Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/376390
september 2014 / the tasting panel / 101 W hile you won't need the keen sense of smell of a German shorthair pointer to track down its sweet aromas of corn, malted barley and rye, Bird Dog Whiskey surprises even the most refined palates with unique flavor innovations, including blackberry, peach, hot cin- namon and maple. Fearless—as any good hunting dog should be—in its approach to infusions, the company is now introducing Bird Dog Peppermint Moonshine to the market—and this dog still don't bite! "We are meticulous about our flavors. We start with aged bourbon before we infuse them, and it serves as our base, which creates a strong whiskey taste throughout. We keep Bird Dog Whiskeys at 80 proof so you still taste our great bourbon while enjoying the specific flavor," explains Jon Holecz, VP of Marketing for Western Spirits. "The new Bird Dog Peppermint Moonshine was a little different for us—since we aren't infusing with our aged bourbon, we had to really work hard on the peppermint taste. We were mindful to not overpower with too much mint but still keep it glisten- ing." With a fresh, reviving taste and a superior smoothness, this moonshine does exactly that. Just launched last month, Bird Dog Peppermint Moonshine's reception at the bar and at retail has been warm, and while the weather may start to cool down in coming months, things are sure to heat up during the holidays for this classically flavored spirit—did somebody say Candy Cane shot? Take one down and leave your coat at the door! Confirming this strategic release, Holecz explains: "We wanted to make sure we established the brand distri- bution during the summer months to be right in line for the holiday season. It works very well with chocolate, and one cocktail in particular, The Bird Dog Peppermint Moonshine Patty, is guaranteed to please." Wasting no time adding the new Peppermint Moonshine to their cata- log is Christie's Sports Bar in Dallas, TX, which—like the new beverage brands behind their bar or profes- sional athletes on their television sets—is a place that knows a thing or one hundred about competition. "We've been in the business for many years, and we know a great new product when we taste one. Bird Dog's got a winner with the Peppermint Moonshine," says Christie's owner Ashton Christie. "The response from consumers has been great, and I'm just so pleased to be seeing something new with a fresh taste," he adds with a smile. With such great response out the gate and meticulous, fine production quality that one can taste, Bird Dog Peppermint Moonshine proves itself among their successful whiskey line-up. This is one breed that has a natural feel for the sport of palate- pleasing: no need to teach this old dog new tricks. Ashton Christie, owner of Christie's Sports Bar in Dallas, TX, enjoys a glass of Bird Dog Peppermint on the rocks. Bird Dog Peppermint Moonshine and Whiskey flows out the tap at Christie's Sports Bar.