Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/661678
128 / the tasting panel / april 2016 Rye-d and True: REDEMPTION RYE Among Friends: CASAMIGOS AÑEJO TEQUILA Lyndsi Hastings, bartender at Culinary Dropout in Scottsdale. Breton Hodges, bartender at Ten Handcrafted American Fare & Spirits in Phoenix. Nose over Tail ◗ 1½ oz. brown butter-infused Redemption Rye ◗ ½ oz. lemon ◗ ½ oz. cinnamon simple syrup ◗ ½ oz. apple cider ◗ ¾ oz. Earl Grey reduction DEUTSCH FAMILY WINE & SPIRITS Dynamite ◗ 2½ oz. Casamigos Añejo Tequila ◗ 1½ oz. sweet vermouth ◗ 6 dashes chocolate bitters GERBER SPIRITS After Prohibition ended, rye whiskey lost its spot as the number-one seller in the whiskery category. To redeem this title, Redemption Rye utilizes a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% barley malt. It ages for a minimum of two-and-a-half years in new charred oak barrels. Coming in at 92 proof, it has the strength and flavor profile to pay homage to the classic American rye cocktails. TASTING NOTES: "The cocktail seems to be an expanded palate of the notes within the rye itself—citrus, spices, light, floral and refreshing." —Wednesday Novak "Adult apple cider—the cocktail carries the rye whiskey spice very well. The spirit is spicy and tangy while still being light on the tongue." —Richie Moe "I prefer to drink this straight," notes Breton Hodges, bartender at Ten Handcrafted American Fare & Spirits in Phoenix. Made in small batches from 100% blue Weber agaves, grown in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, Casamigos Tequila follows traditional methods by roasting the piñas in brick ovens for 72 hours and slowing down the fermentation process to 70 hours. The Añejo matures for 14 months in American white oak barrels. And while the spirit speaks for itself, it doesn't hurt to have names like George Clooney and Rande Gerber attached to it. TASTING NOTES: "Cocktail was a Manhattan-style with a lot of choco- late notes. The tequila was an airy mouthfeel, with oak vanilla, honey and agave notes." —Ross Simon "The tequila is the perfect bridge between the chocolate bitters and vermouth. This Añejo is grassy with a touch of oak and very agave nectar forward. I really like this product—and not just because George Clooney has anything to do with it."—Tiffany Eldredge