Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/61075
SPEED TASTING REPORT IN THE SWEET SPOT: DULCE VIDA AÑEJO TEQUILA (SRP $40) T he only handcrafted, 100% organic, 100-proof tequila in the world, Dulce Vida is one of a kind, recognized nationally for its award winning taste and product attributes, setting itself apart in a competitive arena. Headquartered in Austin, Dulce Vida's mantra is to produce the purest form of tequila—navy strength (100 proof) with minimal dilution. The result is a decidedly flavorful and authentic tequila. Dulce Vida Añejo is aged in American oak Kentucky whiskey barrels, giving it a flavorful intensity that really wowed our panel. Russell Davis, consulting mixologist at San Francisco's hip new soda fountain/ice cream shop, Ice Cream Bar, presented the panel with a take on the Margarita that both evoked childhood memories and ignited adult molecular-mixology intrigue. From dry ice to gum foam and acid phosphate, Davis put his wizardry to work with Dulce Vida's Organic Añejo in a Soda-Rita chaser so retro that we imagine this is how Gidget would take her Margarita. "Perfect pH and refreshingly crisp," remarked Naomi Schimek, while Bill Hennigan called the chaser a "real old-fashioned style soda in a very unique blend." Russell Davis. The Panel's Scorecard "Damn good tequila! The proof gives off some extra heat, yet the character- istics of a true tequila shine through!"—Naomi Schimek "Smoke and heat! A NASCAR race in a glass!"—Aidan Demarest REBELLIOUS REVOLUTIONS: TEQUILA REVOLUCIÓN 100 PROOF (SRP $54.99) F or those who take the ten-pin game seriously, revolutions, or the number of turns the ball takes on its journey down the lanes, are important. In the tequila world, a revolution away from the norm is equally enthralling. Since 1995, Tequila REVOLUCIÓN has broken from the big-box tequila mold: From planting, overseeing and harvesting their own agave plants in the lowlands of Jalisco, to aging exclusively in casks that have contained tequila for at least 20 years, REVOLUCIÓN is a game-changer. Designed specifically for the high- end connoisseur, REVOLUCIÓN 100 Proof is made in a top-secret proprietary process, but we do know that this undertaking involves a six month resting period in neither wood nor metal, resulting in pure-distillate heaven. Brand mixologist Summer-Jane Bell enjoys playing with the overproof spirit, and gives props to bars and restau- rants that follow suit: "From the blue racecar paint, to the pistols on the back of the bottle, REVOLUCIÓN is about being out of the ordinary. I call bars and restaurants that feature it 'rebel outposts.'" Bell, a rebel herself, created a chaser called the Molotov Margarita, aptly named due to the use of flambéed blood orange and high alcohol content. "Great balance," Naomi Schimek remarked of the pairing; "the tartness is a good thing, as it helps one stand up to this particular tequila, high-proof that it is." The Panel's Scorecard "Highly potent and a definite strike. Nicely sweet at the end."—Bill Hennigan "Super green palate with powerful fruit and low pepper. Vegetal, intense and hot."—David Othenin-Girard 108 / the tasting panel / april 2012 REVOLUCIÓN Tequila Brand Mixologist Summer-Jane Bell brings the heat.