Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/413994
126 / the tasting panel / november 2014 THE FIVE STAR VODKA by Justin Trevor Winters A wise man once stood atop a stack of whiskey bar- rels, raised his glass and toasted an entire town of onlookers. "To alcohol," he yelled. "The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems." Who was this wise man, you ask? No, it wasn't Albert Einstein, but rather Homer Simpson. And although the verdict of his proclamation may still be out, if you ask Trey Azar, owner and founder of Cinco Vodka, he'd tell you alcohol has only been the solution for him. The grandson and son of Coors beer distributors, Richard N. Azar III (hence the nickname Trey) has had alcohol coursing through his proverbial veins for over three generations—a truly genetic passion for the adult beverage industry that ultimately led him to establish the Cinco Vodka distillery. "Cinco," referring to his five children, is founded on the goal of "leaving a legacy for my family," says Azar. Okay, alright . . . Get a tissue. Dry your eyes. Because now it's time to get down to brass tacks. Why Cinco Vodka? "We use the highest-quality American wheat and make each small batch by hand," Azar tells me. "We also distill it using the finest copper pot still in Texas. This allows us to leave Cinco unfiltered, which gives it a flavor that's remarkable." Vodka? I ask. With remark- able flavor? Before I can say I'm in, I must first do my best to cramp Monty Python and ask Trey the three questions we all really want to know, in what I like to call "None Shall Pass . . . unless you can answer thee questions three!" Okay here we go! Justin: Does Cinco Vodka make you dance better than other vodkas? Trey: If it can make me dance period, than it's pretty damn good. Texas is a gun friendly state. According to some historic accounts, vodka was used to make gunpowder in the 15th century. Any interest in making gunpowder out of Cinco? No. I prefer to keep Martinis and guns separate. Although I'm sure if you got shot, a Cinco Martini would help. True or False: The secret to happiness is Cinco Vodka? The secret to happiness is finding the right woman. And you can usually find the right woman by drinking Cinco Vodka. Cinco Vodka . . . you shall pass! If you have further questions, or would like a private tour of Cinco Vodka's facilities in San Antonio (which we highly recommend!), give Trey a call at (210) 365-5422.