Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/49694
Most Patriotic BRUGAL 1888 GRAN RESERVA FAMILIAR RUM, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ($50) In the U.S., the word patriotism conjures images of fl ag-wav- ing eagles riding on the shoulders of gun-drawn cowboys, but in the Dominican Republic, there's nothing more patriotic than Brugal Rum. In the late 19th Century, a Spaniard who had learned the rum trade while in Cuba moved to the Dominican Republic, where he founded Brugal & Company, launching a dynasty of family rum production that continues today as one of the country's most prominent businesses—not to mention the number-one rum in the Caribbean by volume. Today, Brugal's lineup of quality rums is produced by fourth- and fi fth-generation Brugal family members, and the company's commitment to benefi tting the Dominican Republic is evident in everything from their roadside sign sponsorship program to the creation of the Brugal Foundation, which supports initia- tives that develop and assist the country. Brugal 1888 is a special edition from the producer—an homage to the year in which the distillery was founded—and is double-distilled and matured in American oak before a second maturation in Spanish sherry casks, which imbues the rum with rich, leathery fl avors of dried fruit, toasted caramel and ripe tamarind. Complex enough to be enjoyed on its own, mixologists have also gotten into the game with this classic, proving once again that the Dominican Republic's got it going on with Brugal. BRUGAL USA Pedro's Martinez by Bryan Schneider from Monkey Bar, New York city ◗ 1½ oz. Brugal 1888 Gran Reserva Familiar ◗ ¾ oz. Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth ◗ 1 dash Bitterman's Mole Bitters ◗ 1 dash Angostura Bitters ◗ Stir and strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lime twist. 124 / the tasting panel / december 201 1 Best Ride 8 Seconds Canadian Whisky, Canada ($30) Canadian Whisky is the kind of spirit that goes hand-in-hand with rodeo's rough-and-tumble crowd of cowboys (and cowboy-lovers) who aren't afraid to climb atop a bucking bull for the ride of their lives. But no whisky is more grab-the-bull-by- the-horns than 8 Seconds, a Canadian whisky named after the length of time a rider must stay on the bull in order to score. The brand has captured a niche market of fi ve million rodeo- loving renegades with its perfect balance of smooth fi nesse and bold, brawny fl avors. Aged eight years in oak barrels and blended from more than 30 batches, 8 Seconds is the perfect way to smoothly settle down after an intense bout with a bull—or just a long day at the offi ce. A nice nose of caramel, vanilla and hints of orange zest and mint, 8 Seconds is elegant on the tongue, with fl avors of chocolate, black cherry and caramel, giving a nice spicy fi nish. We like this ride so much that we can't wait for the next round to come, 8 Seconds Black. Executive Editor Meridith May got a sneak preview. Here are her notes: Chocolate fi lls the nose: sumptuous and clearly defi ned. On the palate, pecan pie is spiced with caraway, dill and milk chocolate, with a hint of pepper. Syrup-like undertones (body!!) of caramel smack the tongue. There's WAY more than eight seconds of pleasing textured fi nish on this Canadian whisky. FRANK-LIN DISTILLERS