Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/326040
106 / the tasting panel / june 2014 On-Trend in San Francisco Brian MacGregor is a long way from the hardscrabble Milwaukee area where he grew up, where shots and beer fueled the hardworking folks of the Midwest. But now ensconced behind the bar at elegant Wingtip SF in San Francisco's Financial District, the Bar Director finds parallels: "Whiskey is what we do well" at Wingtip, MacGregor says. "I think it's the spirit of choice of this decade," he says as he makes a Liberties Uplifter, featuring Teeling Irish Whiskey. MacGregor finds that the rum cask-aged liquid is particu- larly versatile with modern drinks. "I just love it," he says. Teeling hosted a launch event at the private club a short time ago, and now MacGregor is pouring it for his discerning whiskey customers. "There's a little bit of vanilla, a lit bit of honey," in addition to the molasses from the rum casks, he says. "It adds a certain bit of richness. There's a nice high note in the front, and the rum in the back." "What Jack Teeling is doing is really incredible," MacGregor says. "He's a fifth-generation whiskey man, and a really nice guy." —J. C. At back-alley 15 Romolo, an ambi- tious bar program greets refugees from the North Beach tourist traps that beckon with shady intent. Once inside safely, Ian Adams walks us through the character- istics that have won Teeling a grow- ing following: "We really like the proof on it. It's not often you come across an Irish whiskey that's of a higher proof. This one happens to have a little backbone to it, which we like. It's not so easily covered up in cocktails." 15 Romolo has an extensive cocktail menu, printed on an old-style newspaper broadsheet. "Most people aren't familiar with Teeling yet, so they try it neat," Adams explains. Still, though, "Irish Whiskey drinkers tend to just drink the whiskey." Adams' cocktail is a takeoff on an old Romolo classic, the Fiscal Agent. It's a stirred cocktail that needs a strong whiskey to be able to stand up to its accompaniments. Fiscal Agent ◗ 1 oz. Teeling Irish Whiskey ◗ ½ oz. Carpano Antica ◗ ½ oz. green Chartreuse ◗ Dash of house-made cacao tincture ◗ Torched orange zest IRISH WHISKEY Brian MacGregor is the Bar Director at Wingtip San Francisco. Liberties Uplifter ◗ 1½ oz. Teeling Irish Whiskey ◗ ½ oz. Vya Vermouth ◗ ½ oz. Punt e Mes ◗ 2 dashes Regan's Orange Bitters No. 6 ◗ 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters ◗ Orange peel garnish TP0614_102-128.indd 106 5/23/14 9:51 PM