Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/391612
1 16 / the tasting panel / october 2014 SPEED TASTING REPORT PAWS AND EFFECT: BUMMER & LAZARUS GIN For those of us who believe that dogs are natural heroes, Bummer and Lazarus prove us right beyond the tales of Lassie and Rin Tin Tin. These former strays of San Francisco's 19th century were revered for cleaning the city of its vermin. So heralded were they that, upon their deaths, 30,000 people attended Lazarus's funeral and Mark Twain, a great fan of the city, wrote Bummer's eulogy. The one-man operation that is Raff Distillerie is run by owner and Master Distiller—and fifth-generation San Franciscan—Carter Raff, who manufactured all his 200-gallon stills from scratch and built his own bottling line and pump heads. And then there's the gin: Only 850 bottles made at a time (that's one run of the still), this 100% California grape-based gin offers up a delightful pack of floral and citrus notes. The Bets Are In: "Besides its great backstory, this gin is filled with surprises: violet, fruity and just the right amount of astringency to bring it all together. The bright juniper jumps out in the Martini: very classic."—Juyoung Kang, The Linq "This craft gin has so much character: citrus and flower power. The simple whisper of vermouth doesn't hide its attributes."—Ricardo Murcia, The Bellagio CLASSIC MARTINI ♦ 2¼ oz. Bummer & Lazarus Gin ♦ ¾ oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth ♦ Twist of lemon peel ♦ Mix with one piece of ice. THE PERFECT CUT ♠ 1 oz. ABSOLUT ELYX ♠ 1 oz. Lillet Rosé ♠ 3 dashes Regan's Orange Bitters No. 6 ♠ Orange swath garnish Carter Raff is owner and Master Distiller for Bummer & Lazarus Gin. SWEDISH LUXURY: ABSOLUT ELYX Named after the Swedish word for "luxury," ELYX is indeed the sophisticated side of ABSOLUT's expressive vodka portfolio. Produced in small quantities in Sweden, this copper column still– distilled spirit is made from single-estate wheat, sourced from one farm. "Our silky textured vodka is a result of the single estate wheat, the truly handcrafted production and the increase usage of copper during the distillation process," says Kristen Schaefer, ABSOLUT ELYX Brand Ambassador. The Bets Are In: "This hand-crafted vodka is a significant advancement for the category. It pos- sesses amazing character and offers up a smooth mouthfeel with perfect balance. Its delicate balance with a wine-based aperitif like Lillet showcases the spirit's mixability, but I can also still taste the foundation of wheat in the vodka." —Cody Fredrickson, Paris Las Vegas "This vodka does have a luxurious quality with subtle notes of creamy wheat and a mineral stone-vanilla toast and licorice middle. The finish is exceptionally long. Kristen's drink lightens up the palate, taking a medium-bodied vodka into a lovely, delicate dimension with floral charm." —Meridith May, THE TASTING PANEL Kristen Schaefer is a Brand Ambassador for ABSOLUT ELYX.