Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/551222
JACK DANIEL'S BRAND AMBASSADOR ERIC "ET" TECOSKY SWINGS THROUGH THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST by Rachel Burkons O ver the next few months, THE TASTING PANEL will be touring the country with one of the most iconic spirit brands out there: Jack Daniel's. Our intrepid guide along the way will be Brand Ambassador Eric "ET" Tecosky, who will meet and mingle with some of the nation's top bartenders to prove that cool and classic Jack will never go out of style in a variety of cocktails. Look for more from ET along the way, and keep an eye out for a very special Jack's Black Book, coming your way early next year. Portland, OR Clyde Common with Jeffrey Morgenthaler "Jack is such a classic brand," says Bar Manager Jeffrey Morgenthaler when we ask why he likes Jack Daniel's. "In fact," continues the longtime barman, "I've never worked in a bar that didn't carry Jack." With backbar staple status ensured, Morgenthaler is quick to point out that there's a reason Jack is a personal and perennial favorite, aside from its obvious cool-factor: "It's as good today as when I first had it, all those years ago!" Though Morgenthaler is a tried and true Jack devotee, he admits that the newer generation of bartenders ought to take a second look at Jack. "Younger bartenders haven't grown up with it the way I did," comments Morgenthaler. "The small-batch and craft boom was great for educating our industry, but quality products like Jack got a little left behind. But it's been around forever for a reason—because it's good whiskey! It's got a lighter flavor profile that works really well in long drinks, and it's definitely something that deserves a space in craft and classic cocktails." While vets like Morgenthaler encourage today's up- and-comers to explore the classic Jack profile, having an ambassador like Tecosky to preach the gospel on a daily basis will be an invaluable boon for the legendary brand. "ET is one of my favorite bartenders in the world, honestly," says Morgenthaler, himself a scion of our industry. "He's a classic, and for years it's been a tradition to go to Jones [in Hollywood, CA] and have a Jack with ET. He's one of the best out there." Above: Longtime barmen and friends, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, Bar Manager at Portland, OR's Clyde Common, and Jack Daniel's West Coast Brand Ambassador Eric "ET" Tecosky. PHOTO: LEAH NASH PHOTO: LEAH NASH 106 / travels with jack Tennessee Tonic 1½ oz. Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey ¾ oz. lemon juice ¾ oz. Bénédictine ½ oz. simple syrup 1½ oz. soda water JACK DANIEL'S BRAND AMBASSADOR ERIC "ET" TECOSKY JACK DANIEL'S BRAND AMBASSADOR ERIC "ET" TECOSKY JACK DANIEL'S BRAND AMBASSADOR ERIC "ET" TECOSKY JACK DANIEL'S BRAND AMBASSADOR ERIC "ET" TECOSKY JACK DANIEL'S BRAND AMBASSADOR ERIC "ET" TECOSKY JACK DANIEL'S BRAND AMBASSADOR ERIC "ET" TECOSKY JACK DANIEL'S BRAND AMBASSADOR ERIC "ET" TECOSKY Bringing Jack to Life ON THE ROAD WITH JACK