The Tasting Panel magazine

December 2014

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december 2014  /  the tasting panel  /  1 15 Do you believe in magic in a young girl's heart? Sure, it's a loaded question, but it got your attention. And as we sat on the charming patio of the Eveleigh in West Hollywood encompassed by sweet harmonies and soul stealing lyrics, every drop of our attention was given to Kiowa Bryan on her guitar as we witnessed how the music frees her as soon as it starts—even the whimsical vines and autumn leaves seemed to be listening as they swayed along in the breeze and the beat. Time stood still, and we instantly became believers. "Music is a kind of magic that you only know if you've experienced it. Time has no relativity, your self-awareness disappears and everything is euphoric," smiles Bryan, whose love for music keeps her grounded and provides an outlet to the fast-paced, busy lifestyle of being a bartender. "I'm a very lucky gal in what I do—being a bartender is the best job in the world. That being said, it's really hard work, and it does take a toll on me. Some people meditate, do yoga or go to therapy. I choose to get lost in my music. It's the glimmer of stability in a not-so-stable life" "When I'm not working, you'll find me on my keyboard or guitar, my dog Marti—short for Martinique, the home of rhum agricole—McFly at my feet, with a glass of fino Sherry or a 'Ti Punch resting on my amp, or I'm rapping along to Wu Tang or Kendrick Lamar because I have no scruples," she continues. No, uh, what? No scruples? Don't worry, we were confused too. Bryan explains, "We are a like-minded group of bartenders from around the country. Our motto is 'Have fun, make an impact.' We organize events at various cocktail weeks to raise money for charity." As if Bryan wasn't already making enough magic with her music, she plans on using her prize money to invest in an over-the-top photo shoot for this year's edition of No Scruples' Christmas cards—a gift that she promised to send us a copy of. As an All-Star Mixologist: "What don't I love about Rhum Clément? Nothing. I am extremely lucky to be able to work regularly with such a stellar collection of products. It doesn't hurt that rhum agricole is, hands down, my absolute favorite category of spirit. From the dry, grassy Canne Bleue to any of the exquisite aged expressions— there is something for everyone and the possibilities for mixing cocktails are endless." PHOTO: CAL BINGHAM Kiowa Bryan: The Magic of Music The Mah'Tina Turner ◗ 1 oz. Clément Mahina Coconut ◗ 1 oz. Clément VSOP Rhum ◗ ½ oz. cream ◗ ½ oz. Clément Canne Sirop ◗ ½ oz. lime juice ◗ ¼ oz. Montenegro Amaro PHOTO: CAL BINGHAM

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