Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/711402
DEPARTMENT HEADER Awesome Aussie: Vickers London Dry Gin ($24.99) Vickers Gin originated in London in 1824 by broth- ers John and Joseph Vickers. It was first exported to Australia in the early 1930s, but the brand grew in popularity so quickly that by the start of World War II it was being produced under license Down Under. Vickers is produced in the traditional London dry style on a foundation of neutral grain spirits. Its pro- prietary blend of botanicals includes juniper berries, angelica root, caraway oil, coriander and oil of bitter almond, while the gin's limestone-filtered, spring water is sourced from a glacier-fed underground aquifer. The spirits and botanicals are distilled in a column still with quality assurance maintained under the watchful eye of Master Distiller Graham Buller. This Aussie import provides a sensational drinking experience. It has a lightweight, silky textured body and an enticing juniper and citrus bouquet. It's amazing how rich and diverse the palate is considering it's made with only five botanicals. The fade is long and flavorful. "Our signature drink is a variation on the classic Gin and Tonic called the Thyme Traveller Gin & Tonic," says Chris Illman, brand owner and President of importer VOK Beverages USA, Inc. "It's a marvelous drink, especially when prepared with a premium tonic water like Bickford and Sons, which contains natural cinchona extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree. The inspired addition of fresh thyme and cracked black pepper creates a modern taste twist on an enduring classic." CATEGORY REPORT 96 / the tasting panel / august 2016 drink, premium Sons, extracted tree. and Thyme Traveller Gin and Tonic ◗ 1¼ oz. Vickers Gin ◗ Top with Bickford and Sons Blend No. 2 Tonic Water Pour gin into an iced rocks or highball glass and fill with Bickford's tonic water. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon, a sprig of thyme and cracked black pepper. VOK BEVERAGES USA Pure Perfection: Avión Silver Tequila 100% Puro de Agave ($44.99) The nuances between hundreds of available ultra- premium tequilas are the result of many decisions made during creation impact. If you want to create a world- class tequila, you better pay close attention to the details. Such was clearly the case with award-winning Avión Silver 100% Puro de Agave. It is crafted in the small town of Jesús María, situated at 7,000 feet above sea level, the highest altitude of any distillery in Jalisco. At the Lopez family distillery, Avion has its own production area and specific unique process, and the Avión specific agaves are slow roasted at low temperatures and crushed to extract the juice. The fermented juice is then double distilled in small pot stills. Only an extremely narrow cut of the distillate run is used, which means that it takes up to 30% more agave to make a bottle of Avión. Prior to bottling at 40% alcohol (80 proof) the tequila is subjected to rigorous filtration. Avión Silver is a thing of beauty, a genuine Highland gem. It has a clear, shimmery appearance and a generous bouquet of herbaceous roasted agave, cinnamon, black pepper and fresh citrus aromas. The fresh fruit carries through to the palate where the citrus flavors linger well into its extended fade. Concocting fresh tasting cocktails is nearly effortless when you're making the drink with Avión Silver. Perfect for summer promotion, the Sandia Fresca cocktail features fresh Thai basil, watermelon juice, organic agave nectar and lime juice. PERNOD RICARD USA Sandia Fresca ◗ 2 oz. Avión Silver Tequila ◗ 3–4 fresh Thai basil leaves ◗ 1 oz. fresh watermelon juice ◗ ½ oz. organic agave nectar ◗ ¾ oz. fresh lime juice Pour all ingredients into an iced mixing glass. Shake contents vigorously and finely strain into chilled cocktail glass with ice and a spiced rim. Spice mix is made with one part kosher salt, one part superfine sugar and half part cayenne pepper.