Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/57654
CATEGORY REPORT PURE EXPRESSIONISM: PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur ($24.99) E very once in a while a groundbreaking product comes around that changes the landscape of American back bars. In the same way Cointreau immortalized the essence of oranges, PAMA, the world's fi rst authentic pomegranate liqueur, has captured the immensely popular pomegranate. This delectable liqueur is a guaranteed franchise player, a backbar classic in the making. Super-premium PAMA Pomegranate is crafted by infusing premium vodka and a small percentage of blanco tequila with all-natural pomegranate juice. It is bottled at an accessible 34 proof. PAMA has a seductive, true-to-fruit reddish hue, a lushly textured, medium- weight body and an alluring bouquet of mixed berry aromas. Its sumptuous palate is imbued with the dry, tart fl avors of pomegranate and cranber- ries. It's one of the rare "can't miss" ingredients with myriad creative applications behind the bar, including use in classic and modern cocktails. HEAVEN HILL STILL LIFE WITH COOKIES: Faretti Biscotti Liqueur ($30) L aunched in 2007, Faretti Biscotti Liqueur has become something of an international celebrity. Its unbridled success is in part due to the prevailing cocktail culture; the liqueur is incomparable when mixed. But the even more telling is the fact that the liqueur tastes exactly like traditional biscotti—without the accompanying crumbs. Joseph Magliocco, President of Chatham Imports, says, "We make Faretti Biscotti Liqueur in the Dolomite Mountains near Rovereto in Northern Italy. It has a delicious infusion of citrus, nuts, fennel and caramel that really captures the fl avor of biscotti fresh from the rustic brick ovens." The altogether delectable liqueur has a lustrous golden hue, a satiny textured medium-weight body and a bouquet exactly like that of the famous cookie—and the enticing aromas carry through to the palate. The long, lingering fi nished is surgically balanced and features the fl avors of anise, zesty citrus and caramel. It's at its best served neat, paired with freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino, or blended with Irish cream and brandy. CHATHAM IMPORTS, INC. VIEW OF A SPICE GARDEN: Jaan Paan Liqueur ($32.95) I f you're in the market for a backbar sensa- tion with a universally appealing fl avor that's unlike anything on the market, then look no further than exotic and sensual Jaan Liqueur. The liqueur captures the fl a- vor of sweet paan, a popular regional snack in South Asia that dates back thousands of years—a betel leaf wrapped around various spices. Offering paan is a symbol of respect, friendship and hospitality. Introduced just last year, Jaan Liqueur is an authentic treat made in Canada from neutral grain spirits, Canadian maple syrup and a singular blend of herbs and spices. ("Jaan" is a Hindi/Urdu word loosely translated as "life or love.") The award-winning liqueur has a lumines- cent amber/gold hue, a satiny textured body and a spicy, semisweet bouquet of cloves, menthol and fl ora. The palate is a spicy affair, a secret proprietary blend with notes of cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. Try the Jaan Martini: 2 parts Jaan Liqueur, 1 part Bombay Sapphire Gin, 2 parts coconut water and a half ounce of fresh lime juice. JAAN INC. 106 / the tasting panel / march 2012 JAPANESE MASTERWORK: TY KU Citrus Liqueur ($24.99) T Y KU may well be more concerned about the health benefi ts of what you drink than you are. The sleek Japanese liqueur is an all- natural blend of Asian super-fruits, antioxi- dants, aphrodisiacs and oolong and green teas. It's entirely devoid of gluten, preserva- tives, additives, sulfi tes and tannins. Produced from a base of premium junmai-ginjo saké and soju, TY KU contains more than 20 healthy ingredients, includ- ing pomegranates, Asian pears, honeydew, yuzu, plums, Fuji apples, white cranberries, mangosteen, Tibetan goji berries, sweet ginger and antioxidant-rich oolong and green teas. The fl avor package also includes aphrodi- siacs ginseng, damiana and dragon's eye. The liqueur is sweetened with elderfl ower syrup for a mere 72 calories per ounce. This jade-colored liqueur has a lightweight, silky textured body and a generous and complex citrus bouquet. Its smooth entry quickly expands fi lling the mouth with a bevy of citrus, fruit and herbal fl avors, giving TY KU unlimited applications behind the bar. TY KU INTERNATIONAL