Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/326040
94 / the tasting panel / june 2014 SPEED TASTING REPORT Red White and Blue ◗ 1¾ oz. Dry Fly Gin ◗ 1 oz. Jack Rudy Grenadine ◗ ½ oz. lemon juice ◗ 2 oz. seltzer ◗ 2 droppers Bittercube Blackstrap Bitters ◗ blueberry garnish Midsummer Night's Dream ◗ 1½ oz. Deep Eddy Cranberry ◗ ½ oz. lemon juice ◗ ½ oz. Averna Amaro ◗ ½ oz. honey syrup, used for honey foam A FRUITY FAVORITE: DEEP EDDY CRANBERRY VODKA (SRP $16.99) The excitement on our panel was undeniable: They'd heard of Deep Eddy, they'd seen Deep Eddy, but for many, this Austin- produced spirit was an unknown, as it had just been released in Illinois weeks before our Speed Tasting. Made from 100% sweet corn, the newest flavor in the Deep Eddy lineup is a total eye- catcher, with its vibrant red hue and sweet true-to-fruit flavor. "We are all about using real ingredients to achieve flavors that haven't been synthesized," explained Tate Troelstrup, Illinois State Manager for Deep Eddy Vodka. "We're a real brand, with real Austin roots. We're as connected to Austin as you can be." Named after a 100 year-old pool in the heart of Austin and with brand new production facilities within the city limits, this true-Texan spirit won over our panel on first sip with the lovely Midsummer Night's Dream, topped with a delectable honey foam created by Tyler Lymer, Head Bartender at Chicago's Tesori. Windy City Write-Up: "Lots of cranberry up front; a bit sweet, which drops off and dries out nicely. The cocktail's honey foam has a lovely aroma, and the drink has great texture and color."—Cristiana DeLucca "Sweet corn base gives way to great balance with the cranberries' tartness. The drink has nice cream and sweetness, giving way to great balance from the cranberry and a nutty Averna finish."—Andrew Macker "Totally true cranberry flavor would make this a great simple drink with just the addition of soda, but the Midsummer Night's Dream really showcases the spirit beautifully. I can't get enough of the lovely honey foam!"—Rachel Burkons Tate Troelstrup, Illinois State Manager for Deep Eddy Vodka, and Tyler Lymer, Head Bartender at Tesori Chicago. ALL AMERICAN GIN: DRY FLY GIN (SRP $27) "Non gin-drinkers are really surprised when they taste this gin," said Martin C. Duffy, a Chicago bartender who was pleased to work with Dry Fly for our Speed Tasting. "It's a lot of fun to play with too!" With its mix of seven unique botanicals ranging from Fuji apples to hops, all of which are sourced from Washington State, it's no surprise this 100% wheat gin isn't your classic London dry fare. "It's an American style gin, and it really celebrates what American has to offer," comments Mark Moland, VP Sales for AM Craft Spirits. Named in honor of two fly-fishing-loving owners, Dry Fly Gin clocks in at 80 proof and offered the perfect base for Duffy's 'Merica-inspired cocktail: "This drink is red white and blue— does it get more perfect for summer?" Windy City Write-Up: "Crisp white apple flesh is very apparent, with green, refreshing menthol notes. The cocktail is balanced— lemon stays in the pocked and blends nicely with the gin and bitters."—Owen Worley "Juniper is balanced well, with a lingering finish; definitely a great Martini gin. I could see myself enjoying this cocktail on a hot summer day."—Patrick Hattin "The apple and lavender balance the juniper and coriander with minimal heat, and the lemon in the cocktail complements the apple/wheat on the gin very well."—Andrew Macker Martin C. Duffy, a Chicago consulting bartender, with Mark Moland, VP Sales, AM Craft Spirits. TP0614_072-101.indd 94 5/23/14 9:39 PM