Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/661678
april 2016 / the tasting panel / 5 by Becky Tsadik At Baby Blues BBQ in West Hollywood, California, Bar Manager Chad Sullivan takes pride in his playfulness behind the bar. Happy hour proves prime- time for interfacing with regulars and asking for their feedback as he experiments with new drink combina- tions. Recently, he has been reaching for a newcomer from one of his favorite brands: Deep Eddy Peach Vodka. "Deep Eddy Vodkas are so refreshing," Sullivan says. "Sweet Tea, Lemon, Peach—all of those taste great by themselves, poured over ice." Just Peachy Distilled from corn in small batches at its Austin, Texas distillery, Deep Eddy Vodka relies on real flavors and natural ingredients to enhance its portfolio, which includes Ruby Red Grapefruit, Sweet Tea, Cranberry and Lemon. In January, the brand rolled out its Peach flavor, the next chapter in Deep Eddy's storied saga. When it comes to Peach, Deep Eddy Vodka instilled the same care into the development and launch process as it has with massively successful predecessors like Ruby Red Grapefruit, which spearheaded a major trend in cocktails, and Lemon, rolled out last year and already the number-two citrus vodka in the category, less than one year out of gate. The breakout hit of 2015 is continu- ing to grow around the country and is showing signs of being the number-one citrus vodka in the nation soon. Similarly, Peach is poised to take the category by storm, promising to be the feel-good hit of the summer and a perfect example of Deep Eddy's spin on classic flavors using natural ingredients. "A peach flavor has been on the roadmap for a while, but we worked for well over a year until we had a product that met our standards," says John Scarborough, President of Deep Eddy Vodka. "We set the bar higher with each flavor extension, and we will not release a product unless our team can stand proudly behind it." What's the secret formula driving Deep Eddy Vodka's success, making it the fastest growing vodka in the category? Small-batch production vodkas made with real ingredients, all crafted in the brand's Texas distillery. Bartender-Tested, Customer-Approved Bartenders around the country have taken notice and embraced Deep Eddy Vodka for its range of flavors made with real ingredients that are simple to mix into cocktails both classic and complex; the brand often receives feedback about what crowd pleasers their flavors are. The use of pure ingredients means no artificial or strange aftertaste, making it a favorite at places like Baby Blues BBQ in West Hollywood, CA, which has readily incorpo- rated Deep Eddy Peach Vodka into its repertoire, less than one month after bringing it on board. Chad Sullivan, Bar Manager of Baby Blues BBQ, located in West Hollywood, CA, and his Doctor's Orders cocktail, featuring Deep Eddy Peach Vodka. PHOTO: DUSTIN DOWNING