Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/46939
WHAT WE'RE DRINKING GreatOutdoors The WESTERN SPIRITS' TWO NEW AMERICAN WHISKIES HAVE SPORTING APPEAL by Robert Plotkin / photos by Kirk Weddle I n challenging economic times like these, you'd expect a company to focus on developing something along the lines of a vodka, which requires far less time and capital risk than does a whiskey. Then again, the road more trav- eled rarely leads to laudable achievement. Such was the thinking of the folks at Western Spirits, who have released two flavored American whiskies—Whitetail and Bird Dog. These contemporary gems offer whiskey enthusiasts and on-premise professionals considerable bang for the buck. Whiskey drinkers are notoriously hard to move off their favorite brand. There has to be a compelling reason to switch, and these two whiskeys provide just that. Their incredibly easy to drink character has helped them develop a loyal and rapidly grow- ing following. A few sips is all it takes to understand why the whiskey earned a prestigious Gold Medal at THE TASTING PANEL's San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Whitetail has a dark amber hue, a velvety textured, medium-weight body and a generous nose of vanilla and honey. BIRD DOG PRESIDENTIAL El Divino's best-selling cocktail, says Javier Flores, is a dressed up Whiskey Sour that appeals to both men and women. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 1½ oz. Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey 1 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice ¾ oz. simple syrup 2 fresh blackberries raw sugar ■ Muddle blackberries with raw sugar; add lime juice, ice, simple syrup and whiskey. Shake and serve in a 12-ounce glass; garnish with lime zest. Its semisweet bouquet is both warm and enticing. The whiskey's entry is gentle and soft, filling the mouth with sweet grainy flavors on the lingering finish. Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey, 80 proof, is made from 66 / the tasting panel / november 201 1 Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey from Western Spirits is used in the Bird Dog Presidential cocktail.