Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/288975
SPEED TASTING REPORT 1 10 / the tasting panel / april 2014 THE BARTENDER'S BEST GIN: FORDS GIN THE ALTITUDE CURE: BRECKENRIDGE BOURBON Made by bartenders, for bartenders. That's the simple concept behind The 86 Co. and their line of spirits. Co-founder Jason Kosmas explains, "We created these spirits to be tools for bartenders and to be usable in many aspects of the cocktails." Everything from the ergonomic bottle design to the spirit inside any of The 86 Co. products has been thoroughly thought-out to be a solution for bartenders. Fords Gin ($36.99) is the traditional juniper and coriander seed based gin offering from the 'tender-friendly company. Distilled at Thames Distillers in London, the 90-proof gin is complex, flavorful and full bodied with a high oil content. Explains Dushan Zaric, co-founder of The 86 Co., "Once you start mixing [Fords Gin], it explodes in body." Our Panel's Notes: "The name of the cocktail, the Seventh Sign, refers to the Year of the Horse (2014) in Chinese astrology, and this drink adds an Asian accent of ginger to the viscous, botanical-laden gin, which also has some exotic notes of jasmine and lemongrass." —Meridith May "Light and refreshing on the palate, this gin cocktail is fantastic. Alone, the gin is grassy, citrus/juniper forward with a strong body to hold up to cocktails. The dry orange and soft floral tones from this drink pulls out the zingy citrus and flowers from the gin." —Andrew Record The world's highest distillery, Breckenridge is located at 9,600 feet and uses the pristine snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in the production of its spirits. Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey ($53.99) is a rye-heavy spirit with a luscious mouthfeel and a depth of flavor owed to the natural minerality of the snowmelt. Aged for two to three years in 100% new American white oak barrels, 86-proof Breckenridge Bourbon is a well-rounded, approachable rye spirit. "Simply, it has a killer water source," explains Camacho. "But in addition, Breckenridge has a spice and palate depth that is great. It has really opened up the Arizona market to the understanding of regionality and how that will change a spirit." Our Panel's Notes: "Grapefruit and rye—what a surprisingly good combination! It brings out sweet gingerbread notes from the already nuanced caramel in the bourbon. Tart, sweet and balanced." —Travis Reese "The bourbon's oaky French vanilla, leather, cream soda and orange zest–Creamsicle notes are integrated with the cinnamon-clove twist of the Snap and the citrus leanness in the cocktail." —Richie Moe The Mixologist: Eric Harding, Principle Bartender at PY Steakhouse in Tucson. The Seventh Sign ◗ 1¾ oz. Fords Gin ◗ 1 oz. blood orange juice ◗ ¾ oz. jasmine ginger syrup ◗ 1 oz. sparkling water The Little Johnny ◗ 2 oz. Breckenridge Bourbon ◗ ½ oz. Snap Liquor ◗ ½ oz. lemon juice ◗ ¼ oz. simple syrup ◗ 2 zests of Ruby Red grapefruit The Mixologist: Melanie Hurley, Bartender at The Henry in Phoenix. TP0414_102-132.indd 110 3/21/14 2:53 PM