Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/14611
arrival of three new flavor sensations will only serve to fan the flames. Dutch import Ketel One Oranje (DIAGEO NORTH AMERICA) is triple-distilled in small batches, entirely from Italian mandarines and Valencia oranges from Florida and Brazil. The handcrafted spirit has a fresh, vibrant orange character with an oily-textured body and riveting set of aromatics. The palate is crisp, delectable and tastes freshly-squeezed. Like Citroen before it, Ketel One Oranje is an 80-proof franchise loaded with creative possibilities and an extremely bright future. Super-premium 4 Orange (IMPERIAL BRANDS INC.) is distilled near Lake Alfred, Florida from an artisanal blend of four varieties of citrus: Hamlin, Valencia, Temple and Parson Brown oranges. The vodka is dripping with orange aromas and succulent fruit flavor. It too is lively enough to shine when mixed (see sidebar). Another notable newcomer is Three Olives Rangtang (PROXIMO SPIRITS), a vivacious infusion of Three Olives vodka and a blend of oranges and tangerines. It’s spry, zesty and a fun addition to the backbar. —R.P. finish. Solerno marches to a different beat, and thank goodness it does. Italian Gran Gala (GEMINI SPIRITS & WINE) is also benefiting from the orange revival. The liqueur is a blend of V.S.O.P. brandy and the distilled essence of triple orange peels. It is then barrel-aged to ensure full integration. Gran Gala has a fresh citrus nose and an exuberant orange and lemon palate with warm brandy notes. The brand has secured a place on American back- bars as an outstanding and reasonably- priced modifier in top-shelf Margaritas. Produced in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, super-premium Patrón Citrónge Extra Fine Orange Liqueur (PATRÓN SPIRITS CO.) has also gener- ated widespread popularity for its role in modifying Margaritas. The liqueur’s flavor is derived from organic Jamaican orange peels and small bittersweet oranges from Haiti. Its focused citrus nose and spicy, zesty orange palate work well in cocktails; new packaging (shown) appears in September. With all due respect, triple sec has had a grand run. But time catches up to us all, and perhaps it has caught up with our pedestrian orange friend. With so much talent on the free agent market, why weaken your line-up with a timeworn cordial? Keep moving or get out of the way. throw in a jubilant product launch and some of LA’s hottest mixologists, and you’ve got a recipe for a real party. In mid-June, 4 Orange vodka injected a bit of Florida flare into the Hollywood nightlife at La Vida for the brand’s Southern California launch, and the industry’s leading sales reps, buyers and bartenders were on hand to try out the market’s first-ever vodka made from 100% oranges. Distilled from four kinds of Florida oranges that create a smooth and layered flavor, 4 Orange was put to use at a hands-on bar with fresh, orange-centric ingredients, where revelers were encouraged to get behind the stick and mix a cocktail of their own creation. We were wowed by the perfect pairing of clean mint and orange flavors in the brand’s signature cocktail, Orange Crush. —Rachel Burkons SoCal Citrus O Orange Crush 3 oz. 4 Orange vodka 1 oz. simple syrup 2 orange slices 2 lime slices 5 mint leaves 3 oz. club soda Muddle simple syrup, orange, lime and mint in a mixing glass. Add vodka and shake with ice. Pour contents into a double rocks glass, top with club soda. 4 Orange sits in front of an ice sculpture at the Los Angeles launch party. august 2010 / the tasting panel / 79 Orange Vodka – Class of 2010 V odka accounts for nearly 30% of all the distilled spirits sold in the United States, inescapable evidence of its mass popularity. The n warm Southern California summer evenings, there are few greater pleasures than sipping great cocktails under a starry sky; PHOTO: MARIA SCHRIBER