Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/271567
march 2014 / the tasting panel / 99 THE CRAFTED ENSEMBLE El Silencio Premium Mezcal is a 100% ensemble of agaves, blended and double-distilled in San Baltazar, Oaxaca. Carefully selected 10-12 year old agave is the base for this small batch 80-proof joven spirit made by Mezcalier Pedro Hernández. El Silencio Holdings Notes from Our Panel: "El Silencio is a great entry mez- cal: it's soft, aromatic (citrus and subtle-yet-sweet smoke) and has a hint of petroleum. The sherry brings in a salty quality which is intriguing." —Jason Schiffer "A mezcal for the masses, El Silencio, with its soft, round mineral/floral character, is an ambassador for the category. The Sazerac-style cocktail hits the sweet spot and makes the experience even more appeal- ing." —Cervantes Magana Liquid Assets co-owners and El Silencio Brand Ambassadors Marcos Tello and Aidan Demarest. The Silent Assassin Z 1¾ oz. El Silencio Mezcal Z 1 barspoon Pernod Absinthe 1805 Formula Z 1¼ oz. of Hartley & Gibson Pedro Ximenez Sherry Z Stir with ice and strain. Garnish with orange peel. CRAFTED FROM FREE-RUN JUICE Re:Find Gin is made by winemaker Alex Villicana, using the free run juice off of pressed red grapes, which is also known as the saignée method. Now also Master Distiller, Villicana collects juice from 13 wineries in the Paso Robles area, his central coast location for his vineyards and Re:Find Distillery. "This juice would be thrown away oth- erwise," notes Villicana who refers to about 150 tons of juice from high-end grapes used for his spirits production. Distilled four times, the high sugar content in the grapes give Re:Find gin its textural sweet viscosity, and the seven botanicals coat the mouth. Re:Find Handcrafted Spirits Notes from Our Panel: "A rosé wine–based gin! Very floral, with notes of plum, lemon, lavender and mocha. The cocktail reminds me of Sweet Tarts— refreshing!" —Erick Castro "From vanilla musk to mango and lychee, this gin is so unique. The wine balances out the sweetness on the cocktail, but the gin shines thorugh." —Ricky Yarnall Distiller Alex Villicana is proprietor of Re:Find in Paso Robles. Re:Find Gin Plum Sour recipe by mixologist Eric Carfagnini of La Cosecha in Paso Robles. Z 1 oz. Re:Find Gin Z ½ oz. lemon Z ½ oz. simple syrup Z 2 dashes plum bitters Z Float of Villicana Red Wine Z Combine the first four ingredients and then strain. Pour into Old Fashioned glass with ice and float the wine. Garnish with lemon peel.