Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/518118
june 2015 / the tasting panel / 109 CÎROC AND LEMONADE ◗ 1 ½ oz. CÎROC Vodka ◗ ½ oz. fresh lemon juice ◗ ½ oz. simple syrup ◗ ½ oz. club soda ◗ 4 mint leaves I t's only the beginning of those long summer days, but we're just going to call it now: CÎROC Vodka is the smoothest vodka of the summer. But don't misunder- stand us—when we say "smooth," we're not talking about the brand's sleek, sexy vibe or connection with superstar Sean Combs. In fact, we're talking straight- up tasting notes, as in this vodka is so clean and silky smooth you'll be blown away at the way it plays in fresh, fruity cocktails this summer—and all year-round. CÎROC's signature smoothness is derived from cool- climate French grapes (Mauzac Blanc and Ugni Blanc), five-times-distilled by Master Distiller Jean-Sebastian Robiquet, whose rich family winemaking heritage has made him a steward of France's most precious crop. To achieve the perfect balance, the Ugni Blanc juice is quadruple-distilled in stainless steel column stills, then blended with copper continuous still-distilled Mauzac Blanc before the final blend is perfected in an Armagnac copper pot still. The result is as fine and French as a vodka can be. With a classic base super premium vodka leading the way for the brand, CÎROC has rolled out a line of flavor extensions that have been extremely successful: CÎROC Red Berry, infused with all-natural wild raspberry and strawberry; CÎROC Coconut, bursting with tropical taste; CÎROC Peach, infused with premium stone fruit flavors; CÎROC Amaretto, a cherry-almond dream with hints of vanilla; and CÎROC Pineapple, a fresh and fruity, lightly sweet sipper that's bound to make your summer. The brand will be launching a new super premium exten- sion later this summer, so stay tuned for more details! —Rachel Burkons GET SMOOTH WITH CÎROC CÎROC VODKA BRINGS SUMMER TO LIFE Tasting Notes The violets and just-off-the-vine blueberries pour forth out of the glass adding to this French grape-based vodka's je ne sais quoi charm. In fact, the nose is so appealing, the sniffing of its perfume should be de rigueur before sipping. The round, silky mouthfeel is stirred up by an inkling of spiced pear, more melting violets and a vanilla creamy finish. Formidable! 95 —Meridith May