Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/288975
108 / the tasting panel / april 2014 ◗ THE GRANDFATHER: FORTALEZA TEQUILA SPEED TASTING REPORT In 1893, Professor Dmitri Mendeleev, creator of the Periodic Table of Elements, was commissioned to formu- late a standard for quality control over vodka. He found that the smoothest and most perfectly balanced vodka had clusters of one molecule of ethanol bound to five molecules of water, making it essentially 40% alcohol by volume. In 1894, Tsar Alexander III adopted this finding as law and it was named The Russian Empire Standard. More than 100 years later, Roustam Tariko took this formula and set out to make Russia's first premium vodka brand. Using only the finest winter wheat, low mineral glacial water and traditional methods enhanced by the latest technology, Russian Standard Platinum Vodka ($29.99) certainly has set the standard. Our Panel's Notes: "The cocktail is delicate and light- hearted, leaving room for the broad notes of vanilla and biscuit from the vodka to come through. The herbaceous and sweetness combo of the snow pea brings in a refined elegance to the cocktail, calling up springtime." —Bill DeGroot "The Russian winter wheat makes for a great foundation for the vodka. The cocktail's refreshing notes with honey and lime and the unique flavor of snow pea bring a sweet green scent and taste to the palate." —Micah Olson THE MODEL: RUSSIAN STANDARD PLATINUM VODKA With a history like his, it would seem wrong for Guillermo Erickson Sauza to not make tequila. Inheriting the distillery where his tatarabuelo (great- ,great-grandfather) made tequila over 135 years ago, Sauza decided to put the tahona (stone mill) back to work and start making a small batch tequila in 2002. Fortaleza Silver Tequila ($62.99) is the result of passion, fortitude, family tradition and a dedication to hand craft. Made from 100% estate grown blue agave tequilana Weber, this 80 proof silver tequila is stored in steel tanks and never sees barrels. Producing only 12,000 cases every year, Fortaleza boasts of their zero additives policy. Says Camacho of the tequila, "Fortaleza is a highlight of our portfolio—front to back, it's made by hand." Our Panel's Notes: "This silver tequila is light, clean with a palate of textured satin. I have to say it's one of my overall favorites." —Richie Moe "The silver tequila is pale, unadulterated agave fruit: reminds me of a garden patch with pepper and a mineral back. The Fotaleza stays discern- ible though the cocktail's subtle bitter and herbal components." —Brent Karlicek The Mixologist: Kyle Landry, Bartender at Crudo in Phoenix. Peas and Thank You ◗ 1½ oz. snow pea–infused Russian Standard Platinum Vodka ◗ 1 oz. lime juice ◗ ¾ oz. rich honey syrup ◗ 2 dashes rhubarb bitters Rosa Amarga ◗ 1½ oz. Fortaleza Silver Tequila ◗ ¼ oz. Campari ◗ ¼ oz. Cynar ◗ ½ oz. grapefruit juice ◗ ½ oz. lime juice ◗ ½ oz. orgeat ◗ Muddled rosemary The Mixologist: Alexandria "Pixie" Bowler, Resident Mixologist at Cowboy Ciao in Scottsdale. TP0414_102-132.indd 108 3/21/14 2:52 PM