads with Steve Gertman, President and Master Distiller for Ascendant Spirits.