Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/288975
april 2014 / the tasting panel / 121 It's not a reposado tequila, but we couldn't resist including this terrific tequila-based liqueur in this month's report. –Ed. For a liqueur to strike it rich in the American market it must above all else possess a character than can't be replicated by some other means. The flavors in the majority of liqueurs can be recreated behind the bar. Of course a liqueur must first have a flavor that one would want to imitate. That said, French import GIVEN Tequila Liqueur will be well received by American mixologists. It's singularly delicious and you couldn't replicate its flavor and aroma in a month of Sundays. Scour your backbar if you must, but you'll find nothing remotely like this inspired, cocktail-friendly liqueur. Part of the tremendous appeal of GIVEN (pronounced "gee- vahn") is derived from how it is made. The process begins in the Highlands of the Los Altos Mountains of Jalisco, Mexico. There premium handcrafted tequila is selected to serve as the spirit base for the liqueur. The unaged tequila is transported across the Atlantic to the heart of the Cognac region of France. There it is taken to a family-operated distillery and slowly macerated with fresh limes. At the same time, ripe Sauvignon Blanc grapes are pressed and allowed to gradually crystallize into an all-natural sweetener. The Sauvignon Blanc grape syrup is then added to the lime-infused tequila to create balance and harmony. It is bottled at 17% alcohol (34 proof). "When consumers hear what it is—premium tequila macerated with limes and ripe French Sauvignon Blanc grapes—they're intrigued and immediately want to try it," says GIVEN's founder, Michael Mills. GIVEN Liqueur has a unique and thoroughly refreshing per- sonality. It has a light greenish hue, a satiny medium-weight body and an herbaceous, zesty citrus bouquet. Its enticing aromatics are somewhat reminiscent of a classically prepared Margarita. The liqueur has a delectably tart palate with a true-to-fruit lime flavor. The well-balanced finish is long and satisfying. GIVEN Tequila Liqueur is capable of changing how you make Margaritas, Gimlet, Kamikazes and Daiquiris. In fact, any lime- based cocktail would benefit greatly from a dose of this French liqueur. It also makes a marvelous aperitif on the rocks or served chilled. It's not often that you come across a unique product like GIVEN. Possessed with nearly unlimited creative applications, the liqueur should enjoy a long and prosperous stay here in the States. —R. P. GIVEN USA GIVEN Tequila Liqueur TP0414_102-132.indd 121 3/21/14 2:53 PM