Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/142283
SPEED TASTING REPORT Vegas Via Oaxaca Vegas is nothing if not a meeting place of the world, and the spirits realm is no different. Launched four months ago, brand spankin' new Mestizo Mezcal draws its name from the people who come from both Latin and European descent, known as mestizo. "Everything we do is a convergence between the USA and Mexico," said co-owner Jessica Rosman of this female-owned company. "Mezcal is booming right now and we wanted to do things a little bit differently by aging Mestizo longer than traditional mezcals—but for a specific purpose. Mestizo Mezcal co-owner We age the mezcal Jessica Rosman. longer to retain more of the flavor of the wood and appeal to the American consumer who loves bourbon." Mestizo offers Joven (SRP $55), Reposado ($65) and Añejo (SRP $75) expressions. The Rat Pack Says "A great entry-level mezcal for those looking to explore the category." —Jeremy Merritt "The nose is comparable to a campfire with spice and mesquite. Nice texture from the chunks of peach." —Ben Grosse "Interesting nutmeg nose with hints of peach and nice integration of herbal notes." —Kevin Vogt ♠ Smokey Peach Flor ◗ 1½ oz. Mestizo Mezcal Añejo ◗ 1 oz. Cointreau ◗ 2 oz. fresh orange juice ◗ Juice of ½ lemon ◗ 1 teaspoon Dole peach syrup ◗ ½ teaspoon brown sugar ◗ ½ egg white ◗ 3 slices Dole canned peach ◗ 1 sprig fresh thyme ◗ Muddle the sliced peaches with thyme in a mixing tin and then add all other ingredients, adding mezcal last. Shake and pour into a red wine glass with fresh ice. Dust with fresh ground nutmeg. Garnish with a fresh orange wheel and a thyme sprig. The Red Rocker's Silver Slipper With all the celebrities headlining in Vegas, Sammy Hagar flexes a different kind of talent. After proving that he's just as successful as a spirits brand owner as a rock and roll star, Sammy Hagar's latest venture, Sammy's Beach Bar Rum (SRP $21.99), is poised to follow in the groundbreaking footsteps of his Cabo Wabo Tequila. Produced in Hawaii from all-natural sugarcane, Sammy's Beach bar Rum is a white spirit made in a unique pot still distillation process that gives the final product a nice crème brûlée character that's sweet and toasted. Inspired by the long-departed Silver Slipper casino, whose iconic lit stiletto is still perched around the corner from the Downtown Cocktail Room, Stephen Kauffman, President of Sammy's Beach Bar Rum presented our panel with Stephen Kauffman is President his Silver Slipper of Sammy's Beach Bar Rum. cocktail, a take on a classic Hemingway. "It's all about the Red Rocker and the Silver Slipper," jokes Kauffman. The Rat Pack Says "Perfect summertime on a beach in the Caribbean; floral, soft with hints of vanilla and coconut." —Ben Grosse "Very well balanced with good mouthfeel. The St-Germain works really well with the grapefruit for a refreshing and bright balance." —Tony Gardner "Floral and herbaceous throughout and finishes very clean with nice acidity and a touch of tannin." —Max A. Solano ♣ Sammy's Silver Slipper ◗ 1 ½ oz. Sammy's Beach Bar Rum ◗ ½ oz. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur ◗ 1 oz. fresh ruby red grapefruit ◗ ½ oz. fresh lime juice ◗ ½ oz. Torani Vanilla Syrup ◗ Add ingredients into a glass and shake. Strain into a Martini glass and garnish with an edible orchid. 128 / the tasting panel / july 2013 TP0713_100-148.indd 128 6/24/13 6:04 PM