Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/759555
104 / the tasting panel / december 2016 COCKTAIL COMPETITIONS BC Hoffman: Owl's Brew Owl's Brew may not be alcoholic, but it's the perfect mixer for any cocktail. Fresh-brewed and bottled in Connecticut, the handcrafted tea mixers are composed of fresh tea leaves, fruits, spice and herbs—and no added or artificial flavors. With flavors like Salted Caramel Toddy, Grapefruit Collins and Wicked Green, the possibilities for imagina- tive cocktails are endless. What the Mixologist Loves: "It's the first premium tea cocktail mixer. Each flavor is delicious! I love that it has all-natural ingredients and is easy to work with. The Wicked Green has a good earth tone with a spike of heat. The Cocolada has a beautiful tropical spin too." BC Hoffman, Bar Director, The Edison. Wish You Were Here ◗ 2 oz. Redemption Rye ◗ 1 oz. cold brew coffee ◗ 2 oz. banana half and half (1 oz. banana purée, 1 oz. half and half) ◗ ½ oz. cardamom/star anise simple syrup Shake, pour over ice and garnish with a dehydrated banana "star" with cardamom/star anise sugar. The CHC Cocktail (Covenant House California/ Chai Habanero Coconut) ◗ ¾ oz. Owl's Brew Coco-Lada ◗ ¼ oz. Owl's Brew Wicked Green ◗ ½ oz. cardamom and chai–infused El Silencio Espadín Mezcal ◗ ½ oz. coconut water ◗ ½ oz. tangerine juice ◗ Dash cocoa mole bitters ◗ Top with Champagne Pour cocktail from teapot with dry ice into a glass tea cup, finish with Champagne. Top with toasted coconut habanero foam and coconut chocolate chili dust. Florence Hartigan, Bartender, Big Bar. Florence Hartigan: Redemption Rye Federal law states that a whiskey must be at least 51% rye grain to be classified as a rye, but Redemption Rye ups the ante with a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% barley malt. It is then aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two-and-a-half years and bottled at 92 proof. What the Mixologist Loves: "Redemption Rye is unique in that even with a 95% rye content in the mash bill, it has a lovely softness which really lends itself well to cocktails that emphasize its tropical, floral qualities."