Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/271567
98 / the tasting panel / march 2014 CRAFTED IN MONGOLIA The statuesque bottle for Soyombo Vodka bears the brand's symbol, cre- ated from an ancient vision of letter-like signs in the eternal skies of Mongolia. The Soyombo symbol is the first letter of the alphabet, which means "enlight- ened" or "created out of itself." Crafted in small batches at the origi- nal distillery site of the last Emperor's Palace in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, Soyombo vodka is made from organic wheat on the Mongolia steppes. Pure spring water that melts from mountain snow is distilled six times and filtered for five days over charcoal, quartz, diamonds and silver. The APU Company Notes from Our Panel: "Soyombo possesses a nice, long finish with herbaceous, chalky, anise notes which makes it interesting on the palate. The cocktail was a 'wow!' —the fresh oregano and grapefruit juice pulled out the vodka notes on the back end."—Raul Yrastorza "The vodka is clean and has its floral side and its savory side. The cocktail and its citrus component elevate its flavor profile. This is a vodka cocktail that deserves to be crowned 'queen.'" —Cervantes Magana Karin Graziadei, Soyombo Brand Ambassador Los Angeles; Rodger Reiss, Soyombo Sales Executive and consultant; and Niki Kotantoulas, bartender at Laurel Hardware. The Hooded Crane Z 2 oz. Soyombo Vodka Z 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice Z ¾ oz. unpasteurized honey water Z Fresh muddled oregano Z Shake all ingredients in shaker. Served up in a coupe. Garnish with fresh oregano. SMALL TOWN CRAFTER In Three Oaks, Michigan (population 1,800) the family-owned Journeyman Distillery has created Buggy Whip Wheat Whiskey. Certified organic and kosher, it is made, according to National Brand Manager Simon Barrios, from "scratch cooking," in a pot still by Master Distiller Bill Walter. The distillery uses its own water source, with no chlorine. The 90-proof spirit is in touch with spirits: Apparently the 1850s buggy whip and corset factory that now serves as the distillery is haunted. Journeyman Distillery Notes from Our Panel: "Great riff off the Artillery Punch. The whiskey is honey- sweet, soft and weighty—buttery with maple, peachy, apricot tones. The cocktail tones down the butter, making it more savory." —Brent Falco "Buggy Whip Whiskey shows off its buttery side but with a dash of pepper. The forward spice from the Minnesota white oak barrels comes through to a long finish and creamy mouthfeel. The punch is well-thought-out; the ingredi- ents, especially the Earl Grey tea, add good tannins." —Raul Yrastorza The Journeyman Distillery duo: Ross Shimala, Brand Ambassador and Simon Barrios, National Brand Manager. Pacifist Punch Z 1 qt. Buggy Whip Wheat Whiskey Z 1 qt. of Earl Grey tea with pepper- corns and sage Z 750 ml. late-harvest Zinfandel Z 1 pint of Journeyman Roads End Barrel-Aged Rum Z ½ pint French brandy Z 2 oz. Bénédictine Z 1 pint blood-orange juice Z ½ pint lemon juice Z Garnish with blood orange, lemon slice, and fresh sage.