Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/723381
DEPARTMENT HEADER september 2016 / the tasting panel / 99 From gin crafted by an award-win- ning Master Sommelier to a legendary Prohibition era–style rum, the spirits represented at our July Chicago Speed Tasting represented some of the best. "We're so excited to have all these craft spirits represented in our portfo- lio," says Michael A. Evans, CSS, Trade Events Manager, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Illinois. Panelists from some of the city's top bars and restaurants came together to imbibe in style and celebrate the storied spirits on the market today, created by artisans and explorers alike. CHICAGO'S TOP - SHELF TALENTS ARE BLOWN AWAY AT OUR CRAFT SPIRITS SPEED TASTING AT THE SOUTHERN GLAZER'S WINE & SPIRITS OF ILLINOIS HOSPITALITY CENTER by Becky Tsadik / photos by Rebecca Peplinski Michael A. Evans, CSS, Trade Events Manager, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Illinois. Musa ◗ 1½ oz. Hangar 1 Straight Vodka ◗ Barspoon Nonino ◗ Barspoon Giffard Banane de Brésil ◗ 4 drops salt water Stir and serve in a rocks glass with ice and a lemon twist. Caley Shoemaker, Head Distiller of Hangar 1 Vodka, spends her time crafting the spirit and admitted both nervousness and excitement at stepping behind the bar to create the spirit-forward Musa. FLYING HIGH WITH HANGAR 1 VODKA Head Distiller Caley Shoemaker oversees the sourcing and entire production process of crafting Hangar 1 Vodka, made from California grapes and grain. Relationships with specialist growers are key to sourcing the best fruit at peak ripeness and fruit is distilled in an old World War II aircraft han- gar. As a former whiskey maker, Shoemaker prizes flavor and consistency above all else, values that shine through in her approach to crafting Hangar 1 Straight Vodka, and extend to her cocktail, thanks to ingredients that were not overpowering. Tasting Notes: "This is one of the most elegant, smoothest vodkas I have had. The notes of wine grapes add a fruity citrus note." —Jon McDaniel "You immediately get the grape and berry notes; combine the fruity notes with the Midwest wheat, and this vodka is balanced perfectly! The cocktail is delicious, smooth and not too sweet." —Jon Kahn PROXIMO SPIRITS