Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/674905
98 / the tasting panel /may 2016 CATEGORY REPORT Los Angeles Locals GREENBAR DISTILLERY CELEBRATES THE LOCAL TERROIR IN THEIR SPIRITS Wineries have always stressed the importance of terroir in their wines, and how the land that nurtures the vines is integral to the heart and soul of the wine. Greenbar Distillery—located in Downtown Los Angeles—is proving that it's not just wineries that can embrace local terroir. Melkon Khosrovian and Litty Mathew, husband and wife and owners of Greenbar, focus on "hyperlocalism," using the City of Angels to influence the flavors of their spirits and liqueurs. "We try to capture both the ingredients and the idea of Los Angeles in our spirits," Khosrovian enthuses. A prime example is Greenbar's Grand Poppy (SRP $29). A California version of a classic European amaro, the liqueur features both native ingredients, like California poppies and Bay leaves, as well as transplants that thrive throughout the region, such as grapefruit, pink peppercorn, geranium and Manzanita bear- berries. Mathew explains, "Just like the European liqueurs capture the flavors of the Alps, our liqueur captures the flavors of the California coast and highlands." Litty Mathew and Khosrovian of Greenbar Distillery in Downtown Los Angeles. PHOTO COURTESY OF GREENBAR DISTILLERY