Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/61075
SPEED TASTING REPORT A WHOLE NEW GAME: ZIGNUM REPOSADO (SRP $30) M eaning "snake" in Mayan dialect, Zignum is slithering into entirely new territory for the mezcal category. Made from green agave grown in the south of Mexico, Zignum zeroes in on a modern, youthful audience by cutting way back on the category's signature smokiness. A unique production process sees the Zignum green piñas boiled, rather than smoked, resulting in a clean, grassy character that's unlike any mezcal you've had before—in a good way. "Zignum represents the modernization of tradition," explained Zignum mixology consultant Christian González, who is based in Miami, where the brand first launched. "We're doing really well with the young community in Miami, who want a tequila alternative, but aren't attracted to the smoke." Zignum Reposado takes this un-smoky liquid and ages it in American oak for two months, resulting in a complex flavor that shone in The Machete, a fruity cocktail that Bill Hennigan called "smooth and refreshing with lots of flavor and mild heat at the end," while Cole Apodaca remarked that it is an "excellent pairing with the mezcal." SHOOTING FROM THE HIP: ARSENAL BLANCO TEQUILA (SRP $24) Christian Gonzalez, Zignum mixology consultant. A newcomer to the U.S., Arsenal Tequila is produced in tradi- tional methods by a family-owned distillery in Tequila, where handcrafted production follows in the footsteps of generations of tequilerias. "Arsenal Tequila is made from a family formula designed to attract the true essence of agave," says Jorge Sanabria, Director of Marketing and Sales for Pacific Spirits Importers. The brand also produces a Reposado, and an Añejo is slated to roll out next. Mixologist Xochilit Salinas, a 17-year industry vet, offered up a Blue Spirit Hunter, a fun take on the Margarita that's perfect for the nightclub set. With a vibrant blue color and funky-fiesta flair, Rachel Burkons remarked, "Fruity and fun! Smooth virgin flavor in a decid- edly un-virgin cocktail," and Blake Donaldson said, "A well done blue Margarita that gives Arsenal good exposure." The Panel's Scorecard: "Nice neutral agave profile with a smooth finish. A clean, core Jalisco tequila."—Blake Donaldson "Smooth, creamy, spicy and mellow; lush, juicy pure agave." —Anthony Dias Blue 106 / the tasting panel / april 2012 BLUE SPIRIT HUNTER ◗ 2 oz. Tequila Arsenal Blanco ◗ ¾ oz. Potter's Blue Curaçao ◗ Juice of two fresh limes ◗ ¾ oz. agave syrup ◗ ¾ oz. DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps ◗ 10 oz. ice ◗ Splash of Rose's Grenadine ◗ Shake, strain and rim with salt. The Panel's Scorecard "Not even a little bit smoky, but deeply black-pepper spicy. Exciting and fascinating!"—Dana Farner "On the nose, butterscotch and cotton candy, followed by a spicy-pepper palate with light sweetness."—David Othenin-Girard "An interesting mezcal variation that results in a greener, grassier, almost fruity spirit."—Naomi Schimek The Blue Spirit Hunter.