Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/12827
Jörgen Tilander, owner of the Cherry Heering liqueur brand. He also owns Xanté, one of the top selling liqueurs in Scandinavia, which has recently been made available in the U.S. W ith a rich heritage in the cocktail world, Cherry Heering, an iconic spirit that dates back to 1818, has more recently also inspired the creative minds of the fashion industry. Fashion and mixology combined one spring afternoon to set the stage for a fête for the senses when I was invited to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to taste vintage bottles of Cherry Heering from 1890 and 1950 alongside present- day product—all in conjunction with the simultaneous debut of three new dresses from designer Lars Wallin. Cherry Heering, a delicious cherry brandy that was once a staple bottle behind every great bar, has once again returned to play its rightful role in such classics as the Singapore Sling and the Blood & Sand. In addition to properly creating these gems, today’s bartenders are utilizing Cherry Heering in creative new concoctions like those entered in last year’s Heering Accessorize Drinks and Designing competition, an event that aroused fashion designers to turn out cocktail-inspired garments and enticed mixologists to create cocktails based on Wallin’s latest designs. Nestled in the romantic and ornate Campbell Apartment located inside NYC’s Grand Central Terminal, I was lucky enough to spend the afternoon enjoying strikingly beautiful models showcasing Wallin’s wonderful designs, while imbibing delicious Singapore Slings in the company of Cherry Heering’s owner Jörgen Tilander and CEO Adéle Nilsson. Models and cocktails aside, the day’s main attraction was the tasting of the vintage 1950 and 1890 bottlings of Cherry Heering, which is still produced in the same manner it was a century ago, when it reigned as one of the world’s first global brands. I was very impressed with the 1950; the fruit held up amazingly well, with the fresh dark cherry notes giving way to a more stewed or brandied cherry taste. It was rich and full in the mouth, but fell off a bit on the finish; still a wonderful liqueur 60 years later. I may never order, even if given the opportunity, a glass of 120 year old cherry brandy, but it’s nice to know that there is one out there, however scarce, that is still a pleasure to drink. Cheers to Cherry Heering! Cherry Heering is imported by Kindred Spirits. Bartender Jake Zelic pours Singapore Slings at the party, held at the ornate Campbell Apartment located inside NYC’s Grand Central Terminal. “The 1890 was the star of the show,” explains Tony Abou-Ganim. “The complexity of the liqueur showed vintage port–like char- acteristics of bittersweet chocolate, stewed cherries, candied orange peel, brandy and cigar tobacco. The finish held up and went on and on. It was full in the mouth, well rounded, complex, refined and impactful.” july 2010 / the tasting panel / 49