Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/735312
94 / the tasting panel / october 2016 Fall funnovation! As the leaves begin to change colors, you can't turn around without bumping into a pumpkin spice- flavored everything, but we know there's more to the season than nutmeg-flavored lattes and dessert-like candles perfuming the air. In honor of the spirits that are pushing the flavored envelope, we've selected a few of our favorite flavors for fall —pumpkin spice need not apply! flavored spirits are autumnal and innovative With 22 flavors to play with, Van Gogh Vodka (SRP $24.99) is poised to meet any palate, whether you're in the mood for sweet (hello, Dutch Caramel!), exotic (Açai Blueberry) or downright indulgent (Rich Dark Chocolate does the trick there). But two flavors in this premium Dutch-produced portfolio truly stand up to the innova- tive challenge: Van Gogh Double Espresso and Van Gogh Cool Peach. While peaches are no newcomer to the flavored game, the mastermind behind Van Gogh Vodka, third-generation Master Distiller Tim Vos, brings a twist to the classic sweet summer flavor by adding a kiss of bright mint flavor, which cuts through some of that notoriously sweet peach flavor with a little herbal brightness. The perfect base for fresh and fruit-forward cocktails, we're partial to the simple and sweet Peachy Palmer, a spirited take on the classic iced tea-lemonade combo that's lets the sweet, juicy peach flavor shine—well into autumn! Another Van Gogh innovator is the Double Espresso, which proves that when it comes to getting that coffee flavor you love, more is more. While espresso-flavored spirits abound, Van Gogh Double Espresso doubles down on that pure-coffee bean flavor, offering creamy, rich espresso notes. With abundant Colombian coffee bean notes followed by a touch of sweetness, one sip of this vodka and you'll have no qualms about skipping your afternoon Starbucks run. Even better? We love the lingering coffee-like bitterness on the finish, giving this vodka some amaro-like tendencies that beg for after-dinner drinks. —Izzy Watson A Palee For Your Palate Van Gogh Vodka Paints with Many Flavors Double Espresso Martini ◗ 1 oz. Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka ◗ 1 oz. coffee liqueur ◗ 1 oz. Irish cream SIGNATURE VAN GOGH COOL PEACH COCKTAILS THE BOND GIRL 2 OZ. VAN GOGH COOL PEACH VODKA ¾ OZ. DRY VERMOUTH 3 DASHES ORANGE BITTERS Shake ingredients very well with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange peel. MINTY PEACH MULE 1½ OZ. VAN GOGH COOL PEACH VODKA 3 OZ. GINGER BEER 1½ OZ. LEMONADE 8 MINT LEAVES Slap the mi Slap the mint leaves in between palms to express the flavor, then add to cocktail shaker. Shake remaining ingredients, except ginger beer, with ice and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass (or copper mule mug). Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wheel. PEACHY PALMER 2 OZ. VAN GOGH COOL PEACH VODKA 2 OZ. ICED TEA (SWEETENED OR UNSWEETENED) 2 OZ. LEMONADE Add all ingredients to a tall glass with ice and stir briefly. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of lavender. SIGNATURE VAN GOGH DOUBLE ESPRESSO COCKTAILS 1½ OZ. VAN GOGH DOUBLE ESPRESSO VODKA 1 OZ. CRANBERRY JUICE COCKTAIL 1 TSP. MAPLE SYRUP THE BOBSLED Shake ingredients very well with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange slice. 2 OZ. VAN GOGH DOUBLE ESPRESSO VODKA 1 OZ. RUM CREAM LIQUEUR 3 OZ. COFFEE, WELL CHILLED SPIKED ICED COFFEE Combine all ingredients in a tall glass over ice and stir. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon. 1 OZ. VAN GOGH DOUBLE ESPRESSO VODKA 1 OZ. COFFEE LIQUEUR 1 OZ. IRISH CREAM DOUBLE ESPRESSO MARTINI Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three floating coffee beans. Peachy Palmer ◗ 2 oz. Van Gogh Cool Peach Vodka ◗ 2 oz. iced tea ◗ 2 oz. lemonade