Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/12827
4 Orange Vodka: Florida’s Finest Ask anyone over the age of six what fruit Florida is known for, and you’ll invariably get a one word response that’s not only a fruit, but a color and a supercharged flavor as well. That’s right, we’re talking about the almighty orange. At long last, the orange is getting its moment in the spirits- world-sun thanks to 4 Orange, the only vodka on the market produced from 100% oranges—from Florida, naturally. Precisely crafted from a blend of Hamlin, Valenica, Parson Brown and Temple oranges, each bottle is produced from around 20 oranges, imbuing each sip with a natural, fresh and burstingly orange flavor that’s clean and smooth enough to be enjoyed neat, but also incredibly mixable in just about any cocktail calling for a touch of citrus. The brand is also com- mitted to sustainability and uses—what else?—orange peels as compost for next season’s harvest. IMPERIAL BRANDS INC. X Factor: Although the citrus flavor profile is nothing new to the booze biz, 4 Orange is unique in that it is made entirely from oranges in a process in which fresh citrus molasses is distilled, creating an orange spirit that is then infused with natural citrus flavors. Tres Leches: The Sweetest Success After winning a Double Gold medal at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it’s no wonder Tres Leches also had the tasting room abuzz with talk of its remarkable creamy, vanilla-toffee sweetness. Unlike other cream liqueurs currently on the market, Tres Leches is rum, rather than cream based. Made in the heartlands of Kentucky’s bourbon country, Tres Leches combines the flavors of molasses-driven Caribbean rum with the sinful sweetness of the cake after which it’s named. “It is pretty easy to connect the flavors of Tres Leches with the cake,” says Western Spirits’ Dan Lyons. “Moreover, the name Tres Leches is easily identifiable to the Latin commu- nity, who associate the cake and its flavors with indulgence and celebration.” The result? A spirit so tasty you won’t mind skipping dessert. WESTERN SPIRITS X Factor: Sip this sweetie chilled and blindfolded, and the combination of vanilla and rum beats ice cream any day. 62 / the tasting panel / july 2010