Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/391612
october 2014 / the tasting panel / 1 17 A HERO'S TRIBUTE: DON Q GRAN AÑEJO RUM Since 1865, six generations of the Serrallés family have created fine rums, and today, sixth-generation family member and environmental scientist Roberto Serrallés is the man behind Don Q. Don Q Gran Añejo is a blend of 6- to 12-year-old rum aged in American white oak barrels and Solera rums aged up to 20 years in Sherry casks, creating a balance between sweet and dry. It is smooth, elegant, well-structured and has all the nuances of a fine bourbon or Scotch. The Puerto Rico-based rum was a knockout in The Novel Experience, named in homage to Don Quixote, the inspiration behind the brand's name. The Bets Are In: "The rum itself is high-end, Cognac-like: notes of antique wood, cherries, rich chocolate, toffee and orange peel. The drink is appealing to eye and palate. It is not a shy drink—but neither is the rum."—Mariena Mercer, The Cosmopolitan "The aromas and flavors of the rum are luxurious and the stylized ingredients bring a balanced, herbal component that makes the drink delicious but also beach- ready." —Ricardo Murcia, The Bellagio and Raul Faria, Gordon Ramsey Pub THE NOVEL EXPERIENCE ♣ 1½ oz. Don Q Gran Añejo ♣ ½ oz. Menta Fernet Vittone ♣ ½ oz. xtabentún (Mexican anise liqueur) ♣ ¾ oz. fresh lime juice ♣ Red apple, fresh mint, paper straw and paper umbrella garnish INSTANT KARMA! ♥ 1½ oz. Karma Tequila Reposado ♥ ½ oz. Del Maguey Mezcal VIDA ♥ 1½ oz. fresh-squeezed and strained lemon juice ♥ ¾ oz. Karma Organic Agave Nectar, infused with sage and grapefruit ♥ 3 dashes grapefruit bitters ♥ Sage leaf and grapefruit peel garnish Southern Wine & Spirits Master Mixologist and Spirits Educator J. R. Starkus created The Novel Experience cocktail, a nod to Don Quixote, the inspiration behind the name of Don Q rum. THE DO-GOOD TEQUILA: KARMA TEQUILA Karma Tequila co-founder and President Gary Eisenberger says it succinctly: "We want to do something great for organizations that assist chil- dren with education and health needs" he says, referring to why they named the brand Karma. Giving back to charity is a must-do for Gary and his team, but they also happen to produce an outstanding spirit. "It took three years to formu- late the final product, made from Highland agave, with trimmed heads and tails, proprietary yeast and a blend of double and triple-distilled tequila from a copper/stainless -steel pot still." The resulting liquid from the 11¾ months aged Karma Reposado aged in American oak bourbon barrels, which we tasted at the event, is clean and round, with notes of cedar and clay, brown sugared agave and oatmeal. The Bets Are In: "The oak and agave perform a nice duet. I get some chocolate and clay-anisette notes off the tequila. The drink brings in the complexity of a smoky layer and a citrus wake-up; the grapefruit jumps out with the sage. This hits all the right spots. " —Tim Weigel, Hakkasan "Karma Reposado is a very well balanced tequila with forward fresh agave notes. I like the cooked piña quality and the slight smoke. I love it!! Max's drink was refreshing with a perfect amount of spice coming out of the tequila."—Josh Monisavis, NOBU Hard Rock Instant Karma! is the drink from Las Vegas mixologist Max Solano.