Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/44136
I 've always been an admirer of the liquid innova- tions from distiller Jean-Marc Daucourt. His perfume bottled XO Vodka is fragranced with grapes; X-Rated Liqueur is as mixable as it is pretty to look at, and now, lavished with a bounty of exotic fruit, is OR-G, his latest creation. A combination of premium French vodka nurtured with natural persimmon, papaya, lime and mango, OR-G balances sweetness and acidity, all while maintain- ing a playful side. Its hue is bright and vibrant that makes it highly visible on the back bar. OR-G is also naturally mixable with other spirits and sparkling wines. "It's a December harvest from the Mediterranean," Daucourt points out, speaking of the bare-leaved trees that sprout end-of-the-year fruit in the region. Daucourt's grandfather was a lover of wine and food, and he would organize Sunday lunches Reveling with OR-G OR-G was developed by award-winning spirits creator Jean-Marc Daucourt. twice a month for a group of about 20 people. "We would sit for five hours eating, talking and enjoying Champagne, spirits and wine," Daucourt recalls. "This was my first and most important education. I learned the pleasure of entertaining." That experience would soon translate to Daucourt's future endeavor. In 1997, he and his younger brother Edward bought a distillery in Southwest France, near Cognac, and with the help of a retired Master Distiller, explored some new options for spirits production. Applying grapes from the Cognac region would seem almost second nature for his first venture, XO Vodka. With his second project, X-Rated, a fla- vorful sipper made from blood oranges, Daucort honed his flavor-stability skills before inspiration struck yet again. After eight years of perfecting the formula and flavor, OR-G took shape in a decidedly dynamic way. The tangy persimmon, also known as the kaki fruit, is a favorite of Daucourt's. Infusing mango, papaya and lime lends some acidity (to the tannic persimmon). Tropical fruits spruce up the palate and the end result for OR-G is an elegant designer liqueur. ─Meridith May "We're excited to partner with Jean- Marc Daucourt on the development and launch of the OR-G brand. As a pioneering and highly imaginative spirits industry veteran, Jean-Marc has brought an incredible degree of creativity and vision to the table," says Marc D. Taub, president of Palm Bay International. "Our national spirits sales organization is energized about the opportunity to bring this exotic and unprecedented blend to market, and we anticipate OR-G will enjoy great success in the club, party and nightlife realm." The Art Nouveau design on the OR-G bottle depicts sliced persimmons and limes. This glossy new technology silk-screened effect contains no lead. The brand is marketed by Palm Bay International. WATCH FOR THE OR-G: ■ Initial focus markets will include Las Vegas, South Beach and NYC, followed by a national roll-out. ■ OR-G will be actively involved in the hot- test pool/day parties that have become extremely popular in select markets, like the Rehab pool party at the Hard Rock Las Vegas. ■ A team of local OR-G angels will be selected to activate all brand promotions, focusing on poolside opportunities such as VIP areas and cabanas, as well as other on-premise sampling opportunities. october 201 1 / the tasting panel / 59