Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/488317
april 2015 / the tasting panel / 1 15 Back to the Basics: JAMESON BLACK BARREL SELECT RESERVE Simply say the words Irish whiskey, and it's almost impossible not to think of Jameson. This iconic spirit from the Emerald Isle began production in 1780, and today, the brand's historic recipe has proven to withstand the test of time with no signs of stopping. Produced at Pernod Ricard's Midleton distillery in County Cork, the ubiquitous Jameson inspired many around the world to call for it by name. Jameson Select Black Barrel is creamy and lush with beautiful notes of sweet oak and vanilla, while all of Jameson's expressions exhibit masterful produc- tion and amazing flavor profiles. This spirit need not do anything but stick to its fundamentals. Our Panel's Notes: "Woah! Thick, figgy flavors say fall/holiday to me!" —Mark Kiffin "Love this spirit. Such a great addition to the Midleton/Jameson portfolio. The cocktail is a great twist on the traditional Painkiller, and I love the bitters shining through—just awesome with the date flavors." — John Christie "The spirit is sweet and light from the winter wheat, and the cocktail makes great use of dates!" —Brian Goodwin Out of the Ashes: TEQUILA CLASE AZUL Arutro Lomeli's relationship with tequila began in his mother's kitchen, creating homemade concoctions with his favorite spirit. After a string of failures, he became a certified Master Distiller of tequila to ensure premium quality, and soon after, he founded Tequila Clase Azul, a craft tequila that is now loved by many. Matured for at least nine years, the 100 percent organic blue Weber agaves are then slow-cooked for three days to release delicious and exotic flavors from the hearts—slightly spicy with caramel notes. After a slow fermentation process, the liquid moves to the hand-on distillation that makes Clase Azul so unique. No stranger to the use of fresh ingredients, Clase Azul is certainly a fan of today's "farm-to-glass" focus. La Pinta Pomegranate Liqueur is a perfect complement to the brand's tequilas. Our Panel's Notes: "The tequila has an unctuous nose, with notes of honeysuckle. The cocktail is floral and refreshing, and the Clase really shines through." —Brian Goodwin "The tequila is remarkably smooth for an unsweet- ened 80 proof spirit, and the cocktail is a well-balanced, floral take on a Mexican Firing Squad." —Aaron DeFeo "I love the La Pinta! Great drinkable liqueur with wonderful mixability, and adds light sweetness to cocktails." —Rachel Burkons Bow St. Painkiller ◗ 2 oz. Jameson Black Barrel Select Reserve ◗ ¾ oz. Luxardo Amaro ◗ ¼ oz. Luxardo Amaretto ◗ ½ oz. almond milk and date purée ◗ ½ oz. fresh lime juice ◗ Egg white ◗ Almond-crusted date garnish ◗ Combine all ingredients, shake and serve in a coupe. Smoke and Mirrors ◗ 1 oz. Clase Azul Tequila ◗ 1 oz. La Pinta Pomegranate Liqueur ◗ 1 fresh squeezed lime ◗ ¾ oz. fresh pomegranate juice ◗ 1 oz. lavender syrup ◗ Pomegranate seed garnish ◗ Shake and serve in rocks glass with half chili rim. Sam Keller, Pernod Ricard Specialist, Southern Wine & Spirits of Arizona. Phillip Lewkowicz, owner, Café Monarch in Scottsdale, AZ.