Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/326040
june 2014 / the tasting panel / 91 HELLO HAWAII: SAMMY'S BEACH BAR RUM (SRP $25) There's no better place to start a Chicago Speed Tasting than with a trip to the islands, right? We were happy to kick things off with Sammy's Beach Bar Rum, the Hawaii-produced rum coming from the former lead singer of Van Halen, Sammy Hagar. Bartender Carlos E. Cuerta, a Chicago-based consultant, was excited to work with the rum: "There's a lot of minerality and earthiness in the rum, and I wanted to let that shine through," he said to our panel. "It works great in simple cocktails because it has such a nice flavor on its own." Cuerta was also pleased to have the chance to play with the first line exten- sion to the Red Rocker's rum: Sammy's Red Head Macadamia Nut Flavored Rum, a 70 proof sipper rolling out this season. "I really like the macadamia tones," said Cuerta. Although we were sad Sammy couldn't be there with us, the Red Rocker was there in spirit, and sent each of our panelists home with a signed book. All we can say is Aloha, Sammy! The Windy City Write-Up: "Neat, it is very subtle in flavor, beginning with notes of sea air and finishing with a mild sulfur. Rich, almost gomme mouthfeel. The cocktail is bright and chewy, like bubblegum at the beach, with big macadamia tone up front, moving into fruit punch tones" —Brandon Phillips "Neat, the rum is earthy, with a fresh clean finish and a little heat. The cocktail is fruit without being too 'foo foo;' a little tart, fresh and vibrant." —Paul Graves Sammy's Akala Mahina Punch ◗ 1½ oz. Sammy's Beach Bar Rum ◗ ¼ oz. Sammy's BBR Red Head Macadamia Nut Rum ◗ ½ oz. berry-citrus syrup ◗ ½ oz. fresh lemon juice ◗ ½ oz. coconut liqueur ◗ 2 dashes Falernum bitters Carlos E. Cuerta created the Sammy's Akala Mahina Punch. Langley's No. 8 and Tonic ◗ 2 oz. Langley's No. 8 Gin ◗ 4 oz. Fever-Tree Tonic ◗ lime wedge garnish NEW AND NOTABLE: LANGLEY'S NO. 8 GIN (SRP $39.99) There's nothing like a new product launch to perk up a panel's ears, so we were thrilled to be pre- sented with Langley's No. 8 Gin, the newest addi- tion to the Terlato Artisan Spirits portfolio, which will roll out nationwide June 1. Launched last year in the U.K., this classic distilled London gin is made from eight botanicals (the precise blend and ingredients are top secret) and oozes classicism: From the leather wrap around the bottle to the citrus-forward profile that just begs to be made into a G&T, Langley's No. 8 is all Brit, all the way. Never one to deny a panel what it wants, Michael Lindell, East Region Manager for Terlato Artisan Spirits, was pleased to present a Langley's No. 8 and Tonic. "How else are you supposed to first taste a gin?" he asked, and we couldn't agree more. The Windy City Write-Up: "Higher alcohol and juniper yield the perfect G&T gin! Fruit petals and coriander give great balance when paired with the tonic." —Andrew Macker "Coriander, lemon, orange, juniper, cassia bark, spicy, full-bodied gin. Herbal and delicious. The cocktail is really great—it's a bold choice that fits the brand. I love a classic done well, and the Fever-Tree tonic helps to bring out the savory, spicy components of the gin."—Jean Tomaro "It's a juniper-forward, dry, balanced and hearty London dry gin, and the cocktail's a gin and tonic, so it's delicious!" —Cristiana DeLucca Michael Lindell, East Region Manager, Terlato Artisan Spirits. TP0614_072-101.indd 91 5/23/14 9:39 PM