Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/537687
july 2015 / the tasting panel / 101 CATEGORY REPORT Bobbing for Berentzen Credited with helping Sir Isaac Newton discover gravity, keeping the doc- tor away and being an infamous filling by way of American Pie, few fruits are as iconic and all-American as the apple. So, it makes sense that in this period of nostalgia-driven drinking, Berentzen Apple Liqueur is enjoying a surge in popularity among mixologists and consumers alike. "Things come full circle," says Mark Tucker, Director of Marketing for Vision Wine & Spirits, which imports the spirit. "A brand that's been around for over 200 years now has a new application." Since the company added Berentzen to its portfolio, the product has become available in more than 40 states. Although trendy among mixologists at the moment, apple certainly isn't a flavor going anywhere anytime soon. Interestingly enough, the liqueur was once a favorite among consumers who would shoot it alongside a beer; however, the new-school application of Berentzen Apple has emerged in the realm of premium mixology, with the golden liquid sprouting up on cocktail menus across the country. Made with all-natural juice from sun-ripened apples, Berentzen Apple is distilled from 100% single-grain wheat spirit, yielding a crisp, fresh apple flavor. The kosher liqueur is made without artificial flavorings; the clean- tasting profile and non-GMO origin of the spirit resonates with today's conscientious consumers. The House of Berentzen was founded in Haselünne, Germany in 1758. Their apple flavor joins the family of flavors Pear and Wild Cherry, all of which aim to stay authentic to the flavor of the original fruit—no candied or sour Jolly Rancher–like taste profiles here. "We see a big trend in mixology today where mixologists making classic cocktails have an appreciation for modifiers like Berentzen and we thought it was a good addition to our portfolio for our cocktail strategy on-premise," Tucker says. "Off premise, it's great for modifying cocktails at home—and you can even cook with it!" Tasting Notes Berentzen Apple Liqueur While apples bring up thoughts of autumn, the nose on this 40-proofer is breezy fresh, a cool whoosh of just-juiced crisp fruit. The tartness of the apple is kept in check, although refined with a bright acidity, it forms layers on the tongue, from caramel apple to nectar from McIntosh and Gala—a variety of your favorite can be dreamed up with each sip.—M. M.